WIND: An Iowa plant will bear the brunt as Siemens lays off 615 wind power workers in three states; meanwhile, Starbucks, Ben & Jerry’s and 17 other major companies send a letter to Congress urging renewal of the wind production tax credit. (Des Moines Register, The Hill)
ALSO: House Republicans seize upon Alpha Natural Resources layoff of 1,200 coal workers as they plan a vote on a bill they call the “Stop the War on Coal Act” this week. (The Hill)
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NATURAL GAS: The city utility in Holland, Michigan considers a big bet on natural gas, but renewable energy advocates worry the city is putting all its eggs in one basket. (Midwest Energy News)
FRACKING: North Dakota Sen. John Hoeven says he will introduce legislation this week that will give states more power to regulate energy development, and a company that promises a waterless fracking technique is in financial trouble. (Dickinson Press, Calgary Herald)
OIL: Experts project U.S. dependence on foreign oil will continue to decline regardless of the outcome of the election. (Kansas City Star)
TRANSPORTATION: Electric cars alone won’t be enough to meet new fuel economy standards, BMW focuses energy on improving gasoline engines, and experts say Mitt Romney’s pledge to undo new efficiency standards will be easier said than done. (Detroit Free Press, New York Times, InsideClimate News)
ETHANOL: The EPA proposes requiring E15 buyers to purchase a minimum of four gallons to prevent owners of motorcycles and small engines from accidentally using the fuel. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
MEDIA: PBS NewsHour is criticized for giving extensive airtime to climate skeptic and non-scientist Anthony Watts to “counterbalance” information about climate science. (Media Matters)
COMMENTARY: Why the government is underestimating the cost of carbon pollution, and the five biggest myths about cleantech. (NRDC Switchboard, CleanEdge)