Wisconsin lawmakers want to end grant for ratepayer group

SOLAR: Critics say a Michigan utility is trying to ​“monopolize” community solar in its territory. (Midwest Energy News)

ALSO:
• Three nonprofits sue to obtain correspondence between Indiana lawmakers and utilities related to a controversial anti-solar bill. (Indianapolis Star)
• A Nebraska town is being considered for a possible $20 million solar project. (Kearney Hub)

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WISCONSIN: State lawmakers want to eliminate a state grant for an organization that advocates on behalf of ratepayers. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

NUCLEAR: A recent MISO capacity auction will likely create a windfall for one of Exelon’s Illinois nuclear plants. (Crain’s Chicago Business)

COAL:
• Ohio-based Murray Energy blames President Obama and West Virginia tax policy as it lays off more than 200 workers. (The Hill)
• ​“An enormous amount of change and innovation” is pushing coal plants out of the market. (Politico)
• A coal industry challenge to the Clean Power Plan employs some unusual legal arguments. (InsideClimate News)
• An Illinois coal mine will remain closed because of elevated carbon monoxide levels from a fire last year. (Associated Press)
• A U.S. House committee approves a bill that would give states authority to regulate coal ash. (Associated Press)

OHIO: The new chair of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio says ​“there is going to be a level playing field at the commission.” (Columbus Business First)

OIL AND GAS:
• An environmental group’s study says states are taking a lax approach to dealing with drilling waste. (InsideClimate News)
• Oklahoma University’s president disputes media reports that he met with a drilling executive to discuss earthquake research. (EnergyWire)
• A South Dakota judge removes 22 interveners from a Keystone XL case for failing to meet a pre-trial deadline. (Rapid City Journal) 

***SPONSORED LINK: What is the media’s role in addressing environmental challenges? Join Ensia magazine for a conversation with journalist Marc Gunther May 20 at the University of Minnesota. Free and open to the public.***

UTILITIES: Why some Illinois utility customers will see lower bills. (Crain’s Chicago Business)

COMMENTARY: Why ​“no fuel costs” is the trump card for renewable energy. (The Energy Collective)