Despite recent growth, wind faces uncertainty in Congress

WIND: Despite an increase in construction activity, the wind industry is again facing uncertainty in Congress. (Greenwire)

UTILITIES: A Q&A with former regulator Ron Lehr, who says his home state of Colorado ​“has shown that renewables can beat the hell out of fossil fuels on price and why we need to move away from using them.” (Midwest Energy News)

***SPONSORED LINK: Midwest Energy Policy Conference 2014 — Get the early-bird discount now for the Midwest Energy Policy Conference on Sep. 30-Oct. 1 in St. Louis!***

FRACKING: A new study finds fracking is taking place at shallower depths -- and closer to groundwater -- than previously thought. (Los Angeles Times)

NATURAL GAS: Utica Shale production has increased tenfold since 2012, and a $1.75 billion pipeline is planned to connect Ohio natural gas operations to the Gulf Coast. (Columbus Business First, Columbus Dispatch)

COAL: Peabody Energy’s CEO says he’s not worried about pollution rules because coal ​“always wins out.” (Financial Review)

OIL: Crews contain a 270-barrel oil spill in North Dakota. (Associated Press)

MEDIA: Journalists and watchdog groups say the EPA is preventing its scientists from speaking freely to the press. (Greenwire)

BIOFUEL: The EPA approves a Wisconsin-produced ​“drop-in” biofuel as a gasoline substitute. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

SOLAR: Construction begins on a new solar manufacturing facility in Michigan. (MLive)

HYDRO: A groundbreaking ceremony will be held today for a new 50 MW hydroelectric project in Iowa. (Radio Iowa)

***SPONSORED LINK: Sign up now for the Solar Powering Michigan conference, Sept. 12 in Traverse City. Space is limited, so register today! Pre- & post-conference trainings available. Presented by MREA, GLREA and Northwestern Michigan College.***

TRANSPORTATION: A Wisconsin woman is attracting attention with a solar-electric hybrid bike that gets the equivalent of 1,800 miles per gallon. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

COMMENTARY: Ohio takes a big risk with its energy freeze, and does clean energy make economic sense for Minnesota? (Cleveland Plain Dealer, MinnPost)