BUILDINGS: A Vermont legislative committee votes to delay implementation of a new residential building energy standard by a year, seemingly in response to builders’ concerns. (VT Digger)
ALSO: L.L. Bean’s new headquarters in Freeport, Maine, uses automated blinds to reduce heat loss and uses solar energy to fulfill 80% of its power demand. (Times Record)
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UTILITIES: New York’s state senate declines to vote to confirm the governor’s pick to lead the New York Power Authority following allegations of reportedly discriminatory behavior. (Buffalo News)
PIPELINES: A citizens group feels their concerns about the Northeast Upgrade Pipeline Project in Pennsylvania and New Jersey were ignored by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which permitted the project. (Tri-County Independent)
ELECTRIC VEHICLES:
• A poll finds 60% of Maryland voters oppose a plan to end the sale of gasoline powered vehicles in the state by 2035, even if it means a significant reduction in emissions. (Maryland Matters)
• A Delaware agency receives thousands of comments opposing a proposal to phase out the sale of certain new gas-powered vehicles between now and 2035. (DPM)
• A boat club in the Adirondacks installs New York’s first electric boat charger, hoping to encourage owners to go electric. (Post Star)
GRID:
• Several New England senators support plans for a 1 GW transmission line that would bring Canadian hydropower to the regional grid via an underwater cable in Lake Champlain. (Register Citizen)
• The Maine Senate gives preliminary approval to a 1.2 GW transmission line proposed for Aroostook County, which still requires further authorization from the state legislature and regulatory agencies. (Maine Public)
OFFSHORE WIND: The country’s first commercial-size floating offshore wind turbine is supposed to be built near Maine’s Monhegan Island, but the project may not happen due to several factors, including cost and proximity to another proposed wind project. (Portland Press Herald)
OIL & GAS: Pennsylvania expects to receive around $400 million in federal funds to plug abandoned oil and gas wells across the state, but one expert says that amount is not nearly enough to resolve the massive problem. (Inside Climate News)
SOLAR:
• A developer defends his plan for a 7.5 MW solar array and sheep grazing operation during a Massachusetts town’s zoning board meeting as residents question whether the project can be located on the site. (Berkshire Eagle)
• Vermont will receive $1 million in federal funds to install solar panels and other sustainability projects to schools and municipal buildings. (news release)
EFFICIENCY: Delmarva Power files plans with Delaware utility commissioners for four new energy efficiency programs, three of which are focused on residents. (DPM)
AFFORDABILITY:
• New York lawmakers send a bill to the governor’s desk that would automatically enroll eligible households into energy bill assistance programs. (Spectrum News 1)
• Low-income Vermonters are now able to receive energy efficient appliance vouchers of up to $1,200 for air conditioners, dehumidifiers, refrigerators, freezers and washing machines. (WCAX)
COMMENTARY: A finance company explains how it can quickly provide needed capital to energy firms. (Raistone, sponsored)
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