WIND: A pair of new studies finds that – theoretically – existing wind power technology could produce 10 times as much energy as the world currently consumes. (Associated Press)
ALSO: The American Wind Energy Association has cut ties with Exelon because of its opposition to extending the wind production tax credit. (The Hill)
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NATURAL GAS: Automakers see a rare opportunity for natural gas vehicles to break into the market, but they continue to see the biggest opening in trucks and buses, not passenger cars. (EnergyWire)
OIL: Experts disagree on whether tougher fuel economy standards will reduce the need to import Canadian tar sands oil, and federal regulators close the book on the 2010 Michigan oil spill after Enbridge pays its $3.7 million fine. (InsideClimate News, Detroit Free Press)
CLIMATE: Another consensus among climate scientists is that the U.S. appears to be the only country where they face organized harassment and intimidation, and climatologists warn Iowans to expect more weather extremes in the future. (InsideClimate News, Cedar Rapids Gazette)
MICHIGAN: A former Republican legislative leader says a ballot proposal to increase Michigan’s renewable energy standard is “radical” and shouldn’t be “locked into the constitution.” (MLive.com)
EFFICIENCY: At a Minnesota conference, 3M, Energy Star and other companies share secrets for saving energy with other companies. (Minneapolis Star Tribune)
SOLAR: Wisconsin companies join together to promote the state’s solar industry. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
ETHANOL: The EPA signs off on a new biofuel refinery in North Dakota. (Jamestown Sun)
COMMENTARY: David Roberts offers a simple guide for communicating about climate change, and Todd Woody explores whether the U.S. solar boom is slowing down. (Grist, Forbes)
