News
Long hours and long drives a deadly danger for oil workers
>> New York Times
Over the past decade, more than 300 oil and gas workers were killed in highway crashes, the largest cause of fatalities in the industry. Many of these deaths were due in part to oil field exemptions from highway safety rules.
Ex-EPA official, of ‘crucify’ fame, to testify before Congress
>> The Hill
The hearing will provide a high-profile forum for GOP criticism of an agency that’s already in the crosshairs of Republicans, who called the remarks a sign that EPA unfairly targets companies.
Energy ‘feed-in tariffs’ rebranded for Americans
>> InsideClimate News
Proponents say feed-in tariffs are key to stoking the clean energy economy, but advocates have struggled to sell the program in the United States — a problem they blame in part on its loaded name.
Energy sector donations fuel Obama, Romney campaigns
>> Politico
Energy industry bigwigs have spent the past three-plus years talking trash about President Barack Obama’s policies, but that’s not stopping their executives and employees from filling his campaign war chest.
Study finds Americans willing to pay more for renewable energy
>> New York Times
The perception that the American public is adamantly opposed to higher energy costs is at the root of most political opposition to renewable energy. But a new study of public opinion finds that people are in fact willing to pay to move to cleaner energy.
Minnesota glassmaker says DOE loan delay didn’t prompt sale
>> Minneapolis Star Tribune
The founder of high-tech window factory in Minnesota is denying a suggestion that two years of government foot-dragging over a promised loan guarantee triggered the company’s sale to a French firm.
Despite switch to natural gas, Tenaska plant still faces opposition
>> Springfield State Journal-Register
A coalition that includes Exelon and environmental groups said it will continue to work against a bill in the Illinois General Assembly that the company needs to have passed this spring to allow the plant to go forward.
Enbridge plans to expand Michigan, Indiana pipeline
>> Reuters
Enbridge plans to spend $1.3 billion doubling the capacity of its Line 6B in Michigan and Indiana as refiners boost demand for inexpensive Canadian crude.
Ohio officials want accounting of troubled solar firm’s finances
>> Toledo Blade
Willard & Kelsey Solar Group — a company that shelled out more than $1 million to its executives and spent thousands on travel and entertainment in a matter of months — owes the state about $800,000 in past-due loan payments.
Regulator overseeing Ft. Calhoun nuclear plant subject of complaint
>> Omaha World-Herald
The senior federal regulator leading the inspection of a troubled nuclear reactor near Omaha is the target of a complaint to Congress over his handling of the reactor’s problems.
