Federal judge stops Trump from blocking wind and solar

This roundup of energy news headlines comes from our Northeast Energy News newsletter. Sign up to get it in your inbox each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday morning.

FEDERAL ACTION

• A federal judge in Massachusetts blocks the Trump administration from enforcing efforts to slow the development of wind and solar projects across the country. (Canary Media)

• Maine Rep. Chellie Pingree (D) accuses the Trump administration of ​“kneecapping” solar and wind with an energy policy ​“based on political grievance, ideological hostility and, of course, propping up big oil and gas.” (Maine Morning Star)

WIND

• The Trump administration’s plan to pay TotalEnergies $1 billion to give up offshore wind leases off New York and North Carolina is likely illegal, say some legal experts and Democratic lawmakers. (E&E News)

• A New Jersey-based company that builds monopiles for offshore wind turbines files for bankruptcy as the state’s offshore wind ambitions fizzle due to political and financial obstacles. (NJ.com)

AFFORDABILITY

• Maryland’s new energy affordability law could actually increase costs in the long run as it undermines energy efficiency investments and commits the state to ongoing nuclear subsidies. (Inside Climate News)

• New England small farmers are increasingly turning to heat pumps, solar panels, and other clean energy technology to save money in the face of rising energy costs. (Connecticut Public)

DATA CENTERS

• Maine Gov. Janet Mills weighs whether to sign a bill banning data center development until November 2027, a measure that would be the first such statewide moratorium in the country. (Maine Morning Star)

• Debate over how to regulate data center development — or whether to allow the facilities at all — gathers steam in Maryland. (Maryland Matters)

GRID

• New York state grid operator NYISO announces it will require two peaker plants to stay online beyond their planned retirement dates to address short-term reliability needs. (RTO Insider)

NATURAL GAS

• Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont meets with local officials challenging plans to build two new gas compressors that opponents say would create more pollution in a region that has long struggled with air quality. (CT Mirror)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES

• New York makes an additional $30 million available for EV rebates that give $500 to $2,000 back on the purchase of plug-in hybrid or fully electric vehicles. (RochesterFirst)

• New York City seeks public input on where to locate 25 new e-bike battery exchange cabinets — which allow riders to swap empty batteries for charged ones — as it expands on a successful pilot program. (Brooklyn Eagle)

TRANSMISSION

• New England states ask federal energy regulators not to let transmission owners delay refunding $1.5 billion in overcharges to customers until litigation over the issue is settled. (Utility Dive)

BUILDINGS

• A Maine company that manufactures modular and panelized housing using net-zero principles expands its footprint in the state. (Mainebiz)