Study: Americans’ climate beliefs shift with the weather

COAL: As deadlines loom for a deal cut with the state of Illinois to cut sulfur dioxide emissions, Ameren now says it needs more time. (Midwest Energy News)

CLIMATE: NASA’s James Hansen takes to the Washington Post editorial page to announce a new study linking recent extreme heat events to climate change, while congressional Republicans remain steadfast that the string of record-breaking weather is all part of a natural cycle. Meanwhile, a review of survey data shows Americans’ opinions on climate change shift with the weather. (Washington Post, The Hill, Huffington Post)

*** SPONSORED LINK: TOTAL ENERGY USA, Nov. 27-29 in Houston, is a groundbreaking new conference and expo that assembles all energy sectors -- fossil fuels, nuclear and renewable -- to address our changing energy landscape. Register today! ***

WIND: A group opposing Minnesota’s Goodhue Wind project says it’s dropping its legal fight, citing financial problems; and Wisconsin’s PSC rules that a proposed wind farm just east of the Twin Cities won’t have to submit an environmental impact statement. (Finance & Commerce, New Richmond News)

BIOFUELS: Leaders from the advanced biofuels industry urge Congress to preserve renewable fuel mandates, and the Senate Finance committee voted last week to extend two tax credits for ​“next generation” fuels. (ClimateWire, The Hill)

FRACKING: A tea party-affiliated group with undisclosed financial backers is urging lawmakers to sign a pledge not to increase taxes on drilling, which they say would amount to ​“predatorily redistributing the wealth of Ohio in the most disgusting way”; and a Wisconsin frac sand mine seeks to triple in size. (Associated Press, Chippewa Herald)

OIL: Residents along Enbridge’s Line 6B in Michigan prepare for major disruptions as the company expands the pipeline. (Battle Creek Enquirer)

SOLAR: Minnesota’s Department of Commerce begins an initiative to cut red tape holding back solar installations. (St. Paul Pioneer Press)

HYDRO: A Colorado company plans to study the feasibility of installing generators on the Coralville Dam in Iowa. (Iowa City Press-Citizen)

COMMENTARY: The Toledo Blade says Enbridge’s inaction leading up to oil spills in Michigan and Wisconsin is ​“buffoonery” that ​“gives political ammunition to environmentalists who wage war against new pipelines,” and the Des Moines Register cites the government’s long history of subsidizing ​“traditional” energy in a call for extending wind tax credits.