NATURAL GAS: National Grid has stopped processing applications for natural gas service on Long Island after state regulators rejected an undersea pipeline; the project could still be resubmitted or end up in court. (Newsday, Grist)
ALSO: A Rhode Island project that offers net-zero, all-electric homes is a rarity as builders are still reluctant to let go of natural gas. (Energy News Network)
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FRACKING:
• The governors of New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware have announced an agreement to seek a ban on fracking in the Delaware River Basin. (Burlington County Times)
• Pennsylvania Republicans have been slow to embrace Gov. Tom Wolf’s proposed severance tax on natural gas extraction to fund a $4.5 billion infrastructure plan. (WHYY)
PIPELINES:
• A mayor from one of the towns impacted by a Massachusetts pipeline explosion last year says a financial settlement makes up for the expenses that were incurred but does not make up for months of disruption. (Andover Townsman)
• A Pennsylvania oil and gas driller is blaming its bankruptcy on a pipeline explosion that prevented its product from reaching its customers. (Post Gazette)
POWER PLANTS: The owner of a coal-fired power plant near Ithaca, New York has abandoned plans to convert the facility to natural gas and instead will redevelop the site as a data center powered by renewable energy. (Ithaca Voice)
WIND: Supporters of an offshore wind project with floating turbines are urging Maine lawmakers to direct the Public Utilities Commission to approve a power purchases contract. (Press Herald)
RENEWABLE ENERGY: Maryland Senate Democrats have launched an online petition drive to pressure Gov. Larry Hogan to sign legislation increasing the state’s renewable portfolio standard to 50% by 2030. (Maryland Matters)
BIOMASS: Witnesses appeared at a Massachusetts hearing to debate proposed changes to state rules that currently limit biomass’ ability to claim renewable energy subsidies. (Berkshire Eagle)
TRANSMISSION: Maine firefighters have expressed concerns to state officials that half of the proposed route of the power line from Canada to import hydropower has no organized fire protection services. (WGME)
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CLIMATE CHANGE: Time is running out in the New York legislative session for the most ambitious climate change proposals, including a ban on fossil fuel infrastructure. (City & State)
COMMENTARY:
• A columnist laments Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker’s policy that prevents state scientists to directly answer media inquiries related to energy and the environment. (WBUR)
• A former Vermont official says he is “shocked” by the inaction on climate change in the state legislature despite Democratic majorities that were expected to take more decisive action. (VT Digger)