UTILITIES: A day after announcing a write-down of its coal plants, American Electric Power says it plans to invest $1 billion in renewable energy: “This stuff is real and it’s happening.” (Columbus Business First)

ALSO:
• A Minnesota utility seeks a rate increase, citing the need for new infrastructure to deliver clean energy to customers. (Duluth News Tribune)
• Grid operators develop plans to ensure adequate natural gas supplies to meet winter generation demands. (Utility Dive)

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POLITICS:
• Energy interests, mostly fossil fuels, are pouring millions into Ohio’s elections. (Midwest Energy News)
• Despite concerns from some in the state’s agriculture industry, there’s been little discussion of climate change in Wisconsin’s Senate race. (WUWM)

BIOMASS: Missouri researchers identify 91 coal plants around the Midwest where they say biomass from waste wood could be incorporated to reduce emissions. (Midwest Energy News)

PIPELINES:
• Some possible options for rerouting the Dakota Access pipeline. (Associated Press)
• North Dakota regulators consider fining Dakota Access for failing to promptly notify them about artifacts found during construction. (Bismarck Tribune)
• Minnesota groups want a tougher environmental review for a proposed pipeline expansion. (InsideClimate News)

SOLAR:
• The Minnesota Farmers Union hosts a “Solar Field Day” to encourage farmers to adopt solar power. (KEYC)
• Five unanswered questions about Tesla’s solar roof announcement. (Utility Dive)

CLIMATE: A major Minnesota provider becomes the first in the state to join the U.S. Health Care Climate Council. (Minnesota Public Radio)

EFFICIENCY: Neighborhood groups help expand energy efficiency efforts in Chicago. (Medill Reports)

ETHANOL:
• Why the Koch brothers, who oppose energy mandates, got into the ethanol business (spoiler: to make money). (AgWeb)
• Ethanol proponents and opponents prepare for an impending EPA ruling on the Renewable Fuel Standard. (Des Moines Register)

COAL: An Indiana county approves a $5 million safety upgrade for a local mine. (Platts)

MICHIGAN: Gov. Rick Snyder talks about energy issues during a visit to the Upper Peninsula. (Escanaba Daily Press)

TECHNOLOGY: An Illinois researcher says “artificial trees” could be effective in removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. (Medill Reports)

COMMENTARY:
• An attorney representing the Standing Rock Sioux explains why the Obama Administration should put the brakes on the Dakota Access pipeline. (Washington Post)
• An Ohio business owner calls for restoration of the state’s renewable energy standard. (Athens News)
• “Common-sense, conservative energy reform is a winning issue for conservatives across Ohio.” (Columbus Dispatch)

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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