SOLAR: Massachusetts finalizes rules to expand solar programs but revises some land use restrictions that have caused alarm among project developers. (Greentech Media)

ALSO:
• A 5 MW community solar project is proposed for a Maine town and surrounding communities. (Wiscasset Newspaper)
• A Vermont town board rejects a solar array on a farm after it received the go-ahead from town planners. (Times Argus)

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CLEAN ENERGY: Activists and legislators in Massachusetts push a bill to transition to 100% clean energy on a more compressed timeline than proposed by Gov. Charlie Baker as the legislative sessions draws to a close. (Energy News Network)

EMISSIONS: A federal appeals court sides with New York and other states and orders the Environmental Protection Agency to further review emissions from 350 sources that cross into neighboring states. (The Hill)

TRANSPORTATION: Most Northeastern states and several others sign an agreement to commit to zero-emissions trucks and buses by 2050. (Utility Dive)

OIL & GAS: Removing natural gas as a building heating source comes with high stakes as New York, California and possibly Massachusetts consider the move. (Grist)

DIVESTMENT: The University of Vermont trustees unanimously vote to divest fossil fuels from its endowment. (Vermont Biz)

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MICROGRIDS: Connecticut launches three regulatory proceedings for grid modernization that will impact the development of microgrids in the state. (Microgrid Knowledge)

COMMENTARY:
• Food and Water Watch says Pennsylvania’s subsidies to a petrochemical plant will create fewer jobs than promised, while similar investment in renewable energy would have created more employment. (news release)
• A shale gas advocacy group says a Pennsylvania grand jury report blasting the industry is a “disservice” to the state. (Observer-Reporter)

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Bill Opalka

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.