Posted on April 1, 2024
OFFSHORE WIND: The Biden administration approves the 924 MW Sunrise wind project, slated to be built off Long Island, marking the administration’s seventh major wind project approval. (Associated Press)
ALSO:
- Bids for new offshore wind projects in Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island close today, and results could forecast the future of the industry after a year of upheaval. (E&E News, subscription)
- Protesters at the Maine statehouse look to stop the state from building an offshore wind hub on previously undeveloped Sears Island. (Maine Morning Star)
UTILITIES: A New York state audit finds PSEG Long Island is inadequately managing the Long Island Power Authority, and that its deficient renewable energy and efficiency programs jeopardize its ability to meet state clean energy goals. (Newsday)
ELECTRIC VEHICLES: New Jersey’s governor signs into law a new $250 annual registration fee for electric vehicles to patch a projected downturn in gas tax revenues. (New Jersey Monitor)
GRID:
- An analysis recommends ways Massachusetts can take environmental justice communities, public health, and climate into account as it revamps and rebuilds its electric grid. (Union of Concerned Scientists)
- Fairfield, Connecticut, will appeal the state’s approval of a compromise plan to relocate United Illuminating transmission lines, saying its residents don’t want monopiles erected in the town. (CT Examiner)
STORAGE: Maine is on track to meet its goal of installing 300 MW of energy storage capacity by 2025, according to a report from state regulators. (Utility Dive)
COAL: The bridge collapse in Baltimore is blocking access to the U.S.’s second-largest port for coal exports and will likely disrupt the industry for at least six weeks. (E&E News)
SOLAR: A New York state senator introduces a bill that would increase the tax credit for homeowners to install rooftop solar to $10,000. (Spectrum News)
CLIMATE: Massachusetts’ climate chief discusses the state’s progress on installing heat pumps, and how rising temperatures are already affecting farming and other industries. (Berkshire Eagle)
LITHIUM: A Maine scientist argues a proposed rule change is adequate to allow lithium mining in the state, but environmental and health groups argue more safety considerations are needed. (Maine Morning Star)
HYDROPOWER: A western New York board game maker is awarded low-cost hydropower to support a $6.5 million expansion. (Buffalo News)
COMMENTARY:
- New Hampshire’s public advocate calls out state lawmakers for refusing to move building codes beyond a 2018 standard, saying it will keep newly built homes from including bill-slashing efficiency measures. (InDepthNH)
- A policy analyst highlights green steelmaking’s potential to transform the emissions-heavy industry.
