NOTE TO READERS: The Energy News Network will be taking a two-week break for the holidays. Northeast Energy News will return on Monday, January 4. Thank you for your support this year!
EFFICIENCY: After nine years at No. 1, Massachusetts loses its ranking as the most energy efficient state to California by a national advocacy. (CommonWealth Magazine)
ALSO: An annual campaign in Vermont to promote weatherization goes virtual this year due to the pandemic. (Energy News Network)
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TRANSPORTATION: Northeast states may on Monday release a long-awaited plan to create a cap-and-invest program for tailpipe emissions. (E&E News, subscription)
NATURAL GAS:
• Critics of a 650 MW natural gas power plant say an approval by state officials runs counter to Connecticut’s climate goals. (Energy News Network)
• A Rhode Island town endorses a plan to solve an energy shortage in a part of the state that does not require construction of new natural gas infrastructure. (Newport Daily News)
• The natural gas impact fee collected from unconventional well drilling in Pennsylvania will fall to a record low this year as prices on which it is based tumble due to the pandemic. (The Center Square)
TRANSMISSION:
• A Maine court rules an anti-transmission line group must disclose its donors to the state Ethics Commission in an investigation of whether it should register as a political committee. (Bangor Daily News)
• Three First Nations in Quebec challenge the transmission line through Maine saying the power destined for it is generated illegally. (Sun Journal)
WIND: Developers say the 72.6 MW Weaver Wind project in Maine is now operating. (news release)
DIVESTMENT: Two dozen Boston College alumni and supporters ask the Massachusetts attorney general to investigate the school’s investment in fossil fuels with an eye on compelling divestment. (National Catholic Reporter)
GRID: PJM and two utilities conduct an exercise to test the response to an unplanned natural gas pipeline disruption during extreme weather. (Daily Energy Insider)
COMMENTARY:
• An environmental journalist says a company announcement that it will supply hydroelectricity to 21 New England towns misrepresents its status as federal relicensing permits are months into the future. (VT Digger)
• A Delaware interfaith leader says the state should follow the lead of its neighbors and commit to offshore wind to promote jobs, cleaner air and combat climate change. (Cape Gazette)
• A Vermont company transitioning to clean energy says a missing piece is reducing transportation emissions, so it endorses a multi-state initiative to cap them. (VT Digger)
• A Maryland manufacturer in the clean transportation vehicle sector says the state should formally join the Transportation Climate Initiative when its program is released. (Maryland Matters)