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ELECTRIC VEHICLES: A New Jersey bill would create a commission to study how the state could replace revenue from gasoline taxes if it succeeds in electrifying the vehicle fleet. (NJ Spotlight)
ALSO: A Northeast utility’s venture fund is exploring vehicle-to-grid technology that would allow energy stored in an electric vehicle’s battery be used as a backup power source by the grid or a homeowner. (GreenBiz)
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EFFICIENCY: A Massachusetts city and utility partner to cut energy use and reduce emissions from the city’s largest buildings. (Energy News Network)
OIL & GAS: Fracking byproduct ethane used in plastics manufacturing is a major carbon emissions source and is creating a cheaper alternative from oil-based products. (Public Radio International)
UTILITIES: Utility executives, including one with major Northeast operations, say they need to adapt to a changing landscape that requires investments in cleaner technologies. (Daily Energy Insider)
PIPELINES:
• A Massachusetts mayor whose town would site a compressor station says state regulators should review the need for it after two utilities withdrew requests for its capacity. (Patriot Ledger)
• National Grid will use trucked compressed natural gas to supply New England during the harshest winter weather due to limited pipeline capacity. (S&P Global)
POWER PLANTS: A federal judge approves a settlement between a Pennsylvania coal plant operator and state environmental officials that includes a $1 million fine and money set aside for future environmental cleanup. (PennLive)
SOLAR: Federal grants of $1.9 million are going to New Hampshire institutions for solar energy research, including $1.2 million to the University of New Hampshire to study improved access for low-income communities. (Union Leader)
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CLIMATE:
• Western Pennsylvania Democrats walk a fine line between support for the party’s climate agenda and regional support for economic development enabled by fracking. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
• A New York coalition of environmental and labor calls for a $1 billion state fund for climate change projects including aid for mass transit and for communities affected by fossil-fuel plant closures. (Associated Press)
COMMENTARY:
• A public interest advocate says Vermont must take more concrete actions to meet greenhouse gas reduction commitments in its climate legislation. (VT Digger)
• A New York City council member says utilities’ poor performance over the past year shows the need for public ownership. (New York Daily News)