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)