CLEANTECH: While the cleantech industry is still largely concentrated on the coasts, a new report shows Illinois is emerging as a national leader. (Midwest Energy News)

UTILITIES: Minnesota embarks on a unique initiative to reform utility business models. (Greentech Media)

***SPONSORED LINK: Midwest Energy Policy Conference 2014 — Get the early-bird discount now for the Midwest Energy Policy Conference on Sep. 30-Oct. 1 in St. Louis!***

EPA: A Missouri representative’s bill aims to change the cost-benefit calculation for EPA carbon regulations, and coal industry workers are bused to a carbon-rule hearing in Pittsburgh. (The Hill, Associated Press)

TRANSMISSION: Xcel Energy creates two new subsidiaries to pursue interstate transmission projects. (Minneapolis Star Tribune)

COAL: Wisconsin legislators want federal regulators to investigate the possibility of a coal shortage in the state due to rail congestion. (Wheeler News Service)

NUCLEAR: Exelon tells investors it expects to be compensated for its nuclear fleet’s contributions to meeting EPA carbon targets. (Chicago Tribune)

SOLAR: Industry reaction is mixed as an Arizona utility announces plans to install 20 MW of residential rooftop solar. (Greentech Media)

ALSO: A Nebraska farmer powers his irrigation system with solar panels, and has energy to spare; and work is expected to begin soon on a Kansas community solar project (background here). (Omaha World-Herald, Hays Post)

OIL: Ernest Moniz will tour North Dakota next week, a series of open houses are planned to discuss a proposed Iowa pipeline project, and a leaking storage tank spills oil and brine into a North Dakota field. (Forum News Service, Sioux City Journal, Bismarck Tribune)

EFFICIENCY: An Ohio order of nuns builds a staw-bale house to encourage energy efficiency and sustainable building. (Catholic News Service)

BIOFUELS: The EPA once again pushes back a compliance deadline for the renewable fuel standard. (The Hill)

FRAC SAND: Minnesota officials shut down a frac sand mine, saying it lacks the proper state permit to operate. (Minnesota Public Radio)

COMMENTARY: Why EPA carbon rules will be good for business. (Madison Capital Times)

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Ken Paulman

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.

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