WIND: A decision expected today on whether to list the Northern long-eared bat as endangered could have an impact on Midwest wind producers. (Midwest Energy News)

CLIMATE: The U.S. will submit its plan for carbon reductions this week to the U.N., as most other countries miss the deadline. (Reuters)

***SPONSORED LINK: Greentech Media’s Solar Summit is the industry’s premier annual gathering. Join leaders from across the solar value chain for 2+ days of groundbreaking content and unsurpassed networking opportunities. Get 15% off with code MWENRGY15.***

OIL TRAINS:
• Safety experts find flaws in North Dakota’s new safety regulations. (Reuters)
• BNSF Railway says it will lower speeds of oil trains traveling through Minneapolis-St. Paul. (Minneapolis Star Tribune)

FRAC SAND: Iowa’s state geologist says frac sand mining doesn’t pose a threat to water supplies. (Cedar Rapids Gazette)

FRACKING: A poll finds nearly half of Illinois voters oppose hydraulic fracturing. (Carbondale Southern Illinoisan)

EPA:
• Missouri business and political leaders criticize EPA carbon rules at a panel discussion in St. Louis. (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)
• A legal expert says states have little to lose by ignoring the Clean Power Plan. (Greenwire)

OHIO: The chair of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio is stepping down from his leadership role, but will remain on the commission. (Columbus Business First)

UTILITIES:
• An Ohio utility wants regulators to decide quickly on its proposed coal plant plan. (Columbus Business First)
• South Dakota lawmakers override a veto of a bill that would cut taxes for rural co-ops. (Associated Press)

TECHNOLOGY:
• Duke Energy contributes $1 million to battery research in Indiana as part of a settlement over cost overruns at the Edwardsport plant. (Charlotte Business Journal)
• A federal grant will help launch clean-energy startups in Chicago. (Chicago Tribune)

NUCLEAR: A Minnesota nuclear plant was briefly taken offline because of a false fire alarm. (Minneapolis Star Tribune)

TRANSPORTATION:
• An Illinois bill would impose a $5,000 fine for “rolling coal,” wherein owners of diesel pickups intentionally release clouds of smoke through modified exhaust systems. (Gas 2.0)
• The EPA is reviewing another round of efficiency rules for heavy trucks and buses. (The Hill)
• Iowa school districts consider running buses on propane to cut costs and emissions. (Cedar Rapids Gazette)

***SPONSORED LINK: The 10th annual Advancing Renewables in the Midwest conference will be April 6th & 7th in Columbia, Missouri. This year’s theme is “Expanding Opportunities.” Register today! ***

SOLAR: Going off the grid won’t be a practical option for most homeowners. (Washington Post)

COMMENTARY: Why the world’s first carbon capture project is effectively a subsidy for oil producers at the expense of ratepayers. (Grist)