Annie Ropeik is an independent climate journalist based in Maine, where she is a regular contributor to The Maine Monitor. Originally from Silver Spring, Maryland, she spent a decade as an award-winning local public radio reporter and host in New Hampshire, Indiana, Delaware and Alaska’s Aleutian Islands. Annie is a board member with the Society of Environmental Journalists.
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Amid progress on electric vehicles, political setbacks frustrate advocates in Maine, Connecticut
Transportation is the biggest contributor to climate change in New England, and EVs are only one part of the solution in both rural and urban settings, advocates say.By Annie Ropeik .
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Months after devastating floods, Vermont renews efforts to aid climate-friendly rebuilds
The state saw mixed success encouraging heat pumps and other upgrades in damaged homes in the wake of the disaster. Now groups are revisiting those same residents to work on long-term improvements.By Annie Ropeik .
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Maine replaces bill to halt natural gas expansions with plan to study industry's future role
Environmental groups hope studies now proposed in place of a ban on new gas service will prove that expanding the industry with alternative fuels would be out of alignment with Maine's climate goals.By Annie Ropeik .
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Nine states pledge to boost heat pumps to 90% of home equipment sales by 2040
Northeast and Western states seek to make high-efficiency electric technology the norm in residential space heating and cooling and water heating.By Annie Ropeik .
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Maine environmental groups urge support for proposed offshore wind port ahead of siting decision
The state has limited deepwater options to build a port that can accommodate the huge components of floating offshore wind arrays planned for the Gulf of Maine.By Annie Ropeik .
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Connecticut program aims to alleviate cost barriers to utility oversight process, but challenges remain
Nonprofits say the program is only the first step toward encouraging more diverse participation in complex utility regulatory debates.By Annie Ropeik .
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Maine towns band together to offer ‘energy navigators,’ extra funding for home energy upgrades
The program, funded by a federal grant and set to launch in mid-2024, aims to fill cost gaps and ease confusion over government rebates as residents seek to cut heating costs and emissions.By Annie Ropeik .
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Maine turns its heat pump focus to 'whole-house' systems that can all but eliminate fossil fuel use
The state recently clarified requirements for a new heat pump rebate program, which encourages participants to use the technology for at least 80% of their home heating.By Annie Ropeik .
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A year after record heating oil price spike, heat pump demand hums along in Maine
Moderating prices for oil and gas don’t appear to have reduced interest in heat pumps, as contractors remain busy and state rebates gain in popularity.By Annie Ropeik .
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Maine hopes IRA money will get heat pumps to more people, especially in multifamily housing
States are now crafting applications for billions in federal funding to create or expand electrification and energy efficiency rebate programs, trying to balance quality and quantity of incentives while reaching new demographics.By Annie Ropeik .
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