New transition plan emerges for U.P. coal plant

MICHIGAN: From Gov. Snyder’s energy address that calls for more renewables and efficiency, a new plan emerges for an Upper Peninsula coal plant with We Energies remaining a major player in the region. (MLive, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

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OHIO: Rulings in Ohio utility ​‘bailouts’ could have larger implications for clean-energy development. (Midwest Energy News)

ALSO: Despite clean-energy policy freeze, Ohio conference to showcase solar’s potential there. (Toledo Blade)

WIND AND SOLAR: Federal analysis shows more than half of new capacity added this year will come from wind and solar. (MinnPost)

CLIMATE CHANGE: For the first time in 40 years, CO2 emissions from energy producers did not increase during a time of economic expansion. (New York Times)

COAL: A merger involving Murray Energy would create one of the largest coal companies in the U.S., while competition is shaping up between Illinois Basin and Northern Appalachian coal production. (Bloomberg, Platts)

CLEAN POWER PLAN: PJM report shows how clean energy and regional cooperation can help Ohio cost-effectively comply with the Clean Power Plan. Legislatures in the Southeast and Midwest grapple with policies so states can have the final say in compliance. (NRDC Switchboard, EnergyWire)

SOLAR: Will the growth of natural gas come at the cost of new solar? Also, SolarCity is set to announce major microgrid plans geared toward cities, remote communities, campuses and military bases. (Climate Central, New York Times)

EFFICIENCY: New report shows the benefits of extending energy efficiency policies for affordable, multifamily housing in Missouri. (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)

WISCONSIN: Ethanol mandates is one topic opponents of Gov. Scott Walker are using as evidence of his reversing policy positions. (Associated Press)

OIL AND GAS

• Federal agency orders freight rail companies to remove faulty parts from train cars that it says has been involved in multiple oil train leaks recently. (The Hill)
• Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton and others call for greater rail transportation safety. (Minnesota Public Radio)
• As Keystone XL debate continues, U.S. oil pipeline network continues to grow (Associated Press)
• Ohio’s oil and gas industry is still lobbying Gov. John Kasich to reconsider a severance tax, saying it couldn’t come at a worse time. (Columbus Business Journal) 
• International Energy Agency says oil prices are likely to continue decline. (Associated Press)

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IOWA: Amid shakeup over recent regulatory ruling, Gov. Terry Branstad appoints a new chair to the Iowa Utilities Board. (Associated Press)

COMMENTARY: Moderate Republicans working with Democrats will be key in realizing Gov. Rick Snyder’s energy goals. (Crain’s Detroit Business)