OFFSHORE WIND: Federal officials release the environmental assessment for the Vineyard Wind offshore wind project in Massachusetts that says six configurations would have roughly the same effect on the fishing industry. (CommonWealth Magazine)

ALSO: Massachusetts fishermen criticize a state compensation plan to offset the effects of offshore wind development, saying it undervalues industry contributions and was developed without their input. (National Fisherman)

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EMISSIONS: A Pennsylvania House panel advances a bill to limit Gov. Tom Wolf’s move to join a regional carbon cap-and-trade compact by first requiring legislative approval. (The Center Square)

EFFICIENCY: About a half-million New Jersey Natural Gas customers will be given a free smart thermostat. (Smart Energy International)

SOLAR: The chairman of the Massachusetts energy committee says expanding the definition of land ineligible for solar development will halt dozens of shovel-ready projects. (Taunton Daily Gazette) 

CLEAN ENERGY:
• Washington D.C. regulators will study integration of distributed energy resources, including ownership and energy storage. (Utility Dive)
• A state-sponsored program in New York targets the development of clean energy resources on brownfields and other less desirable sites. (Utility Dive)

TRANSMISSION: Opponents of a Maine power line to import Canadian hydropower ask state environmental officials to stay their approval of the project until a statewide referendum and court challenges are completed. (Mainebiz)

STORAGE: A developer completes two community solar projects in Massachusetts backed by more than 8 MWh of storage. (Solar Power World)

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POLITICS: Two supporters of the Green New Deal face off in a New York congressional primary that pits an establishment veteran against the progressive left. (E&E News, subscription required) 

COMMENTARY:
• The sponsor of two environmental justice bills in the New Jersey legislature says they are needed to improve the quality of life and economic prospects of low-income residents. (NJ.com)
• An energy storage provider says the Massachusetts Clean Peak Standard sets a national precedent on how to value renewable energy dispatched during hours when it is needed the most. (Utility Dive) 

Bill is a freelance journalist based outside Albany, New York. As a former New England correspondent for RTO Insider, he has written about energy for newspapers, magazines and other publications for more than 20 years. He has an extensive career in trade publications and newspapers, mostly focused on the utility sector, covering such issues as restructuring, renewable energy and consumer affairs. Bill covers Maine, Vermont and New Hampshire and also compiles the Northeast Energy News daily email digest.