EPA: House Republicans push bills that will restrict the EPA’s ability to regulate greenhouse gas emissions, impose extensive reporting requirements on new pollution rules, and limit how the social cost of carbon estimate can be used in analyzing benefits of regulations. (The Hill)

EFFICIENCY: Milwaukee launches a $100 million PACE program, and a new report says combined heat and power facilities can help utilities better manage the grid. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Midwest Energy News)

***SPONSORED LINK: The Inspiring Efficiency Awards recognize Midwest leaders who deliver groundbreaking advancements in energy efficiency. Apply or provide a nomination today.***

OIL: A study finds Keystone XL would lead to growth in oil sands production and emissions, Alberta is criticized for weak enforcement of environmental infractions in the oil sands, and Detroit’s infamous petroleum coke pile is expected to be gone by the end of summer. (Houston Chronicle, Canadian Press, Crain’s Detroit Business)

COAL: An Ohio town is close to approving a measure calling for the state attorney general to investigate its deal with the Prairie State Energy Campus. (Mansfield News Journal)

FRACKING: Proposed Kansas regulations would require drillers to disclose some of the chemicals they use but would still allow some information to be withheld as trade secrets, and an industry study says federal fracking rules will increase drilling costs by nearly $100,000 per well. (Topeka Capital Journal, Houston Chronicle)

FRAC SAND: Neighbors oppose a proposed 800 acre frac sand mine near Arcadia, Wisconsin. (LaCrosse Tribune)

SOLAR: The Twin Cities’ Metropolitan Council plans to pursue more solar power, starting with a 1.25 MW project at a wastewater treatment plant. (Finance & Commerce)

MINNEAPOLIS: Backers of a municipal utility in Minneapolis will agree to exclude a natural gas provider after it agrees to improve energy conservation efforts. (Minneapolis Star Tribune)

COMMENTARY: Media outlets grow weary of the Keystone XL story, and obituaries for “peak oil” may be premature. (Columbia Journalism Review, Smart Planet)

 

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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