COAL: An Ohio utility opposes Murray Energy’s attempt to intervene in a rate case that would close two of the utility’s coal plants. (Dayton Business Journal)
ALSO:
• An aging Chicago-area coal plant is an example of the ideal candidate for conversion to natural gas. (Midwest Energy News)
• A Dynegy official says subsidies for renewable energy and nuclear plants are a growing concern for the coal industry. (Platts)
• Coal is a “resource curse” for southern Illinois economies. (WUWM)
SOLAR:
• An Indiana bill to eliminate net metering moves through the committee process with amendments, though advocates are still critical of the bill. (Kokomo Perspective)
• Construction of a 5-megawatt solar array in Minnesota is scheduled to begin in the coming weeks. (Mankato Free Press)
• Xcel Energy launches seven new community solar projects in Minnesota totaling 32 megawatts. (PV Tech)
RENEWABLE ENERGY: A 4.6-megawatt project in Minnesota is slated to be the first commercial integrated solar-wind hybrid power project in the country. (North American Windpower)
ELECTRIC VEHICLES: Indiana and Kansas are among at least six states that have introduced bills that would add fees to electric vehicle owners to pay for road repairs. (Green Car Reports)
CLIMATE: The U.S. Senate is expected to vote soon on whether to use the Congressional Review Act to kill an Obama administration regulation that cuts methane emissions from oil and gas wells on federal land. (Climate Central)
PIPELINES:
• Police officers clear out the remaining Dakota Access pipeline protesters in North Dakota; 33 people are arrested. (Associated Press, Forum News Service)
• Oil will be ready to flow through the pipeline as early as March 6. (Bismarck Tribune)
• South Dakota lawmakers vote to give the governor broad powers in the case of pipeline protests; North Dakota’s governor signs a similar series of bills. (Rapid City Journal, Forum News Service)
REGULATION: Nine people are interviewed for a vacant seat on the North Dakota Public Service Commission. (Forum News Service)
COMMENTARY:
• A dozen businesses and trade groups thank Michigan lawmakers for strengthening the state’s clean energy standards last year. (Midwest Energy News)
• An Ohio editorial board says re-regulating the state’s electric market could jeopardize the local benefits of major investments in natural gas plants. (Youngstown Vindicator)
• The sponsor of an Indiana net metering bill says amendments have been made to address concerns from solar advocates. (Muncie Star Press)