OIL: The cost of cleaning up the 2010 Kalamazoo River pipeline spill in Michigan has passed $1 billion, according to a document filed with Minnesota regulators. (DeSmog Canada)
WIND: A group of farmers hopes to become the first local owner-producers in Nebraska to generate electricity with wind turbines on their land. (Midwest Energy News)
***SPONSORED LINK: Mix and Mingle with leading decision makers in Renewable Energy at RETECH 2013! Come celebrate RETECH’s 5th Anniversary, September 9-11 with more than a thousand of its closest friends while growing your business. Midwest Energy News readers receive 10% off with VIP code: MEN10 – register today!***
ENERGY LOANS: A watchdog report warns of “appearance of favoritism” over hirings related to the Energy Department’s loan program, and the White House may revive a $25 billion program to encourage more efficient cars. (The Hill, Detroit News)
CLIMATE: Congress and the White House prepare for a fight over a series of climate-related regulations currently moving through the EPA. (The Hill)
FRACKING: A lawsuit in Arkansas will test the link between fracking wastewater and earthquakes. (Reuters)
EFFICIENCY: Wall Street investment banks are interested in energy efficiency, provided backers can create a large enough program to entice them. (The Guardian)
TRANSMISSION: The approval of a new Illinois transmission line required resolving conflicts with the FutureGen coal plant. (Power Engineering)
ETHANOL: The ethanol industry launches an ad blitz to defend the Renewable Fuel Standard. (Des Moines Register)
COMMENTARY: How to keep the North Dakota oil boom from becoming a bursting bubble. (MinnPost)