Peabody Energy signals bankruptcy as it warns of restructuring

COAL: Peabody Energy, the world’s largest coal company, moves closer to bankruptcy by warning that it may have to restructure in court. (New York Times)

ALSO:
• An active coal mine in Southern Illinois owned by Peabody exemplifies fears over whether the company will be able pay to clean it up as it faces bankruptcy. (Midwest Energy News)
• Arch Coal executives were paid $8 million in bonuses the day before the company filed for bankruptcy in January. (ClimateWire)
• A St. Louis-based mining company is still in talks with creditors as it seeks to restructure more than $1.2 billion in debt. (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)

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OHIO: A $13 billion clean energy ballot initiative in Ohio faces opposition from major utilities and business groups because the program would be administered by a private, out-of-state company. (SNL)

FINANCE: The Union of Concerned Scientists says Michigan could leverage $3 billion in private investment for renewables and efficiency by establishing a ​“green bank.” (Utility Dive)

RENEWABLES: A small town in northern Ohio must decide how it will spend $2 million generated by swapping high-priced renewable energy credits for low cost RECs. (EcoWatch)

SOLAR: Officials in a South Dakota county will consider a six-month moratorium on solar development permits. (Rapid City Journal)

UTILITIES: The CEO of Dynegy says he continues to be influenced by former NRG Energy executive David Crane. (EnergyWire)

WIND: Making the case for offshore wind in Lake Erie. (Cleveland Plain Dealer)

NATURAL GAS: Natural gas is becoming the primary source of electricity in the nation. (UPI)

EMISSIONS: Decoupling is confirmed as global greenhouse gas emissions remain flat while global GDP grows. (Washington Post)

ETHANOL: Low oil prices are cutting into ethanol industry profits, but experts don’t anticipate widespread plant shutdowns. (Des Moines Register)

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FOSSIL FUELS: The chief economist for a major oil company says the concept of a ​“carbon bubble” is a deliberate effort to frighten away investors and capital for coal, oil and gas. (Forbes)

COMMENTARY: ​“As solar costs decrease, subsidies should also decrease.” (Forbes)