CLIMATE: The Massachusetts Senate passes an amended climate bill that incorporates some of Gov. Charlie Baker’s technical suggestions but rejects his most serious objections on timelines and net-zero buildings. (WBUR)
TRANSMISSION: Maine legislators again object to Hydro-Quebec’s lobbying against referenda to defeat a proposed transmission corridor, saying a foreign entity should not be allowed to influence an election. (Maine Public)
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SOLAR:
• Pennsylvania sets a record with 265 MW of new solar generation capacity installed in 2020. (Pennlive)
• Rhode Island considers a bill that would require solar panel manufacturers to fund and run a program to recycle used solar panels that installers say would create an unnecessary burden. (ecoRI)
PIPELINES: Massachusetts officials survey residents of three towns impacted by a 2018 pipeline explosion on how to spend settlement money paid by the gas utility. (Eagle-Tribune)
RENEWABLE ENERGY: Pennsylvania’s targets for renewable energy are set to max out this year but legislative leaders are unlikely to increase them. (StateImpact Pennsylvania)
TECHNOLOGY: Residents and legislators speak against a proposed facility that would turn medical waste into energy at a Rhode Island hearing. (WJAR)
ELECTRIC VEHICLES: State and local officials from Pennsylvania say the federal government must do more to lead the transition to cleaner electric vehicles. (StateImpact Pennsylvania)
HYDROPOWER: Towns along the Kennebec River tell Maine officials they would lose tax revenue if dams are removed in an attempt to restore Atlantic salmon spawning areas. (CentralMaine.com)
UTILITIES: Vermont regulators on Friday approved plans by two utilities to expand broadband internet access to hard-to-reach areas of the state. (news release)
COMMENTARY:
• The Appalachian Mountain Club says methane regulation from fracking is critical in Pennsylvania to protect the environment and public health. (Morning Call)
• Connecticut’s former top utility regulator says the state’s regulatory structure is flawed in that its utility commission’s budget and personnel are controlled by the department that is a party to its actions. (CT Post)
• A Boston city councilor says the next mayor chosen later this year must be bold on climate action with an emphasis on environmental justice. (CommonWealth Magazine)