‘Unintended consequences’ have green groups cooling to ethanol

BIOFUELS: ​“Severe, unintended consequences” of expanded corn production are causing environmental groups to change their position on ethanol mandates. (Bloomberg)

POLITICS:
• The Republican and Democratic party platforms spell out drastic differences on energy, but to what extent do they drive policy? (InsideClimate News)
• Activist Tom Steyer says climate concerns will drive turnout among younger voters. (ClimateWire)

VW SCANDAL: A judge gives temporary approval to a settlement that could offer thousands in compensation for owners of VW diesel cars involved in the company’s emissions-cheating scheme. (USA Today)

CLIMATE: Rising sea levels and tidal flooding threaten 18 military bases along the East Coast and Gulf Coast, according to a new report. (Reuters)

PIPELINES:
• Environmentalists are lining up to oppose a new TransCanada pipeline that would link the oil sands with the East Coast. (Associated Press)
• The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers approves 60 river crossings for the Dakota Access pipeline in Iowa, clearing the way for construction. (Associated Press)
• A New Jersey utility tries to block a proposed New England natural gas pipeline. (NJ Spotlight)
• Massachusetts senators question federal regulators’ decision to hire a contractor to review a pipeline project, even though the company has ties with developers. (Patriot Ledger)

FRACKING: Landowners and environment and health advocates push for greater disclosure of fracking chemicals in Montana. (Associated Press)

COAL:
• A Mississippi utility announces another $9 million in cost overruns for its ​“clean coal” plant. (Associated Press)
• Alpha Natural Resources says it has emerged from bankruptcy as a private company with operations and offices now only in Kentucky and West Virginia. (Charleston Gazette-Mail)

SOLAR:
• For some solar customers, new rate changes mean their systems will never pay for themselves. (New York Times)
• Local governments in Rhode Island ease zoning rules to allow solar projects on farms. (Westerly Sun)

WIND:
• The largest wind project in Iowa’s history is back on track after MidAmerican Energy reaches an agreement with major industrial customers. (Midwest Energy News)
• Wyoming seeks to replicate Colorado’s success in attracting wind energy jobs. (Rocky Mountain PBS)

HYDRO: A new report says the U.S. could increase its hydropower capacity 50 percent by 2050. (Washington Post)

ELECTRIC CARS: A Michigan utility plans a $15 million buildout of electric vehicle chargers; critics are concerned the plan could drive out private sector competitors. (Midwest Energy News)

COMMENTARY: A North Dakota newspaper calls Spokane, Washington’s proposal to fine oil trains an ​“overreaction.” (Bismarck Tribune)