Correction: Some Maine utility executives have criticized a ballot measure that would bar foreign entities from spending money to influence state or local referendum campaigns. A previous version of this digest incorrectly summarized the story.

OIL & GAS: New research on hydraulic fracturing for oil and gas in Pennsylvania confirms earlier data that links the practice to an array of health harms, such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, asthma and birth defects. (Inside Climate News)

OFFSHORE WIND:

  • Development milestones in Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Virginia offshore wind projects last week mark the industry’s uneven progress as other Northeast projects face regulatory and economic challenges. (E&E News)
  • Maine fishing industry advocates are “surprised and grateful” to learn an area they want protected wasn’t included for offshore wind leases in a federal map. (News Center Maine)
  • New York’s governor vetoes a bill that would’ve let a transmission line run under Long Beach to connect offshore wind power to shore. (Gothamist)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES: New York’s mandate that school districts convert to net-zero buses by 2035 has some Long Island leaders worried whether they can meet the deadline. (Newsday)

EMISSIONS: Pandemic shutdowns were crucial for Rhode Island to meet its 2020 emissions reduction goals, a new state report finds. (Rhode Island Current)

GRID:

CLEAN ENERGY: Western Pennsylvania will receive $1.4 million in federal funding for semiconductor jobs training, which leaders note is another piece in a wave of federal clean energy funding recently awarded to the region. (TribLive)

SOLAR: Solar arrays on Pottsville, Pennsylvania, schools offset 40% of the district’s energy usage last year. (Republican Herald)

UTILITIES: Some Maine utility executives criticize a ballot measure that would bar foreign entities from spending money to influence state or local referendum campaigns. (Portland Press Herald) 

CRYPTOCURRENCY: A bitcoin mining company wants to burn scrap tires at an eastern Pennsylvania power plant it owns to generate electricity for its operations. (Morning Call)

BUILDINGS:

CLIMATE: Three western New York communities are named “climate smart” for their efficient improvements, opening them up for more state funding. (Buffalo News)

COMMENTARY:

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Kathryn brings her extensive editorial background to the Energy News Network team, where she oversees the early-morning production of ENN’s five email digest newsletters as well as distribution of ENN’s original journalism with other media outlets. From documenting chronic illness’ effect on college students to following the inner workings of Congress, Kathryn has built a broad experience in her more than five years working at major publications including The Week Magazine. Kathryn holds a Bachelor of Science in magazine journalism and information management and technology from Syracuse University.