Emissions law loophole leaves Pennsylvanians in lurch

FOSSIL FUELS: A newly finalized U.S. EPA rule should help reduce methane emissions from oil and gas operations but won’t address smaller, midstream emissions impacting those living in Pennsylvania’s fracking region. (Yale Environment 360)

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GRID:

• Maryland’s governor receives criticism for his proposed bill removing utility regulators’ oversight over back-up generators at data centers, a measure opponents say would heighten pollution and energy demand. (Capital Gazette)
• The developers of a transmission line to connect upstate New York renewable projects with New York City say the project may need more subsidies to make it economically viable. (E&E News, subscription)

• National Grid files a future grid plan with Massachusetts regulators to spend around $2.5 billion on upgrades to its power distribution network in the state over the next five years. (news release)
• State utility regulators within the PJM Interconnection and Midcontinent Independent System Operator tell the grid operators to improve their long-term interregional transmission planning efforts. (Utility Dive)

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SOLAR:

• A review of solar-related complaints filed with Connecticut’s attorney general since 2019 shows almost two-thirds are related to home maintenance issues believed to be caused by the rooftop installation process. (WFSB)
• One Pennsylvania township’s success with installing solar to save money and lower emissions underscores the growing acceptance and adoption of the technology in the state. (Fox 43)
• Two companies looking to put solar panels on the roof of a Pennsylvania prison say the facility could save over $2.1 million over 30 years without any cost to the county. (Tribune Democrat)

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AFFORDABILITY: Both chambers of Connecticut’s legislature unanimously approve a $17 million boost to energy bill assistance programs; the governor immediately signed the bill into law. (CT Mirror)

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FOSSIL FUELS: Developers want to clean up a former oil- and coal-fired power plant in Wiscasset, Maine, and turn the site into a manufacturing and clean energy technology center and a marina. (Bangor Daily News)

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BUILDINGS:

• New Hampshire’s legislative office building doesn’t meet minimum air quality standards, but it’ll cost the state $6 million to upgrade its HVAC system. (New Hampshire Bulletin)
• In Maine, plans for a new college campus on Portland’s waterfront include climate adaptations, like higher piers and locating non-essential spaces on the ground level. (Maine Public)

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