COAL:
• U.S. coal production has fallen to its lowest level in 30 years. (Associated Press)
• A Michigan coal plant is reopened for tours as neighbors mark its closing after 67 years. (MLive)

NATURAL GAS: Advocates say Michigan’s large number of natural gas storage sites could be at risk of a leak like the one that remains out of control in California. (MLive)

***SPONSORED LINK: Join more than 600 innovators and decision-makers February 24-26 in Chicago for the Midwest Energy Solutions Conference. With live demonstrations, insightful panels and unparalleled networking, MES 2016 is a can’t-miss conference. Register today!***

SOLAR:
• Bills to expand solar power in Missouri may have a better shot of passing this year. (Midwest Energy News)
• Iowa lawmakers will consider increasing funds for solar tax credits. (Midwest Energy News)
• Minnesota’s largest community solar garden is now fully subscribed. (Minneapolis Star Tribune)

OIL:
• North Dakota regulators will spend more time discussing fines for oil industry violations, but will do so in a closed session. (Fargo Forum)
• Officials in Williston, North Dakota hope the town can sustain its newfound prosperity. (Los Angeles Times)

PIPELINES:
• A Minnesota lawmaker is calling for an outside investigation of a state agency’s activity regarding a proposed pipeline project. (Associated Press)
• Experts say TransCanada is relying on murky legal precedent in its lawsuit over Keystone XL. (EnergyWire)

TECHNOLOGY: How Iowa researchers are contributing to climate change solutions. (Des Moines Register)

BIOFUELS: An Iowa State University scientist says biomass from perennial grasses can be used to cut emissions in coal plants. (Des Moines Register)

***SPONSORED LINK: Join dynamic CEO Mary Powell of Green Mountain Power, renewables thought leader James Tong, Wisconsin utilities, and renewable industry experts for “Shaping the Utility of the Future,” Thursday, January 21st in Madison, Wisconsin. ***

GRID: U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson warns Wisconsin officials that the grid may not be prepared for damage that could be caused by a large solar flare or electromagnetic pulse attack. (Associated Press)

COMMENTARY: What the energy efficiency sector can learn from Uber and Spotify. (Greentech Media)

Avatar photo

Ken Paulman

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.

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.