TRANSPORTATION:
• Critics say a highway project in southern Ohio is unnecessary and a waste of taxpayer money while supporters say it’s needed to drive development in a rural community. (Midwest Energy News)
• President Obama will propose a $10-per-barrel fee on oil to raise billions per year for clean transportation projects. (Washington Post)

EMISSIONS: A Minnesota oil refinery plans to spend $750 million to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and improve energy efficiency. (Minnesota Public Radio)

***SPONSORED LINK: Join more than 600 innovators and decision-makers February 24-26 in Chicago for the Midwest Energy Solutions Conference. With live demonstrations, insightful panels and unparalleled networking, MES 2016 is a can’t-miss conference. Register today!***

OHIO: A group of independent power producers have launched a TV and radio ad campaign criticizing AEP’s and FirstEnergy’s income-guarantee requests. (Columbus Business First)

CLEAN POWER PLAN:
• Midwest Energy News reporter Kathiann M. Kowalski joins experts to discuss the federal rules’ impact on Ohio. (WOSU Radio)
• The United States transition from coal to natural gas and renewables is happening at a faster rate than envisioned under the Clean Power Plan, according to a new report. (Washington Post)

SOLAR:
• One large solar project moves forward in Minnesota while another is delayed for further study on whether it complies with state rules to preserve farmland. (Minneapolis Star Tribune)
• Urbana, Illinois is nearing its goal of 100 kilowatts of solar installations in the area. (WAND-TV)
• DTE Energy has three new utility-owned solar projects operating in Detroit and eastern Michigan. (Associated Press)

CARBON CAPTURE: An unlikely coalition of environmental groups and coal interests push Congress to extend tax incentives for carbon sequestration projects. (E&E Daily)

COAL: A St. Louis-based coal company will extend debt restructuring negotiations with its creditors who own about $600 million of its unsecured bonds. (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)

FRAC SAND: A slowdown in Wisconsin’s frac sand industry isn’t hurting the outlook for expanded natural gas lines, WEC Energy Group’s CEO says. (Milwaukee Business Journal)

SOLAR: A clean-energy venture capitalist and former Greenpeace operative hopes solar companies will unseat oil and gas companies that dominate the energy market. (EnergyWire)

UTILITIES: WEC Energy Group’s earnings rise 48 percent at the end of 2015 following a large merger deal earlier in the year. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

RENEWABLES: The U.S. EIA projects utility-scale renewable projects will supply 14 percent of U.S. electricity this year. (Utility Dive)

*** SPONSORED LINK: Solar Powering Iowa, March 23-24 in Cedar Rapids will be packed with an energizing mix of trainings, keynotes, breakout sessions, and networking. Register now for earlybird rates! Presented by MREA, ISETA, CRA, ELPC, and GPI.***

RATES: Ameren Missouri’s largest electric customer is facing financial troubles, which could likely impact the rates for the utility’s other customers. (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)

CONGRESS: Senate Democrats block action on a comprehensive energy bill following a dispute over federal aid for the Flint, Michigan water crisis. (New York Times)