BALLOT INITIATIVE: Ohio voters could potentially be asked three questions on the same issue surrounding a clean-energy ballot proposal in order to comply with the state constitution, state election officials rule. (Toledo Blade)

FRACKING: Despite opposition from lawmakers, Ohio advocates are still pushing to increase the state’s severance tax on drilling. (Midwest Energy News)

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SOLAR:
• After a slow start, community solar is growing in Michigan with at least four new projects announced within the past year and more on the way. (Midwest Energy News)
• Local officials in Minnesota move forward on plans for a 5-megawatt solar garden, the first in the city. (St. Cloud Times)

CLEAN POWER PLAN:
• Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder says while new federal rules may bring short-term economic challenges, “It’s a good thing for us, longer term, to move away from coal to cleaner sources of energy.” (MLive)
• The CEO of American Public Power Association says: “This is a [national] energy policy. Like it or not, we have one now.” (Lincoln Journal Star)

SOLAR: A variety of complicated fees on rooftop solar is having a chilling effect on the industry’s growth. (Climate Central)

RAIL SAFETY:
• Minneapolis City Council members want railroad companies to better communicate with the city about hazardous materials being shipped through from North Dakota. (Pioneer Press)
• Following the weekend’s accidents, Wisconsin lawmakers propose legislation to boost rail safety; meanwhile, the tracks where an ethanol train derailed have been returned to service. (LaCrosse Tribune, Associated Press)

OIL AND GAS:
• Despite low prices, large-production wells in the Utica shale are still economical to develop. (Columbus Business First)
• North Dakota’s governor says the oil slump won’t hurt the state’s record population growth because its economy has diversified. (Associated Press)

ETHANOL:
• A national group opposed to the nationwide ethanol mandate extends its ad campaign to Indiana, saying the Renewable Fuel Standard hurts the environment and food prices. (The Hill)
• The campaign is pitting farmers against anti-ethanol interests. (Minnesota Public Radio)

WIND: The first turbine in a 107-megawatt wind farm in North Dakota becomes operational. (Bismarck Tribune)

UTILITIES:
• Declining wholesale prices of power continue to put stress on Ohio utilities that own coal and nuclear plants. (Utility Dive)
• Stagnant electricity demand is prompting a surge in mergers and acquisitions among utilities. (USA Today)

COMMENTARY:
• A revised version of Michigan Republicans’ energy plan moves the state closer to full regulation. (Detroit News)
• President Obama’s Keystone XL decision may be the “birth of a potent, continuing campaign on the order of the U.S. Civil Rights movement” or “empty symbolism,” depending on whom you ask. (MinnPost, Cleveland Plain Dealer)