FRACKING: While a recent federal study singles out Ohio for limited information requirements in permitting for fracking wastewater disposal, advocates in the state say the problems go even further than that. (Midwest Energy News)
ALSO: A drilling company says it will fully disclose all chemicals used in fracking operations, Ohio will pursue standardized rules for well pad construction, and only 20 percent of frac sand mining sites have been inspected for air quality compliance. (Associated Press, Columbus Business First, Wisconsin Public Radio)
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GRID: A new report finds operating scenarios for many power plants do not account for the type of extreme cold experienced across much of the U.S. last winter. (EnergyWire)
CARBON CAPTURE: The world’s first commercial-scale coal plant with carbon capture goes online in Saskatchewan. (The Guardian)
WIND:
• The Associated Press says states like Oklahoma are reconsidering policies favorable to wind energy because of “frequent complaints” and growing political clout.
• The New Republic, meanwhile, says that in Kansas, it’s pressure from Koch Industries that is causing the turnabout.
• A Michigan township is re-examining its zoning ordinance amid plans for a DTE Energy wind farm. (Huron County View)
• Work begins on an Illinois wind farm that will supply energy to Microsoft. (Chicago Tribune)
UTILITIES: Ameren Missouri says it will add 10 MW of new solar power by 2016, and will replace two retiring coal plants with gas and renewable energy. (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)
POLITICS: Six Ohio lawmakers were among those signing on to a letter defending ALEC after Google departed the group over its climate change politics. (Cleveland Plain Dealer)
OIL: Emergency responders conduct emergency drills to prepare for an oil spill in the Mississippi River, and Alberta’s new premier aims to remake the public image of the tar sands. (La Crosse Tribune, Bloomberg)
COAL: A North Dakota coal conference will discuss ways to turn carbon emissions into a revenue source, and an Ohio company unveils a new coal car unloader that is expected to improve worker safety at a Minnesota power plant. (Bismarck Tribune, West Central Tribune)
EFFICIENCY: Customers of an Illinois utility will be eligible for a bill credit for reducting power use during times of peak demand, and Michigan recognizes 7 General Motors plants for their environmental efforts. (Chicago Tribune, MLive)
TRANSMISSION: Wisconsin regulators say the need for a proposed transmission line will be “a subject of scrutiny” in upcoming hearings. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
SOLAR: A solar manufacturer sorts through more than 2,000 applicants for jobs at its new Michigan plant. (MLive)
COMMENTARY: Wisconsin can lead again on clean energy, and do electric co-ops follow the same operating principles as other cooperatives? (Marshfield News-Herald, Institute for Local Self-Reliance)