Report says wind tax credit extension will cost billions

RURAL ENERGY: With the farm bill’s expiration on Monday night, USDA programs that help fund renewable energy development in rural areas are in jeopardy. (E&E Daily)

WIND: A congressional analysis says extending the wind production tax credit will cost billions of dollars over the next few years. (The Hill)

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OIL: A state report says people who come into contact with water from Michigan’s Kalamazoo River likely won’t suffer long-term health effects despite ongoing cleanup from a 2010 oil spill. (MLive)

ALSO: The federal shutdown will slow oil exploration in North Dakota, another large oil formation is drawing interest in the state, and a proposed West Coast rail terminal would help ship Bakken crude to refineries. (Forum News Service, Associated Press) 

FRACKING: Representatives from 20 state Chambers of Commerce write the EPA calling for fracking oversight to be left to state regulators. (Midwest Energy News)

FRAC SAND: A University of Iowa grant will help study the health impact of frac sand mining in the state. (Decorah Journal)

POLITICS: Ohio’s EPA director says the recent high-profile resignation of an agency regulator was a ​“strategic decision” and had nothing to do with pressure from the governor’s office, and the head of the Senate energy committee wants to keep ​“organized PR” out of the next FERC nomination process. (Columbus Dispatch, The Hill)

SOLAR: An annual solar tour in Ohio begins tomorrow, featuring 200 open houses and 100 tour sites throughout the state. (News-Herald)

COAL: A petition in Illinois targets a state-run website that promotes the coal industry to kids. (Huffington Post)

KEYSTONE XL: Pipeline proponents try to ease safety concerns in Nebraska. (Lincoln Journal Star)

MILITARY: How renewable energy is saving lives in Afghanistan. (Bloomberg)

COMMENTARY: Six perspectives on the future of utilities. (Greentech Media)