Report finds U.S. transit use at highest levels since 1956

COAL ASH: While spreading coal ash on winter roads remains a common practice in some Midwest towns, experts question the methods for testing the ash to ensure it’s safe. (Midwest Energy News)

ALSO: Duke Energy says it will charge ratepayers for cleanup costs from a North Carolina coal ash spill, as a third pipe springs a leak at the facility. (Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Business Observer)

***SPONSORED LINK: The 2014 Clean Energy Challenge business plan competition on April 3 awards over $500,000 in prizes to innovative Midwest clean tech startups! Hear keynote speakers David Crane and Tom Steyer. Use code ​“EARLY_BIRD” & register today! ***

TRANSPORTATION: A new report finds transit use in the United States is at the highest level since 1956. (New York Times)

EFFICIENCY: Indiana’s state senate is expected to vote today on a bill to end the state’s energy efficiency program. (Indianapolis Star)

COAL: This year’s cold winter has a utility group calling for old coal and nuclear plants to remain open, and environmental groups seek an investigation of an Indiana coal-to-gas project. (Bloomberg, Indianapolis Star)

SOLAR:
• Why Minnesota’s solar industry is poised for a boom. (Minneapolis Star Tribune)
• A Minnesota solar program has more prospective subscribers than it can handle. (Minnesota Public Radio)
• An Illinois rural co-op becomes the first in the state to open a utility-scale solar array. (Alton Telegraph)
• An Iowa town considers a solar installation at its wastewater plant. (Associated Press)
• DTE Energy’s largest solar project takes shape outside Detroit. (Detroit Free Press)

NUCLEAR: A report finds regulators did not penalize Exelon for safety violations at an Illinois nuclear plant, the NRC finds a ​“chilled work environment” in the security department at a Michigan nuclear plant, and an Illinois town worries about the local economic impact of a nuclear shutdown. (Associated Press, MLive, Chicago Tribune)

CLIMATE: CEOs face growing investor concern about climate risks, U.S. Senators will stage an all-nighter to call out ​“a stubborn group of climate change deniers,” and environmental groups say the State Department’s Keystone XL report could undermine U.S. credibility in global climate talks. (ClimateWire, The Hill, InsideClimate News)

AGGREGATION: A report finds Illinois leads the U.S. in the number of cities purchasing 100 percent renewable electricity; meanwhile, Chicago’s rates are expected to rise this year under aggregation but not as much as they would have under ComEd, according to city officials. (Bloomington Pantagraph, Chicago Sun-Times)

UTILITIES: Consumer advocates call for greater transparency in the way grid costs are passed on to ratepayers. (National Journal)

PROPANE: Propane prices are returning to normal, but supply challenges remain. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

***SPONSORED LINK: Attend ​“Solar PV Systems and the NEC Code” with John Wiles April 7 in Palatine, Illinois. Inspector & Installer continuing education credits available. FREE for ISEA members! Join and receive all the member benefits at illinoissolar.org.***

FRAC SAND: Minnesota releases the final draft of its frac sand mining guidelines, and officials in a Wisconsin county worry about legislation to limit local control of mining operations. (Winona Daily News, LaCrosse Tribune)

COMMENTARY: ​“If the faces of renewable energy critics are not red yet, they soon will be.” (New York Times)