Xcel raises concerns about coal shortfalls in Minnesota

OHIO: A case going before the Ohio Supreme Court could have a major impact on distributed generation in the state, while raising questions about corporate separation and possible conflicts of interest for regulated utilities. (Midwest Energy News)

COAL: Xcel Energy says rail backlogs are leading to coal shortfalls at Minnesota’s largest power plant. (La Crosse Tribune)

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EPA: Ohio, Indiana, Nebraska, Kansas and South Dakota are among 12 states suing to block EPA carbon rules. (New York Times)

ALSO: Wisconsin Energy and Ameren challenge EPA emission rules, and environmental groups sue over delays to soot regulations. (Milwaukee Business Journal, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Greenwire)

RENEWABLES: Solar and wind are now routinely generating more electricity than hydropower in the U.S. (The Hill)

PIPELINES: A proposed Iowa pipeline faces a lengthy regulatory process. (Associated Press)

OIL: A state report finds 1 in 7 North Dakota jobs is related to the oil and gas industry, and farmers say leasing rules are too favorable to the oil industry. (Bismarck Tribune)

BIOFUELS: A $400 million biodiesel refinery will be built in Ohio, Kansas ethanol plants begin producing a corn-based diesel alternative, and small-engine retailers push back against higher ethanol blends. (Dayton Business Journal, Topeka Capital-Journal, Minnesota Watchdog)

SOLAR: A Nebraska utility crowd-funds a new solar installation, solar powers a St. Louis mausoleum, and a Michigan automotive company’s tracking solar installation is the largest of its kind in the state. (Lincoln Journal Star, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, MLive) 

ELECTRIC CARS: Elon Musk says electric vehicles will compete with gasoline cars on price alone within 10 years. (ClimateWire)

COAL ASH: Wisconsin regulators approve a $13 million coal ash dump expansion. (Wausau Daily Herald)

CARBON CAPTURE: Coal companies see a ​“significant role” for enhanced oil recovery in cutting carbon emissions. (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)

TECHNOLOGY: Wisconsin announces $900,000 in funding for the state’s Energy Innovation Center. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

COMMENTARY: Ohio regulators shouldn’t allow FirstEnergy to keep efficiency documents secret, and an economist debunks six myths that prevent climate change action. (Cleveland Plain Dealer, New York Times)