ACTIVISM: Five young climate activists from Maine explain what motivates them to join the fight against climate change by advocating policy changes and engaging with their peers and adults. (Energy News Network)
CLIMATE: Massachusetts legislators wil name six members to a conference committee to iron out differences in House and Senate versions of a climate bill as advocates line up to champion their priorities. (State House News Service)
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OFFSHORE WIND:
• New Jersey’s former top utility regulator says the state needs to determine how to bring offshore wind to its customers with cost-effective transmission solutions. (NJ Spotlight)
• A new study says the U.S. offshore wind industry needs additional lease areas in federal waters to meet its goals, and the federal Treasury could earn $1.7 billion from auctions. (World Oil)
• A national offshore wind consortium offers $9 million in grants to promote research aimed to reduce costs. (Windpower Engineering)
PIPELINES: Staff at a federal agency says splitting the PennEast pipeline into two phases does not constitute a major action that requires additional environmental review. (Platts)
SOLAR:
• An Irish solar developer partners with a Maine firm to build eight projects that have attracted $100 million in private investment. (Portland Press Herald)
• Sheep grazing on solar sites is seen as a way to increase productivity and reduce costs as dual-use sites for agriculture and energy are promoted. (Utility Dive)
TRANSMISSION: Maine’s highest court today will hear arguments on whether to allow an anti-transmission line referendum to appear on the fall ballot. (Associated Press)
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TRANSPORTATION: An amendment to the Massachusetts climate bill calls for a feasibility study to convert the ferry fleet that serves Cape Cod and nearby islands to electric vessels. (MV Times)
COMMENTARY: A consumer advocate says New Jersey can invest in energy efficiency and clean energy resources to help lead an economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic. (NJ.com)