EFFICIENCY: Energy savings achieved by some Cleveland businesses and city agencies have put them well ahead of the benchmarks utilities must meet under Ohio’s energy efficiency standard. (Midwest Energy News)
ALSO: States with budding marijuana industries consider how to regulate their high energy consumption. (Washington Post)
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EPA:
• Ohio Set. Rob Portman wants to allow states to opt out of carbon regulations. (Cleveland Plain Dealer)
• Kansas lawmakers advance a bill directing state agencies to set up a carbon reduction plan. (Associated Press)
COAL:
• A financial analysis finds the U.S. coal sector is in “terminal decline.” (The Guardian)
• Opponents continue to fight a permit for an Ohio coal mine. (New Philadelphia Times Reporter)
• The Supreme Court case on EPA mercury rules won’t impact AEP’s decision to close several Ohio coal plants. (Columbus Business First)
OIL AND GAS:
• A study finds billions of dollars from North Dakota’s oil boom leaving the state’s economy. (Fargo Forum)
• North Dakota regulators outline exceptions to flaring rules. (Dickinson Press)
SOLAR: Local officials in Carbondale, Illinois approve a solar project that was opposed by some residents. (Carbondale Southern Illinoisan)
WIND: Why General Motors is investing in wind energy. (Forbes)
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SMART METERS: Ohio customers who refuse a smart meter will pay a lower monthly fee. (Columbus Business First)
COMMENTARY:
• Distributed generation is “going to happen anyway, and you just have to choose whether you’re gonna like it or not.” (Mother Jones)
• Will Minnesota policymakers follow major employers’ lead on clean energy? (MinnPost)