SOLAR: Minnesota becomes the first state in the U.S. with a “value of solar” tariff, aiming to end the long-running dispute over what utilities should pay solar customers for energy they provide to the grid. (Midwest Energy News)
GRID: A federal report warns sabotage of nine key substations could cause a nationwide power outage, and a drill conducted by a reliability group finds few utilities have adequately planned for major disruptions. (Wall Street Journal, New York Times)
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COAL: We Energies has been quietly buying up homes in an area near its Oak Creek coal plant, where coal ash is a suspected source of nearby groundwater contamination. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
ALSO: A review finds 18 coal plants in Ohio are operating with expired state permits, Murray Energy’s CEO is skeptical about the potential of the Illinois Basin, and another utility resorts to hauling coal by truck because of heavy rail traffic. (Associated Press, Platts, LaCrosse Tribune)
CLIMATE: House Republicans say EPA efforts to limit carbon emissions may conflict with a 2005 energy law. (National Journal)
FRACKING:
• A Wyoming court reverses an earlier ruling exempting fracking fluid ingredients from public disclosure. (Casper Star-Tribune)
• Stakes are high as Ohio officials continue to investigate a string of earthquakes near a drilling site. (Columbus Dispatch)
• Time Magazine takes a closer look at the links between fracking and earthquakes.
• Ohio’s House speaker still has reservations about a proposed drilling tax increase. (Columbus Dispatch)
OIL: Senators from North Dakota and Wyoming introduce a bill aimed at reducing flaring, and more than 40 changes to North Dakota’s oil regulations take effect in April. (Fargo Forum)
EFFICIENCY: Why Indiana lawmakers want to kill the state’s efficiency law, and LED bulb prices continue to drop. (EnergyWire, Greentech Media)
AGGREGATION: Cincinnati residents will be able to opt out of the city’s 100 percent renewable energy contract. (Cincinnati Business Courier)
HYDRO: A massive new dam proposed by Manitoba Hydro may not be a sure thing, despite claims that new deals with a Wisconsin utility would trigger its construction. (Winnipeg Free Press)
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GREEN ECONOMY: A new report ranks Iowa the top state in the Midwest for renewable energy job growth. (Des Moines Register)
COMMENTARY: How Michigan can triple its share of renewable energy without increasing costs. (The Equation)