General Electric drops plans for Colorado solar plant

SOLAR: Citing a production glut, General Electric drops plans for a Colorado facility that would have been the largest solar plant in the U.S. and will partner with First Solar instead. (Denver Post)

WIND: A Department of Energy report finds wind was the fastest growing energy sector in 2012, and provides Iowa, Kansas and South Dakota with more than 20 percent of their electricity; and an Xcel Energy grant will help Minnesota farmers install small wind turbines. (Des Moines Register, St. Cloud Times)

ALSO: An interactive map from the Department of Energy shows the growth of wind farms over the years

***SPONSORED LINK: The Inspiring Efficiency Awards recognize Midwest leaders who deliver groundbreaking advancements in energy efficiency. Apply or provide a nomination today.***

BIOFUELS: The EPA lowers the production target for cellulosic ethanol; producers praise the ​“realistic” new standard but the oil industry says it’s still too high. (Greenwire)

OIL: Some residents affected by the Mayflower oil spill in Arkansas say they’ve been ignored by Exxon and government officials, and Interior Secretary Sally Jewell says North Dakota is ​“very sophisticated” in its approach to oil development and can provide a model for other states. (InsideClimate News, Bismarck Tribune)

COAL: A Michigan mining company’s decision to drop its utility could impact coal shipping from a Duluth port, and a county official in Missouri pursues tougher pollution controls at an Ameren coal plant. (Duluth News Tribune, St. Louis Post-Dispatch)

OHIO: An energy supply company CEO says Ohio’s regulations are ​“an impediment to a fully functioning market.” (Columbus Business First)

FRAC SAND: A Minnesota county extends its frac sand moratorium for another six months, and officials in a Wisconsin town give preliminary approval to an 800 acre sand mine. (Minnesota Public Radio, Winona Daily News)

TRANSMISSION: While touring Kansas, a FERC official says states must take the lead to improve regional transmission capacity to support more renewable energy. (Associated Press)

TRANSPORTATION: A proposed makeover of Chicago’s Lake Shore Drive includes lower speed limits, more transit facilities and high-speed lanes for bike commuters. (Huffington Post)

COMMENTARY: Why water and energy policies should mix, and why there’s trouble in fracking paradise. (GreenBiz, SmartPlanet)