In Minnesota, Xcel Energy has big plans for solar

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SOLAR: Xcel Energy says it is negotiating with solar providers to meet the state’s 1.5 percent solar standard, raising questions over whether it needs a proposed 100 MW solar project designed for peak power needs. (Minneapolis Star Tribune)

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UTILITIES: How a Wisconsin utility’s rate proposal could increase the cost of flushing a toilet in Milwaukee, and a proposal by Dynegy to switch grid operators would likely raise electric bills in Illinois. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, St. Louis Post-Dispatch)

OHIO: A survey finds most Ohioans support the state’s renewable energy and efficiency laws, which were suspended by legislators for two years. (Cleveland Plain Dealer)

WIND: The Energy Department will spend $4.5 million researching how birds and bats interact with wind turbines. (CleanTechnica)

ALSO: The Seattle Times looks at wind opposition in Wisconsin, a permit expires for a proposed Illinois wind farm, and work begins on an Indiana wind farm. (Seattle Times, Bloomington Pantagraph, Muncie Star-Press) 

CLIMATE: A new report finds the world’s major economies are falling behind on meeting emissions targets to prevent the worst impacts of climate change. (Scientific American)

REGULATION: Ohio may change the way it issues wetland permits for pipelines, coal mines and other projects. (Columbus Dispatch)

PIPELINES: The Nebraska Supreme Court hears arguments over a state law authorizing authority to reroute Keystone XL, the route for a proposed pipeline through Iowa is still not clear, and the route of a 590-mile natural gas pipeline through Ohio will be changed in response to environmental surveys. (Greenwire, Sioux City Journal, Columbus Dispatch)

NUCLEAR: A Missouri utility will increase water testing at its nuclear power plant after contamination was found nearby. (Jefferson City News Tribune)

POLITICS: Both of Iowa’s U.S. Senate candidates pledge support for the state’s ethanol industry. (Associated Press)

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AGRICULTURE: A Michigan forum discusses renewable energy opportunities in the state’s agribusiness sector. (MLive)

COMMENTARY: How the military’s push for clean energy is saving money and lives. (Huffington Post)