MINNESOTA: Adovocates and lawmakers push back against a House Republican’s plan to undo many of the state’s clean energy policies. (Minneapolis Star Tribune)

RENEWABLES: A Bloomberg New Energy Finance report predicts 2015 will be a “transformative year” in clean energy development. (ClimateProgress)

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SOLAR:
• Missouri solar companies say policy uncertainty is limiting their ability to grow. (St. Louis Public Radio)
• A new study suggests ways for utilities to build new business models around solar power. (Utility Dive)

COAL:
• A settlement will require a Minnesota utility to cut sulfur emissions at a coal plant along the North Shore of Lake Superior. (Midwest Energy News)
• Despite differences with his own party, Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder continues his push to move the state away from coal. (Battle Creek Enquirer)
• Lake Michigan fish are safer to eat, despite little change in mercury levels. (Interlochen Public Radio)
• Railroads are seeing fewer delays in coal shipments. (Platts)

MICHIGAN: While warning about capacity shortfalls, a Michigan utility won’t comment about shelved plans for a new power plant. (MLive)

FRACKING: Documents show a drilling executive sought to influence Oklahoma research into earthquakes as early as 2011. (EnergyWire)

OIL TRAINS:
• North Dakota lawmakers seek to eliminate funding for a state rail-safety program. (Associated Press)
• A Washington state shipping company sues BNSF Railway for $41 million, alleging preferential treatment of oil and coal trains damaged its business. (Columbia Basin Herald)

NUCLEAR: Operators of a Michigan nuclear plant pledge to increase transparency amid growing safety concerns. (MLive)

ILLINOIS: Operators of a southern Illinois power plant seek to slash its tax valuation, which could have a devastating impact on a nearby school district. (Carbondale Southern Illinoisan)

TRANSPORTATION: What impact does density have on carbon emissions? (Grist)

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COMMENTARY: Dynegy’s CEO attacks Exelon’s plan to boost revenues for its nuclear plants. (Crain’s Chicago Business)

CORRECTION: An item in yesterday’s digest erroneously said Michigan State University will stop burning coal this year. The target is the end of next year.