OIL & GAS: The Philadelphia refinery that was damaged by an explosion and fire last week may permanently close with layoffs expected to be announced today. (Reuters)
ALSO: A review of the explosion and fire at the refinery will include study of the potential release of a dangerous chemical. (StateImpact Pennsylvania)
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TRANSMISSION:
• Massachusetts regulators approve power contracts with Hydro-Quebec to import Canadian energy over a proposed power line in Maine over objections questioning its environmental benefits. (CommonWealth Magazine)
• A Maine town in the path of a transmission line to impart Canadian hydropower voted by show of hands to oppose the project in a non-binding resolution. (Sun Journal)
NUCLEAR: A nuclear services company that has been acquiring closed power plants received $260 million in tax breaks from New Jersey did not disclose it had similar aid from Ohio revoked when it failed to create promised jobs. (ProPublica)
EFFICIENCY: Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan signed an executive order directing energy efficiency studies and policies for state-owned buildings. (CBS Baltimore)
WIND: Massachusetts U.S. Sen. Edward Markey reintroduced legislation to extend the investment tax credit for offshore wind days after his visit to a proposed shoreline industry hub. (Herald News)
PIPELINES:
• Opponents of a proposed natural gas pipeline in Vermont have been permitted by regulators to intervene in the state’s review of ownership changes by utilities’ Canadian parent companies. (VT Digger)
• Health officials from 100 Massachusetts communities have written to Gov. Charlie Baker asking for a state study of the health and safety risks of natural gas infrastructure projects. (Eagle-Tribune)
SOLAR:
• A developer has scrapped plans to turn a western Massachusetts golf course into a solar farm. (Berkshire Eagle)
• Residential solar installers are asking Massachusetts to consider changes to a proposed state program to lower homeowner costs and shorten interconnection waiting times. (PV Magazine)
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RENEWABLE ENERGY: Maine Gov. Janet Mills will sign three bills that promote clean energy, including an increase in the state’s renewable portfolio standard. (Associated Press)
COMMENTARY:
• An editorial board says Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf must act quickly to order a study on the potential health risks of fracking. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
• Former Maine Gov. John Baldacci, also a board member of the parent company of Central Maine Power, has been conspicuously absent from any discussion about a disastrous rollout of a new billing system, a columnist writes. (Press Herald)