FRACKING: Despite a compromise this week, Ohio lawmakers remain divided over legislation that is friendly towards the fracking industry. (Midwest Energy News)
MICHIGAN
• Gov. Rick Snyder creates a new state agency to focus on energy issues. (Associated Press)
• State regulators and a U.P. mining company ask a federal court to review a FERC decision over cost allocations to keep a coal plant open. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
***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.***
BILLING: Ohio regulators allow AEP to disconnect some ratepayers remotely instead of requiring an in-home visit. (Columbus Dispatch)
BIOFUELS: Minnesota legislation would provide incentives for advanced biofuels. (Ethanol Producers Magazine)
COAL: Local officials in Missouri want to revisit a 40-year contract with a coal-burning power plant. (KOMU-TV)
TRANSMISSION: Investments in new transmission to bring renewable energy to more people under the Clean Power Plan could reach $2.5 billion in five years. (ClimateWire)
KEYSTONE XL: Environmental activists want Hillary Clinton’s emails related to the pipeline project. (The Hill)
EPA: Federal lawmakers seek to prohibit regulators from using ‘secret science’ with legislation that would apply more scrutiny to research behind regulations. (The Hill)
EMISSIONS: President Obama will issue an executive order today for federal agencies to slash greenhouse gas emissions. (New York Times)
NATURAL GAS: We Energies promises to ‘clean house’ if state regulators allow its takeover of Peoples Gas. (Crain’s Chicago Business)
SUBSIDIES: A new report shows energy companies and financial firms have received the majority of federal assistance since 2000. (McClatchy)
***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! ***
OIL
• Falling prices continue to negatively impact North Dakota’s budget projections. (Minneapolis StarTribune)
• Nearly 12,000 gallons of saltwater have spilled at a North Dakota disposal well. (Associated Press)
COMMENTARY: Turning to the marketplace is a ‘solid way’ to increase renewables and decrease Michigan’s dependence on coal. (Detroit News)