Frac sand mines more than double in Wisconsin

FRACKING: The shale boom in Pennsylvania prompts construction of a new ethane pipeline across Ohio, sparking land-use fights along the way. (Midwest Energy News)

ALSO: The number of frac sand mines in Wisconsin has more than doubled in the past year, and scientists say both sides of the emotional fracking debate are ​“basically not using science.” (Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism, Associated Press)

SOLAR: China escalates the solar trade conflict with the United States, announcing a probe of U.S. polysilicon exports; Xcel’s decision to drop a solar incentive program draws opposition from economic, industry and political leaders throughout Minnesota; and a troubled Ohio solar firm owes the state $1.5 million in back loan payments. (Greenwire, Minneapolis Star Tribune, Toledo Blade)

EPA: The agency said Friday it will review its mercury rules for power plants, taking into account new industry information; and a federal court Friday rejected a challenge to EPA sulfur dioxide standards. (Reuters, Greenwire)

OIL: Minnesota Rep. Collin Peterson calls on federal regulators to ensure ​“discriminatory practices” aren’t preventing pipelines from being built to move oil out of North Dakota, Enbridge plans a new 35-mile pipeline in Michigan, and Hyperion officials ask the South Dakota Supreme Court to expedite a hearing on appeals to the air permit for its proposed refinery near Sioux City, Iowa. (Reuters, AnnArbor.com, Sioux Falls Argus Leader)

TRANSPORTATION: Chevy Volts have collectively traveled more than 100 million miles, running 2/3 of the time in electric mode; and while regulators only review 15 percent of cars’ posted mileage figures, strong incentives generally keep the auto industry in compliance. (CleanTechnica, Detroit Free Press)

NATURAL GAS: The Department of Energy announces $30 million in research awards for natural gas vehicles, with most of that money going toward improving fuel tanks. (EnergyWire)

CLIMATE: Former GOP Rep. Bob Inglis says Republicans are ​“holding on to shaky ideology” on climate change ​“that really will be overwhelmed by the facts.” (The Hill)

HYDRO: A Minnesota ethanol producer has decided against purchasing a 1905 dam, meaning Xcel Energy will likely demolish the structure unless another buyer comes forward. (West Central Tribune)

GEOTHERMAL: Ball State University enters the second phase of its massive geothermal energy project. (Clean Technica)

COMMENTARY: Simon Chapman, an Australian public health researcher, calls ​“wind turbine syndrome” a ​“communicated” disease, and ​“a strong candidate for being defined as a psychogenic condition”; the Grand Forks Herald says a Midwestern ​“energy corridor” centered around North Dakota could become America’s new Sunbelt; the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel says ignoring the warning signs of climate change is ​“not a safe bet”; and David Leonhardt says there are still signs of hope we can continue reducing carbon emissions. (The Conversation, Grand Forks Herald, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, New York Times)