Climate talks turn focus to fossil fuel subsidies

CLIMATE: Climate talks in Doha continue, focusing on subsidies for fossil fuels; and Senate Democrats push for an amendment to a defense bill that would require an assessment of the national security implications of climate change. (Associated Press, The Hill)

COAL: A coalition of environmental, ratepayer and religious groups object to an Indiana utility’s request for a rate increase to pay for coal plant upgrades, saying the money should be spent on renewable energy instead; and a Reuters investigation finds U.S. taxpayers are getting shorted on coal exports to Asia. (Midwest Energy News, Reuters)

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MORE COAL: Opponents of an Indiana coal-to-gas plant call on a utility to take a stand against the project; and Canadian Pacific Railway abandons plans to expand service into the Powder River Basin, and will focus on North Dakota’s Oil Patch instead. (Indianapolis Star, Minneapolis Star Tribune)

FRACKING: Studies link air pollution and earthquakes to drilling activity, and a Minnesota frac sand mine is denied permission to operate during a county moratorium. (InsideClimate News, EnergyWire, Winona Daily News)

POLITICS: Clean-energy advocates in Missouri prepare for attacks by conservative groups on the state’s renewable standard. (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)

WIND: Backers of the wind tax credit struggle to be heard over the ​“fiscal cliff” discussions, and GE says its fabric-based blade technology could significantly drive down turbine costs. (E&E Daily, ClimateWire)

AGGREGATION: The Chicago suburb of Glen Ellyn approves a new contract for 100 percent renewable power at a cost 40 percent less than what the city was paying to ComEd. (Chicago Tribune)

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BIOFUELS: Minnesota officials say they’re not yet ready to implement a law requiring a 10 percent biodiesel blend. (Minneapolis Star Tribune)

SOLAR: A former landfill in Ypsilanti, Michigan may soon be home to a $4 million solar array. (AnnArbor.com)

COMMENTARY: Former Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm tells electric car naysayers to ​“get over it,” and will President Obama follow the lead of public opinion on climate change? (Huffington Post, Mother Jones)