Feds challenge New Jersey all-electric building code

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BUILDINGS

• The Trump administration sues a New Jersey township, claiming its requirement that most new rental housing be fully electric limits consumer freedom and ​“threatens American energy dominance.” (New Jersey Monitor)

• A federal judge declines to block Maryland rules requiring certain commercial and residential buildings to be net-zero by 2040, despite a Trump administration claim that federal regulations preempt the mandate. (E&E News)

• The city of Newton, Massachusetts, will require property owners to track and eventually reduce building emissions under a new ordinance under development. (Newton Beacon)

SOLAR

• The Maine state legislature passes a bill allowing residents to install small, DIY solar units that plug in to standard outlets; the measure now heads to the desk of Gov. Janet Mills. (Maine Morning Star)

• A new Maine law revising rules and payments for solar projects could bring further community solar development in the state to a standstill. (Solar Power World)

COAL

• A South Baltimore coal export terminal has contaminated nearby water, in addition to spreading coal dust through the air, new research finds. (Baltimore Banner)

GRID

• In New York, National Grid teams up with a company using AI modeling to find spare capacity on the grid, potentially speeding up interconnection times for new large loads. (Utility Dive)

DATA CENTERS

• As data center developers show increased interest in building in New England, concerns are rising about the possible impact on energy prices and decarbonization efforts. (RTO Insider)

CLIMATE

• As California and Washington state prepare to merge their emissions cap-and-trade programs, New York’s delays creating its own such initiative could slow climate action in other states that were counting on the big states to stabilize the markets. (Pennsylvania Capital-Star)

LEGISLATION

• The Maryland state Senate adds a provision to a pending energy affordability bill that would require a study of the ​“full system” cost of different kinds of energy generation; opponents argue the structure of the proposed study is biased against renewables. (Maryland Matters)

WORKFORCE

• New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announces a $50 million expansion of the state’s clean energy workforce training programs. (news release)

ELECTRIFICATION

• Revenue from New York City’s congestion pricing tolls will help buy up to 1,000 electric-hybrid transport refrigeration units for a Bronx produce market, replacing the current diesel equipment. (The City)

NEW FROM CANARY

• Nation’s largest urban battery to take center stage near San Francisco — Julian Spector

• Iran war could spur Europe to double down on renewables — again — Dan McCarthy

• Green steel is the way forward for Indiana, former steelworkers say — Kari Lydersen

• Used EVs are a bargain right now — and buyers are noticing — Jeff St. John