SOLAR: Minnesota regulators adopt a “value of solar” approach to community solar rates, though developers are still concerned over project size caps. (Midwest Energy News)

ALSO:
• A major credit rating agency renews warnings that inaction on solar net metering policies could lead to a “death spiral” for utilities. (SNL / Utility Dive)
• An Ohio school district unveils a new solar installation that aims to provide 12 percent of the schools’ energy needs. (Youngstown Vindicator)
• While 2016 is expected to be a big year for solar development in Minnesota, a new report still ranks the state 33rd in cumulative solar capacity per capita. (Minnesota Public Radio)

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CLIMATE:
• Three Midwest attorneys general say the investigation into whether Exxon Mobil misled investors on climate change is a “grave mistake” and an attempt to “police the global warming debate.” (Midwest Energy News)
• Minnesota’s lieutenant governor says the state should regain its position as a leader in reducing greenhouse gas emissions: “We have lost that leadership.” (Minnesota Public Radio)
• Republican delegates are split on climate change and humans’ role in causing it. (ClimateWire)

OIL BY RAIL:
• A rail industry lobbying group seeks to extend the use of the type of rail cars involved in a recent accident in Oregon beyond 2025. (DeSmog Blog)
• Rail industry advocates in North Dakota are concerned that a proposal to fine rail cars in Washington state due to potential risk could set a “dangerous precedent.” (Bismarck Tribune)

WIND:
• Cuyahoga County in Ohio wants to buy a portion of the output from a planned offshore wind project in Lake Erie for the next 20 years. (Cleveland Plain Dealer)
• A new study says Illinois’ top 25 wind projects generate $30.4 million in annual property taxes and nearly $14 million in extra income annually for landowners who lease land to developers. (Bloomington Pantagraph)

SUSTAINABILITY: Ohio University receives a sustainability award for its efforts on increasing energy efficiency and transitioning off of coal. (Jackson County Times-Journal)

COAL:
• A North Dakota regulator blames wind energy for the pending shutdown of the state’s oldest coal plant. (Grand Forks Herald)
• Coal plant closures in Michigan are the “beginning of the end of an era.” (Michigan Radio)
• A judge allows Peabody Energy to pay back nearly $30 million in taxes it owes in multiple states, including Indiana, as the company moves through bankruptcy. (Associated Press)

COMMENTARY:
• In response to DTE Energy, the president and CEO of a nonprofit pushing for a public utility in Washington D.C. argues for deregulation. (Utility Dive)
• A Consumers Energy official says out-of-state energy companies are not positioned to invest in new generation in Michigan and contribute to the state’s electric reliability. (Detroit News)
• In Illinois, Commonwealth Edison and Ameren are a “tale of two utilities” in embracing the future. (Environmental Defense Fund)