NUCLEAR: Cheap natural gas is upending the economics of nuclear power. So why is the industry attacking renewable energy instead? (Midwest Energy News)
WIND: Despite extensive existing research, Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker proposes $250,000 for the state to study “wind energy system-related health issues.” (Huffington Post)
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COAL: FutureGen’s demise spells trouble for carbon capture development, and a Minnesota co-op’s coal drying technology is expected to become more widespread. (Bloomberg, Bismarck Tribune)
SOLAR: A Minnesota community solar project will benefit some of St. Paul’s poorest residents, an Indiana study finds farmers are more likely to save money with solar than homeowners, and Indiana regulators approve a utility’s plan for 16 MW of solar projects. (Midwest Energy News, Rushville Republican, Associated Press)
OIL: The clock is ticking on a $5 billion tax break for North Dakota oil producers, a North Dakota lawmaker seeks to reform energy oversight, and a state research facility experiments with using CO2 for enhanced oil recovery. (Reuters, Associated Press, Bismarck Tribune)
ETHANOL: A Michigan researcher says ethanol studies overestimate climate benefits, and crews continue to clean up an ethanol train derailment in Iowa. (news release, Cedar Rapids Gazette)
CLIMATE: While Minnesota is succeeding in reducing carbon emissions, experts say the state hasn’t gone far enough, and climate deniers continue to target classrooms. (Minnesota Public Radio, Bloomberg)
CARS: GM will build its electric Bolt model in Michigan, Americans remain reluctant to embrace fuel-efficient diesels, and Illinois lawmakers consider a gasoline tax increase. (Electric Vehicle News, New York Times, Carbondale Southern Illinoisan)
HYDRO: Federal regulators reject a plan for a hydropower plant on the Mississippi River near downtown Minneapolis. (Minneapolis Star Tribune)
EFFICIENCY: Another Michigan city speaks out against a utility’s plan to cut incentives for LED streetlights. (MLive)
TECHNOLOGY: A Chicago company is testing a new technology to capture wasted energy from automobile traffic. (Fox News)
COMMENTARY: Comparing the “war on coal” with the war on solar. (IEEFA.org)