SOLAR: An annual survey finds Midwest states are adding solar jobs at a rate more than double the national average, with Minnesota “on the cusp of a potential solar boom.” (Midwest Energy News)

PETCOKE: A company abruptly drops a plan to resume storing petcoke along the Detroit River, and Chicago’s mayor will propose an ordinance prohibiting new petcoke facilities in the city. (CBC, Chicago Sun-Times)

***SPONSORED LINK: The 2014 Clean Energy Challenge business plan competition awards over $500,000 in prizes to the Midwest’s best clean tech researchers, entrepreneurs and students! Early bird tickets available. Presented by Clean Energy Trust. #StartUpNow***

NATURAL GAS: In response to high demand for natural gas, federal regulators agree to lift the PJM Interconnection’s $1,000/MWh cap on electricity through March. (Platts)

OIL: North Dakota officials say September’s pipeline spill near Tioga will take another two years to clean up, and Minnesota fire crews are “ill-prepared” for oil train disasters. (Bismarck Tribune, Minneapolis Star Tribune)

ALSO: A natural gas pipeline explodes near Tioga, no injuries are reported. (Bismarck Tribune)

COAL: More than 100,000 gallons of coal slurry have spilled into a creek in West Virginia. (CNN)

WIND: The Interior Department releases an interactive map showing the locations of 47,000 U.S. wind turbines, and school officials in Ann Arbor, Michigan rejects a city plan to install a wind turbine near a high school. (Renewable Energy News, MLive)

FRACKING: The EPA moves to regulate the use of diesel fuel in fracking fluid. (The Hill)

KEYSTONE XL: Environmentalists question the pipeline vs. rail frame, and TransCanada says it may change the pipeline route to avoid permit delays. (Greenwire)

***SPONSORED LINK: The Solar Powering Minnesota Conference on March 7 is SOLD OUT. You can still join us as an event sponsor to get in front of more than 300 movers and shakers! Learn more at growsolar.org.***

POLLUTION: Target is fined $27,500 for emissions from diesel generators at two Minnesota facilities. (Minneapolis Star Tribune)

COMMENTARY: The consequences of exporting coal. (Climate Progress)

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.

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