PJM analysis shows regional, not state-by-state, approach to Clean Power Plan would be less costly

MICHIGAN: Despite success thus far, Republican lawmakers oppose higher renewable and efficiency standards in new comprehensive energy policy. However, their plans differ on what to do with energy choice. (Midwest Energy News, MLive)

GRID: By putting a price on carbon, a new analysis by grid operator PJM shows that it will be less costly for states if they take a regional instead of a state-by-state approach to complying with proposed EPA regulations. (EnergyWire)

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SOLAR: Xcel Energy asks Minnesota regulators to prohibit large solar projects that are comprised of smaller community solar gardens. (Midwest Energy News)

OIL AND GAS:

• A train delivering crude oil derails in northern Illinois near the Mississippi River, causing huge flames and evacuations. (Associated Press)
• Officials say safety regulations are needed to protect the health of oil-field workers. (Bismarck Tribune)
• Low gas prices are starting to affect well production in Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia, the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland reports. (Columbus Business First)
• The Obama administration considered, but then backed away from, enacting national standards to control dangers from transporting oil by rail. (Reuters)
• American Energy Partners may not have the best natural-gas wells in Ohio, but its oil wells are the best in the state. (Columbus Business First)
• A Norway-based company agrees to pay $2 million for illegally operating a well drilled in North Dakota. (Associated Press)

NATURAL GAS: Illinois regulators may open an investigation based on mismanagement allegations against the company that is overseeing a natural gas main replacement program in Chicago. (CBS Chicago)

NUCLEAR: Federal regulators will continue to monitor the Monticello nuclear plant in Minnesota after a security issue was discovered. Another nuclear plant in Minnesota partially shut down Thursday after a fire alarm was triggered. (KSTP-TV, Minneapolis StarTribune)

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WOOD STOVES: Wisconsin lawmakers push legislation that would prohibit the state’s Department of Natural Resources from enforcing new federal rules on emissions from wood stoves. (Associated Press)

COMMENTARY: Certainty for renewable fuels is critical for U.S. energy security. (The Hill)