GRID: New Jersey lawmakers want a say in how the state procures electricity as a battle looms with the regional power grid over how much clean energy is acquired and how it is priced. (NJ Spotlight)
OVERSIGHT:
• As virtual power plants emerge in the Northeast and elsewhere, regulators and industry stakeholders grapple with the question of whether they should be controlled by utilities or third parties. (Utility Dive)
• A new report says performance incentives in New York and Rhode Island have been successful in changing utility practices to promote clean energy, efficiency and demand reduction. (Utility Dive)
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PIPELINES:
• County officials in Pennsylvania say a sinkhole that caused mud to spill into a creek at a Mariner East pipeline work site is more reason to shut down the project. (Patch.com)
• A small leak of industrial waste occurs at a Mariner East pipeline construction site as state regulators write to the developer demanding to see what steps it is taking to mitigate damage. (LebTown)
OFFSHORE WIND:
• Some analysts say an overhaul of federal environmental reviews for energy projects may not improve the pace of offshore wind development. (E&E News, subscription required)
• Vineyard Wind hires a contractor to build an onshore substation for its proposed project off the Massachusetts coast once it receives final approvals. (offshoreWIND.biz)
• A Massachusetts community college and Maersk partner to expand courses for students training for offshore wind jobs expected to grow in the state. (reNEWS)
SOLAR: A New York town nears completion of a solar law as its moratorium on new construction expires at the end of the month. (Post-Journal)
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CLIMATE:
• Three western Pennsylvania towns will take part in a state program to promote local climate action plans that pair municipal officials and college students to monitor emissions and develop mitigation plans. (Ellwood City Ledger)
• Elected representatives in a Connecticut city promote passage of a local climate emergency resolution to prompt action on carbon emissions and apply pressure to state and federal officials. (Middletown Press)
COMMENTARY:
• Energy activists in Connecticut say state utility monopolies should be broken into separate companies that acquire energy supplies and provide reliable service as shortcomings are apparent after recent tropical storms. (CT Mirror)
• The Washington, D.C., sustainability coordinator says the District is a leader in energy efficiency because its policies include building performance standards and promotion of on-site renewable energy production. (GreenBiz)