POWER PLANTS: Rhode Island regulators yesterday rejected a $1 billion natural gas plant first proposed four years ago, saying its power generation is not needed. (Providence Journal)
ALSO: Concerns about climate change are being raised as Maryland regulators have approved the conversion of a closed coal power plant to natural gas. (Baltimore Sun)
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OIL & GAS:
• The second fire in a month has broken out at a Philadelphia oil refinery that is a major gasoline supplier on the East Coast. (Bloomberg)
• A community forum in western Pennsylvania discussed the need for more study to investigate possible links between a rare cancer and shale gas drilling in the region. (Observer-Reporter)
ELECTRIC VEHICLES:
• Vermont created its first electric vehicle incentive in a transportation bill that advocates call a modest start. (Energy News Network)
• Maryland regulators approved 850 utility-owned public charging stations and set rates for Level 2 and fast-charging. (Electrek)
• Vermont will run a two-year pilot project to test electric buses in school and transit systems. (news release)
OFFSHORE WIND: Following legislation to require a power contract, the developer of a floating wind turbine in Maine expects a new investor later this year. (Greentech Media)
NUCLEAR:
• Federal regulators approved the sale of a shuttered New Jersey nuclear plant to a company that specializes in decommissioning them. (Asbury Park Press)
• Efforts to provide aid to Pennsylvania’s nuclear fleet are expected to fade in the current legislative session and be reintroduced in the fall. (Lehigh Valley Business)
TRANSMISSION: A town in Maine reconsidering its support of a transmission line from Canada held a community forum Thursday in anticipation of a non-binding vote next week. (WGME)
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SOLAR: A trade publication estimates that New York’s requirement of 70% renewable energy by 2030 would translate to 23 GW of solar, up from the current 8 GW that is installed or planned. (PV Magazine)
COMMENTARY: An environmental groups says accidental burning of iodine at a New Jersey waste-to-energy plant is a serious public health risk. (news release)