CLIMATE: EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy emphasizes flexibility for states in implementing new carbon rules. (Greenwire)

ALSO:
• While intended to target emissions that cause climate change, the new EPA rules are also expected to prevent more than 6,000 deaths per year from respiratory ailments. (Chicago Tribune)
• China says it will cap its CO2 emissions. (Reuters)
• A poll finds broad, bipartisan support for new regulations to cut carbon emissions. (ABC News)
• While the EPA’s analysis predicts a decline in coal employment, analysts say the rule “could have been a whole lot worse” for the industry. (Greenwire, Wall Street Journal)
• Coal-state politicians criticize the plan. (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)
• The new rules could provide a lifeline for struggling nuclear plants. (Greenwire)
• Politico projects how the new rules will stand up to different challenges.

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MINNESOTA: The EPA points to Minnesota’s energy policies as an example of how significant carbon reductions can be achieved. (Minneapolis Star Tribune)

OHIO: Coal-dependent Ohio will see major changes in its energy mix, particularly American Electric Power, and a freeze of the state’s renewable energy law could push many of the resulting clean-energy jobs out-of-state. (Columbus Dispatch, Columbus Business First, Toledo Blade)

ILLINOIS: Illinois officials say the state is well-positioned to meet its climate targets, Republican lawmakers attack the plan, which could set up a conflict between the state’s coal and nuclear industries. (WLS, Springfield State Journal-Register, Chicago Tribune)

INDIANA: Fearing higher utility rates, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence pledges the state will “oppose these regulations using every means available.” (Indianapolis Star)

MICHIGAN: Michigan will continue to focus on energy efficiency and retiring coal plants to reduce emissions. (MLive, CBS Detroit)

IOWA: The state’s large wind energy buildout means it’s better positioned than most states to meet new carbon standards. (Des Moines Register)

NORTH DAKOTA: While the state only needs to cut emissions 11 percent, an industry official calls the rules “a recipe for disaster” for coal plants. (Associated Press)

OTHER STATES: Wisconsin | South Dakota | Nebraska | Missouri | Kansas

OIL AND GAS: Industry studies that conclude Bakken oil is safe to ship use questionable methods, Ohio wells cited for environmental violations continue to operate, and North Dakota’s anti-flaring rules take effect. (Reuters, Columbus Dispatch, Associated Press)

COMMENTARY: No, the new EPA rules won’t “destroy the economy.” (Huffington Post)