SOLAR:
• An Ohio State University research lab provides real-time data on solar performance and helps customers decide whether a system is worth the investment. (Midwest Energy News)
• A consultant says a proposed 5 MW solar project at a Wisconsin airport could take upwards of 75 years to pay off. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
WISCONSIN: Two utilities are doing battle against each other before state regulators over whose investments would cost ratepayers more. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
***SPONSORED LINK: Know an organization or leader making groundbreaking achievements in the Midwest energy efficiency community? Nominate them for MEEA’s Inspiring Efficiency Awards! The deadline for submissions is Friday, September 18. Apply today!***
COAL:
• Illinois coal miners sound off on the EPA’s latest regulations to protect water resources. (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)
• A rival company agrees to change the name of one of its natural-gas firms after being sued by Murray Energy Corp. (Morning Journal News)
• A federal judge rules Xcel Energy is responsible for cleanup of a Superfund site along Lake Superior. (Wisconsin Public Radio)
CLEAN POWER PLAN:
• Ohio’s EPA director tells Congress the Clean Power Plan is federal overreach and would be bad for the economy. (Columbus Dispatch)
• Indiana Gov. Mike Pence’s defiance to implement the Clean Power Plan is pleasing some of his top political donors. (Fort Wayne Journal Gazette)
NUCLEAR:
• Advocates say it’s time for Exelon to abandon its legislative strategy for a “bailout” of its nuclear fleet. (EnergyWire)
• Global nuclear generation is on pace to grow by 45 percent in the next 20 years, but an industry report says that’s not enough to curb climate change. (Reuters)
• Officials are angered by the U.S. Department of Energy’s decision to halt research at a uranium-enrichment test site in southern Ohio. (Columbus Dispatch)
OIL BY RAIL: Railroads are scrambling over what to do with unwanted oil cars amid new safety regulations and low prices. (National Public Radio)
WIND: Two of Colorado’s biggest energy players are teaming up to build a major wind project in eastern North Dakota. (Denver Business Journal)
ELECTRIC CHOICE: A consultant says opening Nebraska’s energy market to competition could save ratepayers $250 million a year. (Omaha World-Herald)
OIL AND GAS: Officials continue to clean up a site in Ohio where vandals appear responsible for 60 barrels of crude oil and brine spilling. (Times Reporter)
EFFICIENCY: Minneapolis offers free audits for low-income residents looking to make energy efficiency upgrades at home. (Minnesota Public Radio)
FRAC SAND: While mining has slowed in Wisconsin, companies have not yet moved on, hoping for another climb in oil prices. (Winona Daily News)
OHIO: A new report shows broad support among individuals and businesses to end the freeze on the state’s renewable and efficiency standards. (Toledo Blade)
ELECTRIC VEHICLES: A Nebraska city embraces the transition to electric vehicles and renewable energy. (Sioux City Journal)
COMMENTARY:
• Pope Francis’ global message on climate change describes the local situation in Ohio “with sad accuracy.” (Cleveland Plain Dealer)
• The time has come for federal lawmakers to raise the gasoline tax to help pay for aging road infrastructure. (Cleveland Plain Dealer)
• Should Enbridge’s “switcheroo” on the Alberta Clipper need court approval? (MinnPost)
• Developing a state-level Clean Power Plan compliance strategy means Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder has “succumbed to Obama’s false choice.” (Detroit News)