MICHIGAN: Major utilities say carbon regulations will create net job gains in the state, though one key Republican lawmaker disagrees. (Crain’s Detroit Business)
EFFICIENCY: Missouri’s newest PACE funding organization makes it first loan, with more to come. (Midwest Energy News)
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SOLAR:
• Alliant Energy announces plans to build the largest solar array in Wisconsin at one of the utility’s coal-ash landfills. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
• Kansas regulators are encouraged to approve a rate-setting deal that avoids creating special increased rates for solar customers. (Associated Press)
• Google has developed an online tool that helps owners calculate potential savings from installing rooftop solar. (AFP)
• Michigan-based Consumers Energy unveils its community solar program. (Michigan Radio)
OHIO: It appears staff at the state’s Public Utilities Commission need more time to provide testimony on a utility’s rate-guarantee plan. (Columbus Business First)
METHANE: The Obama administration is expected to release rules as soon as today that would aim to cut methane emissions by 40 to 45 percent over the next decade. (New York Times)
OIL SPILL: Dane County officials in Wisconsin are exploring ways to require Enbridge to establish a trust fund to pay for cleanup costs in the event of pipeline spill. (Wisconsin State Journal)
NUCLEAR: Local officials and business groups are lining up in support of Exelon’s Quad-Cities nuclear plant facing the threat of closure as it continues to hemorrhage money. (Quad-City Times)
WIND: An Iowa school district looks to sell its 13-year-old wind turbine because it’s not generating the profits expected. (Associated Press)
COAL: More than 1,000 unionized coal miners protest at Patriot Coal’s headquarters over the company’s attempt to nix health benefits and pension contracts during its bankruptcy. (Associated Press)
NATURAL GAS: North Dakota officials call a company’s recent decision to drop plans for a major fertilizer facility and natural gas infrastructure a “pretty serious blow.” (Natural Gas Intelligence)
TRANSMISSION: A North Dakota cooperative secures a rare $46 million federal loan to help finance rural transmission upgrades. (Bismarck Tribune)
STORAGE: A new study shows that bulk energy storage, at least in the near term, will increase overall emissions because it’s storing energy created from fossil fuels. (Scientific American)
POLITICS: Observers say Ohio Gov. John Kasich could take a more definitive stance on clean energy and set himself apart from the rest of GOP presidential contenders. (National Journal)
OIL AND GAS: The federal government gives Shell final approval to start drilling in the Arctic Ocean. (Associated Press)
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TRANSPORTATION: Republican lawmakers in Michigan hope to finalize a road-funding deal by the end of the week, which could likely include a combination of higher fuel taxes and spending cuts elsewhere in the budget. (Associated Press)
COMMENTARY:
• A major power generation company in Minnesota urges state lawmakers to continue investments in clean energy and efficiency. (St. Cloud Times)
• In support of one Illinois lawmakers’ bid to bring more coal mining back to his home state in light of new emissions regulations. (The Southern Illinoisan)
• DTE responds once again in an ongoing dispute with a Detroit News columnist over electric choice. (Detroit News)
• Former Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm weighs in on how the Clean Power Plan can boost state economies. (Detroit Free Press)