OHIO: Both witnesses slated for the final meeting of Ohio’s Energy Mandates Study Committee want the state to scrap its clean energy standards altogether, amid a broader debate of clean energy’s role in economic growth. (Midwest Energy News)

CLIMATE: A report by more than 400 scientists concludes 2014 was the hottest year on record, with growing concern about heat buildup in the world’s oceans. (Associated Press)

***SPONSORED LINK: Nominations are now open for the Midwest Energy News “40 under 40.″ We are looking for leaders and innovators from all sectors — industry, government, business, and advocacy. Submit your nomination now!***

WIND:
• A new report says Iowa could get 40 percent of its energy from wind power within five years. (Des Moines Register)
• Speakers at an Illinois conference say the state has the potential to be the number 2 state for wind energy. (WJBC)
• A proposed 200 MW project could break the slump in wind energy development in Minnesota. (Midwest Energy News)
• A Michigan wind farm will be open for public tours this summer. (MLive)

SOLAR: As an Iowa utility explores possible community solar projects, one small town is ready to make the leap. (Midwest Energy News)

PIPELINES: Wisconsin’s budget bill contains a measure to make it easier for pipeline developers to use eminent domain. (Wisconsin Gazette)

OIL AND GAS: Ohio regulators announce new regulations for well pad construction. (Columbus Dispatch)

NUCLEAR:
• Two years after a $748 million upgrade, a Minnesota nuclear plant is running at higher capacity. (Minneapolis Star Tribune)
• DTE Energy says it remains open to expanding the Fermi nuclear plant in Michigan. (Michigan Radio)

COAL: Landowners continue to fight a permit for a proposed coal slurry pone in Illinois. (Illinois Times)

UTILITIES:
• Customers of a North Dakota-based utility say its proposed increase in net metering fees for distributed generation — to help cover costs including upgrades to a coal plant — is unfair. (Associated Press)
• A survey finds most customers, even some with rooftop solar, are increasingly satisfied with their utilities. (Greentech Media)

POLLUTION: A Muscatine, Iowa company that was a major contributor to the city’s poor air quality has completely transitioned from coal to natural gas. (Cedar Rapids Gazette, Midwest Energy News archive)

ILLINOIS: A grant program in Naperville helps support renewable energy projects. (Chicago Tribune)

COMMENTARY: Why renewable energy is key for Michigan’s future economic growth. (Midwest Energy News)