Boston’s new skyscraper super efficient but still runs on gas

BUILDINGS: Boston’s newest skyscraper is also the world’s largest Passive House-certified office building, yet the facility still runs on natural gas and isn’t the city’s largest carbon-neutral structure. (Boston Globe)

ALSO: Some New York City co-op boards are embracing Local Law 97 as an opportunity for sustainable development, while others fear it will financially doom middle-class city living. (City Limits)

FOSSIL FUELS: Amtrak will no longer pursue a plan to replace a steam system with on-site natural gas boilers at Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station, citing the work of climate advocates and the transit agency’s own climate goals. (WHYY)

HYDROGEN: The second-largest fuel cell park in the country begins operations in Derby, Connecticut. (WTNH, CT Examiner)

CLIMATE: A new report shows Pennsylvania, New Hampshire and Vermont have the highest per-capita climate emissions across the Northeast. (VT Digger)

OFFSHORE WIND:

• In Rhode Island, construction begins on the 704 MW Revolution Wind project, slated for late 2025 operations. (WPRI)
• New York says it will relaunch an offshore wind solicitation at the end of the month and allow prior projects to be rebid at higher prices. (Reuters)
• A coastal Maryland county asks the Army Corps of Engineers not to permit US Wind’s project near their shoreline, citing aesthetic, environmental and financial concerns. (OC Today)
• Four top Maine politicians ask federal ocean regulators not to allow wind development in a Gulf of Maine lobster management area. (news release)
• A new manufacturing assembly line in Schenectady, New York, finishes building its first onshore wind turbine. (news release)

GRID:

• Maine lawmakers advance legislation to prevent eminent domain from being used to build the Aroostook Renewable Gateway power line project. (Bangor Daily News)
• National Grid installs blizzard-proof equipment and louvering ventilation at its Buffalo, New York, substations to prevent snow drifts from knocking out power like last winter. (Buffalo News)

SOLAR: Maryland’s agriculture secretary discusses the balancing act of promoting solar energy development while preserving farmland and protecting farmers. (Lancaster Farming)