GRID: Maine’s top court decides that the referendum that blocked Central Maine Power’s controversial transmission line was likely unconstitutional, but sends the matter back to a lower court. (Maine Public Radio)
ALSO: Central Maine Power’s transmission line project still faces numerous legal challenges that could lead it to miss a contractual construction deadline set with Massachusetts. (Bangor Daily News)
TRANSIT: American and Canadian officials will consider plans to develop a Montréal-Boston train line, with stops in northern Vermont and New Hampshire, as well as western Maine and the Portland area. (Montréal Gazette)
ELECTRIC VEHICLES:
• New Jersey often mirrors California’s environmental policies, but the governor has not committed to a ban on gas-powered vehicles and observers say it’s unclear which way the state will go. (NJ Spotlight)
• Proposed New York legislation would create e-bike rebates that would cover up to $1,100 for any bike up to $2,200. (Electrek)
• A Vermont utility helps a school district buy four electric school buses to start the new school year. (NBC 5)
BUILDINGS: Developers are aiming to make a long-planned recreation and nature center in the Berkshires a net-zero facility as they finally begin construction. (Berkshire Eagle)
CLIMATE:
• Some New York power plant operators are joining unions and business groups to call for a slower transition away from fossil fuels, which they say will prevent large price hikes or power shortages. (Times Union)
• Philadelphia is among the cities showing climate mitigation leadership, but hurdles there underscore problems that will need to be confronted in other cities. (Inside Climate News)
GEOTHERMAL: A suburban Boston town will be the first in the country next year to construct a networked geothermal system. (Yale Climate Connections)
EFFICIENCY:
• A small northern Maine city’s home energy efficiency program stands out for offering loans to landlords to complete projects that will save money for both landlords and tenants. (Bangor Daily News)
• Maine municipalities with fewer than 5,000 residents are eligible for a new efficiency grant program administered by Efficiency Maine. (WABI)
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