COAL: An analysis by clean-energy advocates finds Minnesota’s largest coal plant could shut down two of its three units without significant impact, Xcel Energy says any decisions should wait for federal carbon rules. (Midwest Energy News, Minneapolis Star Tribune)

CLIMATE: A new study finds the recession, not a transition to natural gas, has been driving carbon emission reductions in the U.S. (Climate Central)

***SPONSORED LINK: Green Your Ride!  The Illinois Solar Energy Association is raffling a 2015 Tesla Model S! Only 2,000 tickets sold. 1 for $100, 4 for $300 www.illinoissolar.org ***

EFFICIENCY: Why Missouri’s largest utility has the upper hand in a debate over efficiency policy. (EnergyWire)

SOLAR:
• How a Minnesota co-op’s new business model is helping a small town go big on solar. (Minneapolis Star Tribune)
• An Ikea store in St. Louis is now home to Missouri’s largest solar array. (St. Louis Business Journal)
• Solar advocates speak out against a Kansas utility’s proposed fixed charge increase. (Lawrence Journal-World)
• A USDA grant will help an Athens, Ohio brewery install solar. (Athens Post)

WIND: The production tax credit was among a series of expiring tax breaks kept alive by Senate action yesterday. (The Hill)

OIL: A “Remember the Kalamazoo” event over the weekend will commemorate the 2010 pipeline spill in Michigan. (Battle Creek Enquirer)

FRACKING:
• The developer of a a 700 MW natural gas power plant in Ohio credits fracking in the Utica Shale for making it possible. (Akron Beacon Journal)
• “If you’re in the oil and gas business right now, you’re very, very concerned about your future.” (Columbus CEO)

MICHIGAN: Four key differences between the House and Senate energy plans. (MLive)

TRANSPORTATION:
• Wisconsin is planning $7 billion worth of new freeways in the Milwaukee area, “we just have to figure out how to pay for it all.” (Politico)
• Anticipating major growth, airlines look to biofuels to cut emissions. (Associated Press)

COMMENTARY: Why we should consider utility ownership of rooftop solar. (Utility Dive)

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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