Midwest corn growers disappointed in new biofuels mandate

AGRICULTURE: An Iowa agency helps farmers cut their energy costs by identifying opportunities for efficiency and renewable energy. (Midwest Energy News)

CLIMATE CHANGE:
• In Paris, President Obama says the U.S. takes responsibility for its role in contributing to climate change and pledges ​“to do something about it.” (Forbes)
• Monsanto says it will become carbon neutral by 2021. (Associated Press)
• World leaders urge swapping out fossil-fuel subsidies in exchange for a carbon tax. (Forbes)

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BIOFUELS:
• In a highly awaited decision, the EPA announces new biofuel levels required in the U.S. fuel supply, increasing the amounts from a proposal earlier this year. (New York Times)
• Iowa agriculture interests are disappointed in the new biofuel-blend levels, calling them a ​“gut punch for consumers and farmers.” (The Gazette)

SOLAR:
• A $3 million solar project at an Illinois school district is in limbo after delays in designing the system. (Chicago Tribune)
• Bloomington, Indiana plans to install panels on several city buildings. (Indiana Public Media)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES: In a sharp upward trend, 300,000 electric vehicles have been sold in the U.S. since 2009 as battery costs have continued to decline. (Scientific American) 

CLEAN POWER PLAN: Utility and grid experts say the true costs of implementing the Clean Power Plan won’t be known for years. (ClimateWire)

PIPELINES: South Dakota regulators voted 2-1 to approve the Bakken oil pipeline through their state, but added conditions to better protect landowners along the route. (The Gazette)

EFFICIENCY: A new report says costs to fight global warming can run net-neutral if strong efficiency programs are in place. (Utility Dive)

NATURAL GAS: New cost estimates for a major natural-gas infrastructure project in Chicago are $1.2 billion less than earlier projected. (Milwaukee Business Journal)

SECURITY: Experts say the U.S. grid is still vulnerable to a major cyber attack. (EnergyWire)

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POLITICS: Ahead of a U.S. House floor debate this week, lawmakers from both sides of the aisle introduce dozens of amendments to a sweeping energy package. (E&E Daily)

COMMENTARY:
• The leader of an Ohio conservative group says Republicans need to ​“hit the reset button” and embrace clean energy. (Midwest Energy News)
• Continuing to rely on corn-based ethanol to meet Renewable Fuel Standard goals is not a good idea. (Grist)
• Proposed legislation in Michigan gives the state flexibility in meeting goals under the Clean Power Plan and addressing a projected capacity shortfall. (Detroit News)