South Dakota utility drops controversial solar rate plan

PETCOKE: A Chicago company says it’s ending its petroleum coke storage operations in the city rather than continue to fight legal and political pressure. (Chicago Tribune)

SOLAR:
• A South Dakota utility withdraws a proposed rate change that critics said would have targeted rooftop solar. (Rapid City Journal)
• Despite a depressed market for solar in the state, and Ohio solar project is proceeding. (Columbus Dispatch)
• Minnesota’s transportation department seeks proposals for solar arrays alongside highways. (Forum News Service)
• Why Wisconsin’s solar debate could have national implications. (Slate)
• Solar tours will be held in Ohio and Illinois next month. (Cleveland Plain Dealer, WIFR)

***SPONSORED LINK: On Oct.29, experts will converge on Madison, Wisconsin to discuss the energy, water and food challenges created by growing cities. Hosted by the Wisconsin Energy Institute. Register before Oct. 1 and save 20%.***

NUCLEAR: Exelon says it would cost around $580 million to keep its Illinois nuclear plants operating, and an Illinois lawmaker says ​“it’s difficult to move on energy policy” until Exelon makes clear what it wants from the state. (Crain’s Chicago Business, Forbes)

OIL: North Dakota officials consider a policy change that would prevent counties from holding elections on oil waste landfills, and a state health official says the industry needs to do more to prevent environmental damage. (Bismarck Tribune, Associated Press)

WIND: An EPA official says Iowa’s wind industry puts it ahead of other states in meeting proposed carbon goals. (Des Moines Register)

COAL: Local officials approve plans for expanded coal storage at a power plant near Milwaukee, and an Indiana mine is cited for safety violations. (Milwaukee Business Journal, Indiana Public Media)

FRACKING: An Ohio county says ​“penalties should be crippling” for companies that don’t disclose fracking chemicals. (Columbus Business Journal)

CLIMATE: A new study says over-reliance on natural gas can impede climate action, oil companies are preparing for carbon pricing, and analysts at a recent forum said they are optimistic the Clean Power Plan will succeed. (Climate Central, Yale E360)

POLITICS: An ALEC spokesman says Google left the group because of ​“misinformation from climate activists,” a Wisconsin lawmaker will share his her experiences from a recent ALEC gathering, and Rolling Stone dives deep on Koch Industries’ political and environmental history. (The Hill, Madison Capital Times, Rolling Stone)

GRID: A Chicago symposium discusses the potential of miniature combined heat and power plants as a backup system for solar. (Forbes)

MEDIA: A spokesman for Indiana Rep. Larry Bucshon is not amused about the congressman being lampooned a recent ​“Daily Show” segment on climate change denial. (WTHI)

COMMENTARY: Why Michigan shouldn’t rely solely on utilities to guide its energy future, and Ohio’s energy law study so far is stacked in favor of opponents. (Metromode, The Equation)