Ms. VICKIE PATTON (Environmental Defense): EPA has, in a number of instances, taken a step back from its proposal and instead will allow some of these high-polluting, older coal plants to continue to discharge smog-forming and haze-forming pollution at a level that doesn't really reflect what today's modern pollution control technology can, in fact, achieve.

NPR: E.P.A Proposes New Rules on Haze

Hamburg, where the party is forming its first state-level coalition with the Greens, will seek to make referendums binding on the legislature.

ECONOMIST: If you thought Germany did not do referendums, think again

Divide the television-revenue pie and level the playing field by forming more teams in large markets like New York.

FORBES: Play More Ball!

The SPD has ruled out forming an alliance with the radical Left Party at the federal level, limiting Mr Steinmeier's coalition options.

BBC: 'Merkel factor' could decide German vote