PIPELINES: A lack of transparency from Mariner East pipeline developers leaves communities along the route unclear about emergency procedures in the event of an accident. (Spotlight PA)
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE: Environmental justice advocates say they have been underrepresented in an initiative to reduce transportation emissions in the Northeast. (Energy News Network)
GRID: Five New England governors call for reform of the regional transmission grid to encourage a market design that accommodates larger amounts of carbon-free energy. (Brattleboro Reformer)
CLIMATE: Portland, Maine voters will consider a Green New Deal ballot question to address climate change that critics call too restrictive and unworkable. (Mainebiz)
EMISSIONS: Massachusetts lost ground in 2018 in reducing total emissions as officials blame increases in emissions from transportation and heating. (WHDH)
UTILITIES: New Hampshire utilities begin sending shut-off notices this week as a pandemic-related moratorium is lifted. (WMUR)
SOLAR:
• The owner of a troubled ski resort in western Maine seeks a zoning change to allow a 35-acre solar farm that would impact views from a section of the Appalachian Trail. (Sun Journal)
• Philadelphia officials say they have cut red tape out of the approvals for home solar installers that shave weeks off permit applications. (Philadelphia Inquirer)
EFFICIENCY: Large buildings in New York City will begin posting signs of letter grades ranking them for energy efficiency. (Curbed)
RENEWABLE ENERGY: National Grid unveils its new renewable energy development unit focused on onshore wind, solar and battery storage. (Environment + Energy Leader)
POWER PLANTS: The remaining section of a defunct coal-fired power plant along a Pennsylvania river will be imploded on Friday. (Pennlive)
COMMENTARY:
• An editorial board says the just-passed Connecticut utility reform bill is the first step in a long process to make electric service providers more responsive to consumers. (The Day)
• The Environmental Defense Fund says New York regulators should examine a natural gas supply contract between Con Edison and a Virginia pipeline in which the utility’s unit is an investor.
• An editorial board praises the change in gas companies serving Massacchusets communities rocked by a fatal explosion two years ago, but the new owner must also prove its responsiveness. (Eagle-Tribune)
• Clean energy advocates say a proposed natural gas power plant along New York’s Hudson River is not needed and is a step backward in the state’s transition to renewable energy sources. (Lohud.com)