OFFSHORE WIND: The Trump administration orders an additional study for the Vineyard Wind project in Massachusetts, extending its review into early 2020. (Bloomberg)
ALSO:
• The proposed turbine configuration is a likely cause for delay as fishing interests propose separate alternatives for the wind farm’s layout. (CommonWealth Magazine)
• The delay exposes several vulnerabilities the industry faces as it tries to establish itself in the U.S. (Greentech Media)
• A Long Island citizens group opposes the preferred landing spot for transmission cables to connect New York’s first offshore wind project to the grid. (Newsday)
• PJM says it has seen growing interest from transmission developers looking to build projects for anticipated offshore wind development. (Platts)
POWER PLANTS: FirstEnergy will close the last coal-fired power plant in Pennsylvania on Nov. 7, nearly two years earlier than expected, due to economic conditions. (Beaver County Times)
PIPELINES:
• Federal officials unveil proposals to curb states’ power to block pipeline construction using the Clean Water Act. (Reuters)
• Pennsylvania environmentalists say a pipeline explosion at the Mariner East project last week shows a lack of proper oversight. (BCTV)
• Environmentalists increase efforts to block the PennEast pipeline through central New Jersey after the developer resubmits the proposal. (Bridgewater Courier News)
• New York environmental officials again deny a water quality permit for the National Fuel pipeline, but company officials say federal approval preempts state actions. (Platts)
SOLAR: A Rhode Island solar farm gains approval from local planners after the developer agrees to downsize the project and clear less woodland than originally proposed. (Providence Journal)
HYDROPOWER: Owners of small hydropower plants in New York that have been left out of state subsidy programs hope to qualify for aid under pending legislation. (Times Union)
BIOMASS: A Maine business forum will discuss the impact a proposed power line from Canada to import hydropower may have on the local biomass industry. (CentralMaine.com)
TRANSMISSION: An early opponent of the Northern Pass transmission line in New Hampshire stages a symbolic tower burning to mark the demise of the project after a recent court decision. (Union Leader)
COMMENTARY: An environmental organization says Vermont made scant progress on climate action this year in stark contrast to nearby states. (Rutland Herald)