OHIO: An Ohio utility will have its chance next month to convince state regulators that its income-guarantee plans for struggling plants will be good for customers. (Columbus Business First)
KEYSTONE XL: TransCanada is quietly planning a response to what company officials expect will be a rejection of the project from the White House. (CBC News)
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MINING: Operations are suspended once again at an Illinois coal mine due to elevated levels of carbon monoxide detected. (SNL Energy)
NUCLEAR:
• A U.S. senator from Michigan wants the International Joint Commission to study a proposed nuclear waste plan in Canada. (Associated Press)
• The Sierra Club files a brief with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission over safety protocol at a southwest Michigan nuclear plant. (MLive)
FRAC SAND: Wisconsin residents are expressing growing concern over stalled railroad cars transporting an increasing amount of frac sand. (WISN-TV)
WIND: A Department of Energy analysis shows wind prices hit a record low last year. (The Hill)
MICHIGAN: Consumers Energy displays major projects on the west side of the state, including the world’s largest air-cooled motors at its pumped storage facility. (MLive)
SOLAR: SunEdison’s financing mechanism used to boost profits is falling out of favor with investors. (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)
EPA: The agency is working on revisions to its mercury and air toxics pollution rule that the Supreme Court said recently didn’t fully account for costs. (The Hill)
OIL AND GAS: Companies in the Utica shale are closing in on joint venture agreements, hoping to survive the time of low oil and gas prices. (Columbus Business First)
EFFICIENCY:
• A new effort is underway to enroll commercial buildings in Minnesota into a federal building efficiency program. (Finance & Commerce)
• A Kansas City startup closes on the property that will become the city’s first net-zero home. (Kansas City Business Journal)
• Next month, global retailer Ikea will start selling only LED light bulbs at its stores as part of its sustainability efforts. (New York Times)
OIL TRAINS: North Dakota taps a BNSF manager who oversaw fiery oil train derailments in the past two years to work on a state-run safety program. (Bismarck Tribune)
COAL:
• West Virginia officials start applying for federal economic development grants to diversify the coal-dependent economy. (Register-Herald)
• Advocates and regulators are concerned that worker pensions and reclamation plans will be abandoned as coal producers struggle financially. (Charleston Gazette-Mail)
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SUSTAINABILITY: New research finds a correlation between sustainability efforts in smaller cities and the presence of a municipal utility. (Phys.org)
COMMENTARY:
• President Obama keeps his promise to “bankrupt the coal industry.” (Telegraph Herald)
• Ohio leaders need to recognize the state’s ability to meet Clean Power Plan goals. (Cincinnati Enquirer)
• The Renewable Fuel Standard is good for U.S. farmers. (MinnPost)
• Claims that the Clean Power Plan will increase rates and cost Michigan jobs are misleading and suspect. (MLive)