Articles

ENN

Federal ruling could resolve Iowa school district's solar dispute

A ruling made earlier this summer by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission could clear away the road block that has been hindering a solar project proposed by a rural Iowa school district, according to a lawyer familiar with the situation.

By Karen Uhlenhuth . 11 September 2015
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Events aim to put drivers behind the wheel of electric vehicles

While persistently low gasoline prices have cooled interest in plug-in vehicles, a series of events next week aim to recharge interest in electric cars.

By Frank Jossi . 11 September 2015
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Windfall for Exelon plants weakens case for Illinois 'bailout'

Over the past few weeks, Exelon has secured promises for an additional $1.6 billion or more in revenue from capacity auctions, calling into question the need for the Illinois legislature to step in to keep some power plants running.

By Kari Lydersen . 10 September 2015
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Fuel added to flaring fight in North Dakota

Polling shows a majority of North Dakotans support tougher restrictions on the flaring of natural gas in Bakken oil fields, but so far legislative efforts to do so have failed to gain traction.

By Frank Jossi . 9 September 2015
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Q&A: Barry Goldwater, Jr.’s fight for solar power

Barry Goldwater, Jr. is a prominent conservative and chairman of the group Tell Utilities Solar won’t be Killed (TUSK). Goldwater and his associates are pushing for net metering solar policies that are favorable to utility customers in 17 states across the country, including Michigan, Wisconsin, Indiana and Kansas. Last week Goldwater talked with Midwest Energy News about utility arguments, "green tea" and splits within the Republican Party.

By Andy Balaskovitz . 8 September 2015
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Ohio citizens rally and pray for clean, safe energy

Members of environmental advocacy groups rallied, protested and prayed about energy-related issues at three independent events in Ohio this week. The gatherings reflect a continuing concern by groups about safe, clean energy and highlight the importance of community organizing for advocacy groups.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 4 September 2015
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Ohio's green energy companies look to greener pastures

In 2014, Ohio Senate Bill 310 temporarily rolled back renewable and energy efficiency standards. On its heels, state House Bill 483 significantly increased the property setback for wind turbines, thus increasing project costs. Now clean energy business executives and advocates say that money is flowing out of Ohio at a rapid rate as renewable energy companies look to greener pastures for their products and services.

By Connie Lewis . 3 September 2015
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Michigan announces state-based strategy to comply with Clean Power Plan

More than half of Michigan’s renewable energy capacity will not count towards its carbon-reduction goals under the federal Clean Power Plan, state officials said today. Due to the state’s “aggressive” renewable portfolio standard passed by the Legislature in 2008, a majority of the generation installed since then will likely not receive credit under the plan.

By Andy Balaskovitz . 1 September 2015
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Clean Power Plan will impact Ohio energy standards debate

Ohio has three years to submit a plan under federal Clean Power Plan rules issued earlier this month. But action by a state legislative committee next month could shape that plan and how much it will cost.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 1 September 2015
ENN

Grant provides Iowa towns the expertise to move ahead on efficiency

Small towns generally lack the expertise to move ahead effectively on energy-efficiency projects. Now, in 19 Iowa communities with populations between about 800 and 40,000, a federal grant provides energy engineers to assess the towns’ efficiency needs and map out a way forward.

By Karen Uhlenhuth . 31 August 2015