Tension builds between utilities and solar advocates in Iowa, Wisconsin

SOLAR: Iowa Supreme Court rules in favor of third-party solar. (Midwest Energy News)

SOLAR: Battles brewing in Wisconsin, Iowa between utilities and solar-power advocates. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

***SPONSORED LINK: State agency leadership will convene national experts and key stakeholders at the Minnesota Clean Energy Economy summit on July 17th to identify the key opportunities and challenges to grow a diverse clean energy economy in Minnesota.***

WIND: Iowa counties move to get tougher on local wind project regulations. (The Gazette)

EFFICIENCY: Iowa private and community colleges adopt energy-saving strategies in face of environmental challenges. (The Gazette)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES: Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel wants more residents to drive electric cars. (Associated Press)

NATURAL GAS: Opposition mounts in Maryland against a proposed liquified natural gas plant and export terminal. (ThinkProgress)

CONGRESS: House passes $34 billion spending plan for energy and water, cutting clean-energy spending. (GreenWire)

COAL: Federal appeals court upholds EPA regulation meant to curb water pollution from mountaintop-removal mining. (Associated Press)

ELECTION: Pennsylvania governor’s race could have major impact on state’s approach to energy policy. (GreenWire)

COMMENTARY: Midwest rail safety needs to be priority as oil shipments expand. (West Central Tribune)