PETCOKE: Advocates say Chicago officials are “being played” by a Koch subsidiary after it offers vague plans for an enclosed petcoke facility on an extended timeline. (Midwest Energy News)

SOLAR: Rural co-ops’ net metering policies vary widely and often do little to encourage adoption of more solar power, and the U.S. imposes tariffs on Chinese panels. (Midwest Energy News, New York Times)

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OHIO: At a Cleveland panel discussion on Ohio’s energy future, a solar installer calls a recent “freeze” of the state’s energy laws “an effort to throw sand in the gears of time.” (Cleveland Plain Dealer)

TRANSPORTATION: Local officials and the public have little information about the safety of tracks carrying crude oil and other volatile materials. (La Crosse Tribune)

EPA: If coal companies win a challenge to EPA mercury rules, it could undermine their case against the Clean Power Plan. (Greenwire)

ALSO: Michigan officials say carbon regulations would put the state at an economic disadvantage. (Battle Creek Enquirer)

OIL: North Dakota could lose billions in tax revenue if oil prices remain low, developers withdraw a plan for a Bakken pipeline after failing to secure enough shipping deals, and South Dakota officials say they’re unprepared for an oil disaster. (Grand Forks Herald, Houston Chronicle, Rapid City Journal)

FRAC SAND: Wisconsin officials are allowing more frac sand mines to proceed despite acknowledging that now-withdrawn environmental protection rules were inadequate. (Wisconsin State Journal)

NATURAL GAS: About 25 Ohio families have been evacuated from their homes for three days because of an out-of-control leak at a natural gas well. (Columbus Dispatch)

COAL: American Electric Power today will argue the legality of its proposal to require Ohio ratepayers to guarantee income for its power plants. (Columbus Business First)

EFFICIENCY: Indiana lawmakers work on proposals to replace a state efficiency plan repealed earlier this year, and a Michigan utility offers efficiency upgrades for nonprofits. (Indiana Public Media, MLive)

WIND: A 111 MW wind farm is completed in Michigan, a Kansas utility moves forward with wind plans despite questions about the future of the state’s renewable energy standard, and local officials are expected to make a decision on an Illinois wind farm early next year. (MLive, Associated Press, Bloomington Pantagraph)

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COAL ASH: A look ahead at the EPA’s decision on coal ash regulation, which is expected Friday. (Forbes)

COMMENTARY: What journalists are getting wrong about that electric vehicle study. (Green Car Reports)