David Thill

David Thill

David has written on health, science and the environment for various outlets, including World Wildlife Fund and the Chicago newspaper Windy City Times.

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Vermont digs in on incentives to boost geothermal heat pumps

The technology has strong potential to help electrify homes, but high costs and logistical challenges still put it out of reach for most homeowners.

By David Thill . 1 September 2021
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What climate action looks like in a small, island tourist town in Maine

An tourism-based economy and relatively isolated location pose unique opportunities and challenges for Bar Harbor, Maine.

By David Thill . 30 August 2021
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New Hampshire towns face choices under state’s energy aggregation law

Some cities are banding together in a new coalition that will help buy cleaner power for members, while others seek out expertise from energy brokers promising more local control.

By David Thill . 30 July 2021
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Maine joins debate over how to define environmental justice

A new law directs the state to develop a specific legal definition for terms including “environmental justice” and “frontline communities,” as well as methods to incorporate equity into decision-making at state agencies.

By David Thill . 13 July 2021
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Maine utility regulators can’t consider climate in their decisions. A bill headed to the governor can change that

A bill approved this week by Maine lawmakers would expand the Public Utilities Commission’s scope beyond reliability and rate impacts and allow it to consider the state’s climate goals in decision-making. Equity might be next.

By David Thill . 16 June 2021
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Vermont clean energy jobs board aims to net more resumes from women

Advocates in Vermont hope a new clean energy jobs board and resume bank can help open doors and diversify a sometimes clubby, male-dominated sector.

By David Thill . 3 June 2021
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Advocates say Maine needs to expand time-of-use rates to hit climate goals

As more drivers switch to electric cars and buildings convert to heat pumps, changing customer behavior with new rate designs could be key to preventing expensive and polluting new investments in the state’s power grid.

By David Thill . 27 May 2021
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In Vermont, a new model emerges to improve migrant farmworker housing

A migrant worker rights group, a worker-owned construction cooperative, and an efficiency utility are collaborating on new housing designs and financing to improve farmworker living conditions and reduce energy waste.

By David Thill . 3 May 2021
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State lawmakers draft plan to unlock northern Maine’s renewable potential

Maine Senate President Troy Jackson is proposing a transmission line to carry wind energy and other generation from northern Aroostook County to New England’s regional electric grid.

By David Thill . 30 April 2021
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Environmental groups step up push for cooling towers at Merrimack coal plant

The Sierra Club and Conservation Law Foundation want changes to an EPA water permit issued last year for what will soon be the last coal-fired power plant in New England.

By David Thill . 15 April 2021