SOLAR: Massachusetts’ public utilities department recently approved a massive solar incentive program increase, but advocates say the amount of time it took officials to get there bodes poorly for future solar policies. (Boston Globe)

TRANSPORTATION:
• Connecticut and its two main investor-owned utilities partner on a nine-year program intended to support the dramatic expansion of electric vehicles anticipated in the state. (Hartford Courant)
• Pennsylvania environment officials plan to disburse nearly $3 million in grants for greenhouse gas-reducing transportation programs, such as buying lower-emission buses. (WESA)
• Federal transportation officials give the greenlight for Burlington, Vermont, to begin construction on a long-awaited parkway project despite advocates’ pleas that the plan is environmentally unjust. (WCAX)

OIL & GAS:
• New England power plants are increasingly burning oil to generate electricity amid high natural gas prices. (CommonWealth)
• In New York, freezing cold weather led to low pressure problems on a gas maine line in the town of Potsdam. (WWNY)

CLIMATE:
• A coalition of environmental groups sue New Jersey’s Department of Environmental Protection, saying it’s failing to adequately address climate change. (Philadelphia Inquirer)
• University of Maryland researchers say the state lacks data that will help it address flooding, storm surges and other effects of climate change. (CBS Baltimore)
• While the towns along the Boston Harbor are all working toward mitigating sea level rise and coastal flooding, some observers say they need to work together and form a cohesive vision. (Boston Scope)
• A young climate activist in the Washington, D.C., suburbs works to bring regular climate rallies to her school and influence local environmental policies. (Maryland Matters)

COAL:
• A clean energy advocate discusses how cryptocurrency miners are using waste coal to power their Pennsylvania operations, and how the practice isn’t as environmentally friendly as the company claims. (Allegheny Front)
• A FirstEnergy subsidiary agrees to a settlement with federal and Pennsylvania environmental regulators over excessive pollution at two coal ash landfills. (Allegheny Front)

UTILITY BILLS: Sen. Ed Markey of Massachusetts introduces legislation to expand access to the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, with support from a New York representative and senator. (Berkshire Eagle, news release)

GRID:
• New York’s utility regulator requires offshore wind developers to prepare transmission plans when they bid to build a project. (RTO Insider, subscription)
• A Maine couple leaps to social media popularity through videos of their off-grid lifestyle, which includes self-designed solar panels and an extensive edible garden. (Bangor Daily News)

FINANCE: The head of the New York State Teachers’ Retirement System doesn’t disagree with state legislators’ desire to see the pension program divest from fossil fuel investments more quickly but points to the board’s “fiduciary responsibility.” (Pensions & Investments)

COMMENTARY: Two New Hampshire state senators call for the state to develop offshore wind projects to produce jobs and clean energy. (Seacoastonline)

Kathryn brings her extensive editorial background to the Energy News Network team, where she oversees the early-morning production of ENN’s five email digest newsletters as well as distribution of ENN’s original journalism with other media outlets. From documenting chronic illness’ effect on college students to following the inner workings of Congress, Kathryn has built a broad experience in her more than five years working at major publications including The Week Magazine. Kathryn holds a Bachelor of Science in magazine journalism and information management and technology from Syracuse University.

Bridget is a freelance reporter and newsletter writer based in the Washington, D.C., area. She compiles the Northeast Energy News digest. Bridget primarily writes about energy, conservation and the environment. Originally from Philadelphia, she graduated from Emerson College in 2015 with a degree in journalism and a minor in environmental studies. When she isn’t working on a story, she’s normally on a northern Maine lake or traveling abroad to practice her Spanish language skills.