NUCLEAR: Exelon proposes a new utility bill surcharge for its Illinois power plants, as mayors of Illinois towns write letters to lawmakers encouraging them to support the plants. (Crain’s Chicago Business, Bloomington Pantagraph)
KEYSTONE XL: President Obama vetoes a bill that would have forced approval of the Keystone XL pipeline. (New York Times)
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COAL: Ohio utilities are taking different approaches to prepare for the Supreme Court’s ruling on EPA mercury rules. (Midwest Energy News)
KANSAS: State lawmakers will try again to repeal Kansas’ renewable energy standard; advocates say keeping the law in place will be key to meeting EPA carbon targets. (Midwest Energy News)
SOLAR: An Indiana anti-solar bill appears to be stalling in the legislature, and a proposed solar array in Carbondale, Illinois is criticized as “environmental racism.” (Indianapolis Star, Carbondale Southern Illinoisan)
OIL: North Dakota approves legislation to strengthen pipeline oversight, and a labor leader says more refinery workers could go on strike. (Forum News Service, Reuters)
ETHANOL: Low gasoline prices are wiping out ethanol profit margins, and 55,000 gallons of ethanol are still unaccounted for after a rail spill into the Mississippi River earlier this month. (Bloomberg, Associated Press)
UTILITIES: A Wisconsin utility hires a consultant to lead community meetings on its future direction. (Madison Capital Times)
GRID: Why a recent cold snap isn’t having as much impact on the grid as last year’s frigid winter. (Columbus Business First)
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CLIMATE: A closer look at Willie Soon’s climate misinformation. (InsideClimate News)
COMMENTARY: Seven predictions for the solar market in 2015. (Greentech Media)