OHIO:
• A proposed eight-year settlement agreement emerges as FirstEnergy seeks income guarantees for its struggling plants in the state. The plan also sets a goal to reduce carbon emissions 90 percent by 2045. (RTO Insider)
• Even if ratepayers have to absorb some of the costs to keep them open, a FirstEnergy executive says it is a “win-win-win.” (Columbus Business First)
• Organizations opposed to the settlement call it a “bailout” and say it will cost billions. (Cleveland Plain Dealer)
UTILITIES: An Illinois utility seeks mandatory demand charges, which are normally used for big industrial and commercial customers, on all ratepayers as a way to get all users to “pay their fair share.” (Midwest Energy News)
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MICHIGAN: State Senate leaders say an energy overhaul bill package won’t get passed this year. (MLive)
RAIL: Michigan officials plan to test higher-speed passenger rail to cut down on travel times between Detroit and Chicago. (Capital News Service)
CLIMATE: In a symbolic vote meant to undercut President Obama while in Paris, the U.S. House follows the Senate in attempting to block domestic efforts to curb climate change. (New York Times)
CLEAN TECH: Funding research and development for clean-energy research traditionally has had bipartisan support, but it’s unclear how Republicans will react to President Obama’s commitments with business groups in Paris. (ClimateWire)
OIL AND GAS: State and local governments in North Dakota continue to see a drop in revenue from oil and gas produced on federal lands. (Bismarck Tribune)
BIOFUELS: After the EPA’s announcement, Congressional lawmakers attempt to reform the Renewable Fuel Standard through their own amendments. (E&E Daily)
FRACKING: A hand recount confirms that an anti-fracking ballot initiative in Ohio last month failed to gain voter approval. (Youngstown Vindicator)
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ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE: The U.S. EPA begins a “wholesale attempt to lay a new foundation” for its Office of Civil Rights, which has faced criticism for the way it handles complaints. (Center for Public Integrity)
COMMENTARY: The federal POWER Act stands out as a strong bipartisan initiative to encourage development of industrial energy efficiency, and a popular Michigan brewery could be among the companies that benefit. (Midwest Energy News)