OHIO: As Ohio utilities seek to require the public to help pay for aging power plants, they are also fighting to keep data that could be used to evaluate those plans under wraps. (Midwest Energy News)

ALSO: A series of public forums will discuss Ohio’s energy future. (Cleveland Plain Dealer)

***SPONSORED LINK: The Midwest Energy Solutions Conference is the largest event of its kind in the region. This event attracts a diverse assemblage of thought leaders from around the nation who share a passion for energy efficiency.***

SOLAR: Among other projects, Minnesota regulators approve a $250 million solar project that notably beat out natural gas on price. (Minneapolis Star Tribune)

EPA: Electric co-ops blast proposed EPA carbon rules. (EnergyWire)

OIL: North Dakota officials propose lifting a ban on radioactive waste, Texas oilfield veteran warns Bakken producers to “go into survival mode” as prices fall, and advocates in Minnesota file suit seeking a broader environmental review of a proposed pipeline. (Bismarck Tribune, Bloomberg, Forum News Service)

UTILITIES: A coalition of business and consumer groups wants Wisconsin regulators to take more time on a proposed utility merger. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES: Minnesota researchers affirm that electric vehicles powered primarily by coal are worse polluters than gasoline cars, echoing earlier findings by the Union of Concerned Scientists; and analysts say electric cars are close to becoming cost-competitive with their gasoline counterparts. (Associated Press, Quartz)

NUCLEAR: The GAO says the NRC’s cost-benefit analysis is flawed; and despite poor economics for current nuclear plants, researchers are developing new technologies they say will be necessary in a carbon-constrained future. (The Hill, New York Times)

TRANSPORTATION: Documents contradict BNSF’s explanations for rail delays that have disrupted shipments of coal and other commodities. (Minnesota Public Radio)

***SPONSORED LINK: Join clean energy entrepreneur Jigar Shah, ELPC’s Brad Klein, and Wisconsin businesses, policymakers, advocates, and utilities at the RENEW Wisconsin Energy Summit on Friday, January 9 in Madison. Early bird registration ends Dec. 20! ***

GREEN ECONOMY: A report projects Iowa will add more than 1,300 clean energy jobs next year. (Des Moines Register)

COMMENTARY: New safety standards for North Dakota crude oil are “pointless.” (Minneapolis Star Tribune)