COAL: Minnesota regulators approve Xcel Energy’s plan to run two of its coal plants for just six months of the year as a way to cut emissions and costs for customers. (Forum News Service)

ALSO: The Federal Trade Commission says competition should be maintained as it seeks to block a proposed merger between Arch Resources and Peabody Energy. (Bloomberg Law, subscription)

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POLICY:
• Joe Biden’s clean energy plan draws praise from Ohio Valley groups helping coal-reliant communities transition, though a major union representing miners says it lacks details. (Ohio Valley Resource)
• The Trump administration’s proposed rewrite of the National Environmental Policy Act could have major implications for oil and gas pipelines. (E&E News, subscription)

OIL & GAS:
• An open valve causes roughly 7,500 gallons of oil to spill at a well pad in western North Dakota. (Associated Press)
• We Energies moves forward with plans to spend $370 million building two liquefied natural gas storage facilities in Wisconsin. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

WIND:
• Construction could begin next spring on a central Illinois county’s first commercial wind project, though several procedural steps remain. (Bloomington Pantagraph)
• Local officials schedule a public hearing next month on a proposed 71-turbine wind project in northern Ohio. (Sandusky Register)

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SOLAR:
• A solar installer donates two grid-tied solar systems to an Evansville, Indiana, organization that helps low-income residents. (WEHT)
• A national coalition boosts its lobbying efforts in Michigan to support community solar policies. (Crain’s Detroit Business)

COMMENTARY:
• A Michigan lawmaker says a tunnel for Line 5 is needed to avoid additional truck shipments of liquids now transported by the pipeline. (Traverse City Record-Eagle)
• Wisconsin advocates say the pandemic is “back with a vengeance,” and allowing utilities to disconnect utility customers who are unable to pay their bills “will be a disaster.” (Wisconsin Examiner)
• Critics say the Trump administration’s rewrite of a key environmental law eliminates or curtails crucial reviews of infrastructure projects. (Natural Resources Defense Council)