COAL: As the U.S. coal industry ramps up exports to China and Europe, what will be the impact on Midwest mines and power plants? (Midwest Energy News)
POLITICS: The revelation that Ohio coal miners were required to attend a pro-Romney rally is diminishing the candidate’s support among working class voters in the state, and is the subject of a new Obama campaign video. Also, Nebraska Senate candidates spar over climate change. (The Atlantic, Politico, The Hill)
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MICHIGAN: Backers of a ballot measure to increase Michigan’s renewable energy standard say the change would only increase electric bills by about 50 cents a month. (Detroit News)
CLIMATE: Can U.S. carbon emissions continue to fall? (Climate Central)
EFFICIENCY: The FTC cracks down on what it calls deceptive energy-savings claims by five U.S. window manufacturers, and Michigan Realtors promote a state program offering low-cost energy audits for homeowners. (McClatchy, CBS Detroit)
MINNESOTA: Xcel Energy says its Sherco coal plant, currently under repair after an explosion knocked out one of its units last year, will remain a “cornerstone” of its generating fleet. (St. Cloud Times)
OIL: Landowners and local officials dispute whether Hyperion will still be able to build a proposed South Dakota refinery after giving up land rights, and some Michigan landowners are winning their court fights against Enbridge’s efforts to acquire land for a pipeline expansion. (Akron Hometowner, InsideClimate News)
CLEAN ENERGY: A federal loan program for clean energy is plagued with delays; a coalition of local Chamber of Commerce chapters call on the presidential candidates to “take a stand and prioritize clean energy as an economic development solution“; and a new poll finds nearly universal, bipartisan support for solar energy. (Reuters, The Hill, USA Today)
COMMENTARY: Why climate change should be front and center at tonight’s presidential debate. (Huffington Post)
