Posted on March 14, 2023
New Jersey’s utility board opens a third offshore wind capacity solicitation, seeking between 1.2 and 4 GW worth of projects. (news release)
A Maryland bill to generate 8.5 GW of offshore wind power by 2031 and help construct related transmission assets is widely supported, but opponents are lining up to fight it. (Maryland Matters)
OIL & GAS:
• In Pennsylvania, a “super-emitter incident” in 2022 released enough methane equal to running 360,000 cars for a year, preventing some town residents from working, and causing health problems including severe headaches and sleep deprivation. (The Guardian)
• Pennsylvania’s state senate advances a bill to phase out diesel emissions rules that match California’s standards but are weaker than federal requirements. (Penn Live Patriot-News)
SOLAR: Offsetting Maine community solar projects via non-participating ratepayers is a “regressive way of funding public policy,” says the state utility commission chair, costing low-income customers the most. (Bangor Daily News)
CLEAN ENERGY:
• In Massachusetts, a clean energy coalition’s new report finds heat pumps would be a more efficient use of resources than trying to replace 20% of fossil gas with green hydrogen. (Inside Climate News)
• Pennsylvania generates little of its own renewable energy, a problem one solar industry observer says could be alleviated if the state updated a clean energy standard set in 2004. (State Impact Pennsylvania)
HYDROPOWER: Brookfield Renewable isn’t meeting the state’s wild Atlantic salmon protection mandate at its Milford hydroelectric dam, according to state documents obtained by environmentalists and the Penobscot Indian Nation. (Associated Press)
CLIMATE:
• A new study finds Maine commercial forest owners could increase carbon storage while harvesting timber at current levels over the next 60 years if they implement climate-friendly management practices. (Maine Public Radio)
• Some families are already migrating to northern New England and New York because of climate change and environmental concerns, leaving regional officials working on how to prepare for a future influx. (NBC 5)
• A 16-year-old Connecticut student co-authored two climate-related bills currently being considered by a state legislative committee. (Hartford Courant)
FLOODING:
• Two nonprofits create a pilot program to provide emergency funds to marginalized New York City residents following extreme, damaging rainfall and flooding. (The City)
• An environmental group plans an over $500,000 salt marsh restoration project in New Jersey and Delaware, a plan that should help protect coastal communities from storm flooding. (WHYY)
WORKFORCE:
• With electric vehicle adoption poised to keep rising in New England, training programs in New Hampshire help mechanics get the skills they need to work on such cars. (NPR)
• New York grants almost $250,000 to a Long Island nonprofit’s renewable energy workforce training program, which has already graduated 115 participants. (Newsday)
REGULATION: New Jersey’s governor announces two utility board nominees, opting not to reappoint two current members. (New Jersey Globe)
