OIL AND GAS:
• The leaking storage well in California is now the state’s largest single contributor to climate change. (The Guardian)
While strongly opposing President Obama’s energy policies, the oil and gas industry has thrived during his presidency. (Bloomberg Business)
• A diverse group of advocates builds opposition to what would be the largest natural gas plant in New England. (Providence Journal)
Some lawmakers are concerned federal regulators are suspending too many oil and gas leases on federal lands. (The Hill)
An industry executive says lifting the crude-oil export ban is already working to keep prices low. (Associated Press)

CLIMATE: A new survey shows 70 percent of Americans believe climate change is happening. (The Hill)

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CARBON: Regions across North America are trying various techniques for keeping carbon emissions from energy production out of the atmosphere. (National Public Radio)

WIND: A $200 million investment in a New York-based startup is a vote of confidence in the nascent small-scale wind industry. (Reuters)

PIPELINES:
• Opposition groups are dealt a setback in their attempt to block a proposed natural gas pipeline connecting Texas and Mexico. (Texas Tribune)
• South Dakota regulators again approve a permit to build the Keystone XL pipeline through the state as the developer maintains the project could be revived under a new president. (Associated Press)

SOLAR:
 A group-buying program meant to reduce the cost of installing solar for businesses and homeowners is spreading across the Midwest. (Midwest Energy News)
The solar-plus-storage industry needs improved inverter technology in order to grow in the coming years. (Greentech Media) 

NUCLEAR:
• Nuclear plants along the Mississippi and Missouri rivers are not expected to be negatively impacted by recent extreme flooding. (Reuters)
• Advocates say they have unearthed new information showing that a Michigan nuclear plant needs extensive upgrades to be able to operate safely. (SNL)

HYDRO: Federal regulators reject plans for a 1,000 megawatt pumped storage facility in Kentucky. (Utility Dive)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES: A new manufacturer unveils its first product — a concept car that looks built for a racetrack — though questions remain about the product as well as the company. (Greentech Media)

POLITICS: Energy policy is shaping up to be a major issue on the campaign trail this year, particularly in Pennsylvania. (Pittsburgh Tribune-Review)

VOLKSWAGEN SCANDAL: The Obama administration files a federal lawsuit in Detroit accusing the German automaker of violating pollution laws by using emissions-cheating software in its engines. (Washington Post)

COAL:
Peabody Energy agrees to pay $75 million into a health care fund for coal-mining retirees affected by a recent bankruptcy proceeding, though many see it as a temporary fix. (St. Louis Business Journal)
Murray Energy CEO Robert Murray continues his fight against the federal government as the “last of the old-time coal barons.” (Bloomberg)

EFFICIENCY: 
Commonwealth Edison partners with a St. Louis-based startup on a pilot program that helps customers more easily monitor their energy use. (Utility Dive)

Andy compiles the Midwest Energy News digest and was a journalism fellow for Midwest Energy News from 2014-2020. He is managing editor of MiBiz in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and was formerly a reporter and editor at City Pulse, Lansing’s alternative newsweekly.

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