CLEAN POWER PLAN: Michigan researchers say the state should turn to efficiency first to meet EPA carbon targets. (Midwest Energy News)
ALSO: Two new reports say the Clean Power Plan will result in lower bills for Ohioans. (Public News Service)
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SOLAR:
• Iowa’s consumer advocate has contacted a rural co-op that is proposing one of the highest fixed charges in the country for solar customers. (Des Moines Register, Midwest Energy News archive)
• Work begins on a 17-acre solar farm in Indiana. (Associated Press)
MICHIGAN: Increasing the state’s renewable energy standard seems increasingly unlikely. (Detroit News)
FAITH: Chicago’s archdiocese will be the first in the country to track energy usage in its buildings in an effort to help fight climate change. (Chicago Tribune)
FRACKING: A study of 27 states finds drilling is taking place at shallower depths than previously thought, potentially increasing risks to drinking water. (InsideClimate News)
NATURAL GAS: A bill proposed by two Kansas senators would give states authority over natural gas storage. (Topeka Capital-Journal)
UTILITIES:
• Kansas consumer advocates offer an alternative to a utility’s proposed $152 million rate increase. (Topeka Capital-Journal)
• A standoff over efficiency policy has some advocates calling for regulatory reform in Missouri. (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)
ELECTRIC VEHICLES:
• A Minnesota company is developing an electric bucket truck designed for utility crews. (Minneapolis Star Tribune)
• Some of the more ambitious predictions about electric cars have so far failed to pan out. (Forbes)
BIOFUELS:
• A new ethanol plant – connected to a North Dakota coal plant for more efficiency operation – begins production. (Minneapolis Star Tribune)
• Officials from Nebraska and Iowa warn cuts to the Renewable Fuels Standard will harm their states’ economies. (Nebraska Radio Network)
COMMENTARY:
• Michigan needs to act now to prevent “catastrophic consequences” if a pipeline ruptures beneath the Straits of Mackinac. (Toledo Blade)
• The Clean Power Plan will protect the health of Michigan families. (MLive)
• Indiana Gov. Mike Pence’s reflexive opposition to environmental policies may score short-term political points, but harms the state in the long term. (Indianapolis Star)