State vehicle emissions rules at risk under Trump

EMISSIONS: More than a dozen states — including most of the Northeast — expect President-elect Trump to take away their authority to impose stringent rules on motor vehicle emissions in line with California’s regulations. (New Jersey Monitor)

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POLITICS:

• Maryland Gov. Wes Moore announces plans to cut $2 billion from state programming, including energy and climate initiatives, in the attempt to ease a looming budget shortfall. (Washington Post)
• Environmental advocates in Connecticut express frustration with Gov. Ned Lamont’s embrace of natural gas and nuclear power in his State of the State address. (CT Insider)
• Maine Gov. Janet Mills proposes creating a cabinet-level department of energy, a move supporters say will strengthen the office’s energy planning and give it more authority to procure clean energy. (Maine Public)

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NUCLEAR: As New York faces rising power demand and the need to lower greenhouse gas emissions, it’s taking a serious look at the possibilities of advanced nuclear power plants. (Inside Climate News)

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SOLAR:

• State officials approves a 125-MW solar array that developers say will repurpose a former western New York industrial site, but which concerned locals say will destroy hundreds of acres of active farmland. (WGRZ)
• Maryland regulators schedule hearings for two solar projects that are seeking approval from the state to avoid county-level prohibitions on solar developments on farmland. (Baltimore Sun, subscription)
• A solar array in a Massachusetts suburb is the last installation funded by a Jimmy Carter-era pilot program still in operation, surviving the hostility of the Reagan administration with the support of volunteers and grant funding. (CNHI News)

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GRID: A new study of the New England power system finds the region’s reliance on natural gas power generation poses risks in case of an extended cold snap or gas infrastructure problems. (RTO Insider, subscription)

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OFFSHORE WIND: Offshore wind development can be responsibility sited and managed to avoid hurting bird populations, says the National Audubon Society. (news release)

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ELECTRIFICATION: Burlington, Vermont’s electric department announces expanded rebates for heat pumps, used electric vehicles, e-bikes, and other electric appliances and equipment. (news release)

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COMMENTARY: Connecticut should follow in New York and Vermont’s footsteps and pass legislation to make fossil fuel companies pay for the damages caused by climate change, says an environmental activist. (CT Mirror)

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