DOE: Nation’s energy system vulnerable to climate change

CLIMATE: The nation’s energy system is vulnerable to increasingly severe weather events being driven by climate change, warns a new report from the U.S. Department of Energy. ​“We don’t have a robust energy system,” one official said. ​“You can’t just put your head in the sand anymore.” (The New York Times)

EFFICIENCY: A national network of energy efficiency organizations, including Michigan Saves, is working to share best practices, tools and forums with each other in hopes of boosting efficiency nationwide. (Midwest Energy News)

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CONGRESS: The House passed a $30 billion energy and water spending bill late Wednesday that President Obama has threatened to veto. Also: Sources say a major energy efficiency bill is close to coming to the Senate floor. (The Hill)

TRANSPORTATION: Kansas City’s transit agency rolled out its first two natural-gas powered buses and announced plans to switch its entire fleet from diesel to natural gas over the next 12 to 14 years. Meanwhile, propane-powered vehicles now have a place to fill up in Duluth, Minn. (The Kansas City Star, Duluth News Tribune)

OIL & GAS: A group of Ohio landowners who signed away their oil and gas rights for as little as $50 per acre before the Utica Shale boom began will soon have their case heard by a district appeals court. The plaintiffs say Beck Energy Corp. has failed to develop the land in a timely manner. (Youngstown Vindicator)

MORE OIL: Three major oil companies have agreed to repay Minnesota $7.4 million after an investigation found they ​“double dipped” from a state fund for underground tank cleanups, taking funds after they had already been reimbursed by their insurance carriers. (Minneapolis Star Tribune)

KEYSTONE XL: County commissioners in York, Nebraska, have tabled a resolution to oppose construction of the Keystone XL pipeline. Dozens of people packed a meeting Tuesday in which the board said it wanted more time to study and revise the resolution, and wait for all five members to be present. (York News-Times)

FRACKING: Fearing that a fracking boom might bring an influx of strip clubs with it, the southern Illinois town of Fairfield passed a ban on nude dancing. Meanwhile, the U.S. postmaster pledged to improve mail delivery service to North Dakota oil field housing. (Evansville Courier & Press, Fargo Forum)

NUCLEAR: In Minnesota, Xcel Energy expects to restart its 554-megawatt Monticello nuclear power reactor later this week. The plant was shut down in March for refueling and an expansion expected to add 71 megawatts of capacity. (Reuters)

COMMENTARY: A life-cycle analysis of electric cars reveals the health and environmental benefits ​“fade practically to the disappearing point.” Instead, we should focus on reducing driving through compact land use, higher fuel taxes, better transit, bicycling and walking infrastructure. (Minnesota2020)