TRANSPORTATION: The coronavirus pandemic accelerates a trend in Boston to turn roadways into public spaces for pedestrians, bicycles and businesses for cleaner urban environments. (Energy News Network)

ALSO: Several states, including many in the Northeast, are promoting electric vehicle adoption in the absence of federal direction. (The Hill)

FRACKING: A former Pennsylvania environmental official says the political importance of fracking in the state “is greatly exaggerated.” (E&E News, subscription required) 

UTILITIES:
• Central Maine Power brings back a popular CEO from 20 years ago to shore up its reputation after a series of controversies make it the least popular company in the state. (CentralMaine.com)
• Energy use in New York fell 4.5% in the second quarter due to the pandemic as greater home use did not offset an 11% decline by businesses. (Albany Times Union)

PIPELINES: Pennsylvania officials are poised to fine the Mariner East pipeline developer for its sixth violation in one county since August that led to a spill on Oct. 19. (StateImpact Pennsylvania)

EFFICIENCY: Letter grades for energy efficiency will be posted at New York City buildings larger than 25,000 square feet at the end of the month. (Habitat Magazine)

SOLAR: A Maine town will consider applications for two solar farms, including one that will occupy 42 acres. (Ellsworth American)

COMMENTARY:
• An evangelical environmentalist says fixing methane leaks from natural gas extraction is not just a public health issue but a moral imperative. (TribLIVE)
• Propane advocates say Volkswagen settlement funds available for reducing transportation emissions in Pennsylvania should be used to shift school buses from diesel to propane. (Pennlive)
• A former electrical workers union official says western New York should become a center for the commercialization of adding hydrogen to the natural gas pipeline system to increase productivity and continue lowered emissions. (Buffalo News)
• A columnist says an emphasis on Joe Biden’s comments about oil misreads changing Pennsylvania attitudes about natural gas in well-populated and booming suburbs. (Philadelphia Inquirer)

Bill is a freelance journalist based outside Albany, New York. As a former New England correspondent for RTO Insider, he has written about energy for newspapers, magazines and other publications for more than 20 years. He has an extensive career in trade publications and newspapers, mostly focused on the utility sector, covering such issues as restructuring, renewable energy and consumer affairs. Bill covers Maine, Vermont and New Hampshire and also compiles the Northeast Energy News daily email digest.