COAL: Illinois regulators adopt new rules that require more public participation and consideration of multiple removal options for closing more than 70 coal ash storage ponds across the state that contain toxic waste. (St. Louis Public Radio)

POLITICS:
• The debate over clean energy legislation in Minnesota shows a deep divide between Democrats and Republicans on climate change. (MPR News)
• Indiana county officials are relieved after a bill that would have limited local control over wind and solar siting fails to pass. (Palladium-Item)

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SOLAR:
• Kansas advocates say a recent ruling that refunds previous fees on Evergy rooftop solar customers could have national implications and signals a shift in favor of consumers. (Wichita Eagle)
• Developers formally request permission to build a 300 MW solar project east of Madison, Wisconsin. (HNG News)
• State regulators approve plans for a 107 MW solar project in northwestern Ohio. (Toledo Blade)
• The declining cost of solar is allowing more low- and moderate-income customers to access projects, researchers find. (Inside Climate News)
• A 2.1 MW solar project developed under Illinois’ adjustable block program is expected to save county ratepayers $4 million. (Solar Power World)
• A Wisconsin community considers new solar siting regulations as new project proposals are expected. (Kenosha News)

WIND: The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe is in the early stages of determining specific sites for wind turbines on its south-central North Dakota reservation. (Bismarck Tribune)

GRID: Grid operator MISO issues a long-term transmission roadmap that experts say could help unlock renewable energy projects in the central U.S. (E&E News, subscription)

UTILITIES: Missouri regulators allow Ameren to redirect $3.5 million to further help low-income customers needing assistance because of the pandemic. (News Tribune)

POWER PLANTS:
• Developers describe a planned Illinois natural gas plant that captures and stores emissions on site as a “game-changer.” (WAND)
• An Illinois bill would require property owners to notify the public ahead of planned power plant demolitions. (The Telegraph)

OIL & GAS:
• A federal judge rules that a BP refinery in northwest Indiana repeatedly violated air pollution standards for soot emissions between 2015 and 2018. (Associated Press)
• North Dakota oil production dropped 6% in February during a cold weather snap that caused rolling blackouts in the region. (Bismarck Tribune)

PIPELINES:
• North Dakota could temporarily lose 400,000 barrels per day of oil production if the Dakota Access pipeline is shut down, state officials say. (Reuters)
• Tribes will continue to pressure the Biden administration to shut down Dakota Access even though it opted to allow the line to keep operating at least temporarily. (Bismarck Tribune)
• Construction continues on a 46-mile natural gas pipeline through southeastern Wisconsin. (Journal Times)

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BUILDINGS: Ann Arbor, Michigan officials will hold a public workshop next month for residents interested in switching from natural gas to heat pumps for home heating. (MLive)

BIOFUELS:
• Indiana biofuel producers continue to urge Gov. Eric Holcomb to veto a bill that would require specific signage at fueling stations. (Shelbyville News)
• An Iowa ethanol plant is back to full capacity after being idled during the early stages of the pandemic. (NWestIowa.com)