OHIO: The state’s renewable and efficiency freeze sent “exactly the wrong message to small businesses and entrepreneurs at a time when the economy was struggling.” (Midwest Energy News)
ALSO:
• Wal-Mart says FirstEnergy’s rate guarantee request is “simply not appropriate.” (Columbus Business First)
• Gov. John Kasich is expected to announce more details about a $5.7 billion ethane cracker facility to be built in eastern Ohio. (Columbus Business First)
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OIL BY TRAIN:
• Big cities scramble to develop emergency plans and train fire fighters in the case of accidents from transporting oil by rail. (Associated Press)
• A city-by-city survey shows wide disparity in preparation plans. (Associated Press)
• Minnesota and Wisconsin senators convene a panel in Minnesota to hear concerns about oil train derailments and promote the need for safety measures. (Minnesota Public Radio)
MICHIGAN: Developing a state-based Clean Power Plan compliance strategy will help Consumers Energy be more flexible in meeting goals, a utility official says. (MLive)
SOLAR:
• A 1-MW solar project is operational and helping power an Illinois city. (Geneseo Republic)
• Wind power is prevalent in Iowa, but solar is growing in popularity. (KTIV-TV)
FRACKING: Researchers in Iowa are showing how the documentary “Gasland” has shaped perceptions about fracking. (Phys.org)
ETHANOL: After the original owner filed for bankruptcy, an ethanol plant is back online in South Bend, Indiana. (Ethanol Producer)
OIL AND GAS: Local economies in North Dakota are settling into a “new normal” with low oil prices. (Bismarck Tribune)
COAL: A Murray Energy subsidiary lays off 110 workers at an Illinois mine. (Southern Illinoisan)
POLITICS: Clean-energy groups launch an ad campaign against an incumbent U.S. senator in Ohio over his opposition to the Clean Power Plan. (Ohio Public Radio)
COMMENTARY: Energy infrastructure needs investment, not “onerous” regulations. (Detroit News)