MICHIGAN: Proposed changes to Michigan’s utility rate structure would create one of the widest divides between residential and industrial rates in the U.S. (Midwest Energy News)

CLEAN POWER PLAN: The Energy Information Administration projects a massive wave of coal retirements under the Clean Power Plan. (EnergyWire)

***SPONSORED LINK: Learn about the latest in renewable energy and sustainability in Central Wisconsin at The Energy Fair, June 19-21. Features include keynote speaker John Wellinghoff, workshops, exhibitors, entertainment, and more.***

MINNESOTA: Gov. Mark Dayton vetoes a jobs bill containing several energy provisions. (Associated Press, Minneapolis Star Tribune)

PIPELINES:
• Cleanup of a 2013 North Dakota pipeline spill will take at least two more years. (Associated Press)
• An upcoming regulatory hearing will determine the fate of a proposed oil pipeline through Minnesota. (Minnesota Watchdog)
• Landowners along a proposed pipeline route have joined together to seek “the best easement that’s ever been written in North Dakota to protect the landowner.” (Forum News Service)

OIL AND GAS:
• The oil industry launches a campaign against possible tax increases in Ohio. (Columbus Dispatch)
• Some Kansas counties may have to increase property taxes as gas revenues fall. (Associated Press)

SOLAR:
• Minnesota’s legislative auditor will investigate $7 million in development loans for a solar manufacturer. (MinnPost)
• A consultant’s report finds ample space at Milwaukee’s airport for a proposed solar farm. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
• A Michigan engineer develops a website to help guide residents’ decisions on solar power. (Houghton Daily Mining Gazette)
• A Minnesota town considers changes to its zoning code to allow commercial solar farms. (Northfield News)

WIND: A Berkshire Hathaway subsidiary buys more wind farms. (Lincoln Journal Star)

***SPONSORED LINK: The Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association presents its annual Michigan Renewable Energy Fair June 26-27. Features include an electric vehicle showcase, workshops, renewable energy demonstrations, kids’ activities, and much more! ***

COAL: BNSF Railway settles a 10-year-old dispute with utilities over rates for shipping coal. (Lincoln Journal Star)

COMMENTARY:
• The economics of an Ohio wind farm show the need for stronger clean energy policy. (Crain’s Cleveland Business)
Questions remain unanswered about a proposed Illinois coal mine. (Champaign-Urbana News-Gazette)
• Why Ohio’s energy law “freeze” is bad for business. (Cleveland Plain Dealer)

Ken is the director of the Energy News Network at Fresh Energy and is a founding editor of both Midwest Energy News and Southeast Energy News. Prior to joining Fresh Energy, he was the managing editor for online news at Minnesota Public Radio. He started his journalism career in 2002 as a copy editor for the Duluth News Tribune before spending five years at the Spokesman-Review in Spokane, Washington, where he worked as a copy editor, online producer, features editor and night city editor. A Nebraska native, Ken has a bachelor's degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and a master's degree from the University of Oregon. He is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists and Investigative Reporters and Editors.

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.