OFFSHORE WIND: Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker sees potential in a multi-state approach to offshore wind development instead of each New England state pursuing its own contracts. (Statehouse News Service)
ALSO: New Jersey creates an offshore wind safety challenge for entities to develop programs to teach workers safety training and seaside survival skills in the growing industry. (ROI-NJ)
SOLAR:
• The Vermont Senate rejects an executive order by Gov. Phil Scott that would have given new powers to a state land use board and dismantled regional boards that review large-scale development. (VT Digger)
• Borego wins a New York solicitation to build a 110 MW solar array in the northern part of the state. (reNEWS)
• Adjoining towns in upstate New York take different approaches to solar development as one embraces large projects as the other imposes a six-month moratorium. (Albany Times Union)
CLIMATE: Rhode Island legislators hold a hearing to make the state’s aspirational climate goals established seven years ago mandatory. (ecoRI)
TRANSPORTATION:
• After years of criticism for moving too slowly to adopt electric vehicles, two new reports praise New Jersey’s efforts. (NJ Spotlight)
• Vermont receives a $26 million federal COVID-19 relief grant to assist public transit. (VT Digger)
• A Rhode Island legislator introduces a bill to create a statewide plan for electric vehicle infrastructure. (news release)
EMISSIONS: A new study models how each state could reach zero-carbon emissions by mid-century. (Greentech Media)
UTILITIES: New Jersey regulators will hold three virtual public hearings to consider how the pandemic has affected customers unable to pay their bills and discuss possible responses. (Press of Atlantic City)
COMMENTARY: Agricultural and conservation advocates say Maine’s solicitation of renewable energy projects gives the state the opportunity to influence development in ecologically sensitive ways that lessen their impact. (Portland Press Herald)