SOLAR: Minnesota regulators are expected to decide today on a “value of solar” formula that would provide pricing clarity for utilities and owners of solar arrays. (EnergyWire)
FROM THE ARCHIVES: Why Minnesota’s value of solar process could be seen as a national model; and a Q&A with Karl Rábago, one of the leading advocates for the value of solar policy. (Midwest Energy News)
***SPONSORED LINK: The 2014 Clean Energy Challenge business plan competition on April 3 awards $500,000 in prizes to innovative Midwest clean tech startups! Hear keynote speakers David Crane and Tom Steyer. Use code “MEN_Newsletter” & register today! ***
COAL: A bankruptcy judge approves the sale of Edison Mission Energy’s assets, including four Illinois coal plants, to a New Jersey company, and SunCoke Energy plans to sell its coal mining business. (Chicago Tribune, Reuters)
WIND: House Republicans issue a subpoena for documents related to enforcement of wildlife laws at wind farms. (Associated Press)
FRACKING: Ohio officials aren’t answering any questions about whether earthquakes suspected to be related to a recently shut down fracking operation. (Columbus Dispatch)
OIL AND GAS: North Dakota’s oil boom is causing problems for farmers, radioactive oil field waste is found in an abandoned North Dakota gas station, and a mechanical failure causes a Michigan well to burst into flames. (Stateline, Bismarck Tribune, Traverse City Record-Eagle)
FRAC SAND: A Wisconsin town delays a vote on a proposed frac sand mine. (St. Paul Pioneer Press)
NUCLEAR: Documents show the NRC downplayed the risk of earthquakes to U.S. nuclear plants following the Fukushima disaster, even as its own experts questioned safety standards; and Michigan researchers develop a new radiation camera that will make it easier to spot leaks. (NBC News, CBS Detroit)
MORE SOLAR: A Wisconsin co-op plans a new solar array. (LaCrosse Tribune)
ETHANOL: A Wisconsin ethanol plant is fined $125,000 for pollution violations. (Wisconsin State Journal)
TESLA: Officials from Tesla Motors meet with Ohio auto dealers who are trying to block the company’s retail stores from the state. (Columbus Dispatch)
***SPONSORED LINK: Attend “Solar PV Systems and the NEC Code” with John Wiles April 7 in Palatine, Illinois. Inspector & Installer continuing education credits available. FREE for ISEA members! Join and receive all the member benefits at illinoissolar.org.***
EFFICIENCY: An Ohio bill would eliminate a program for energy-efficient schools. (Public News Service)
COMMENTARY: The best one-liners from the Senate’s climate all-nighter. (Grist)