Maryland poll shows support for tough fossil fuel policies

POLICY: A majority of Maryland voters want the state to be tougher on oil and gas companies by making them pay for climate-related infrastructure upgrades, a new poll finds. (Maryland Matters)

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ALSO: New Hampshire’s lack of resources for local, county and state officials to put together successful grant applications may be why it recently missed out on funds for electric vehicle charging infrastructure. (NHPR)

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GRID: Federal energy regulators approve new reforms proposed by PJM Interconnection to improve reliability by changing the grid operator’s resource adequacy risk modeling and capacity accreditation processes. (Utility Dive)

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GAS:

• Pennsylvania and Ohio grid operators and regulators tell state lawmakers in a joint hearing organized by Republicans that natural gas-fired electricity is needed to maintain reliability. (E&E News)
• The developer of a controversial liquefied natural gas facility in Chester, Pennsylvania, discusses its plans to move forward despite President Biden’s pause on related permitting. (WHYY)

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OFFSHORE WIND: Federal ocean energy officials kick off a public comment period for the draft environmental assessment of the Beacon Wind project. (North American Wind Power)

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FLOODS: Some New Jersey towns along the Passaic River experience frequent flooding, but climate resiliency projects that could alleviate the issue come with large price tags. (Gothamist)

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BUILDINGS: A Massachusetts historical society’s museum receives net-zero certification after installing a solar array. (Berkshire Eagle)

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CLIMATE:

• In central Pennsylvania, some bird species have seen their populations decline by as much as 50% in the past 17 years, a problem bird conservation experts partially attribute to climate change. (WITF)
• Connecticut environmental officials use $2 million in Inflation Reduction Act funds to grow the number of trees in disadvantaged communities and help mitigate the urban heat island effect. (Connecticut Public Radio)

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AFFORDABILITY: Maine lawmakers may extend a soon-to-expire electric bill assistance program that helps low-income ratepayers make timely payments in exchange for bill forgiveness. (Portland Press Herald)

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