Gas exec withdraws from Maryland utility commission consideration

REGULATION: A gas industry executive nominated for a slot in Maryland’s utility commission withdraws from consideration following public criticism of his work and commitment to the clean energy transition. (Inside Climate News)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES: ISO New England releases a preliminary assessment estimating about 2.4 million more electric vehicles may be driven in the region in the next 10 years. (NHPR)

CLIMATE:
• A new report shows New York City and Long Island are among the major U.S. population centers most likely to see physical and economic risks stemming from climate change. (Newsday)
• Princeton University publishes new research showing that climate change is making hurricanes more dangerous, lengthier and prone to return to the same places — like Sandy Hook, New Jersey — with few exceptions. (The Hill)

GRID:
• Although lithium-ion e-bike batteries have ignited around New York City, experts say residents shouldn’t fear battery energy storage systems in their neighborhoods, noting the technologies’ ​“fundamental differences.” (The City)
• A nearly complete Canada-New York City power line offers lessons for how the country can develop more major transmission projects. (E&E News)
• PJM Interconnection’s latest capacity auction saw prices fall 15% across much of its territory, but transmission constraints in five of its areas kept the total auction price the same as the last. (Utility Dive)

WIND:
• Some northern Mainers want more concessions if they support developing a major transmission line and wind farm in the area. (Bangor Daily News)
• Eversource says the complexity of its offshore wind projects in New England makes it difficult to determine whether to exit the ventures. (Recharge News)
• As unfounded rumors continue to swirl that the offshore wind industry killed marine life along the mid-Atlantic, a Maine legislator asks federal regulators to increase transparency in their investigations. (Bangor Daily News)
• Over 150 protestors attend a New Jersey town meeting to try to prevent or delay a transmission project from being completed to support Ocean Wind 1. (National Fisherman)

SOLAR:
• Maryland lawmakers mull a bill that would quintuple the maximum grant offered for rooftop solar installations for low-to-moderate-income residents. (Frederick News-Post)
• New York Power Authority releases a report highlighting ​“proven and innovative” agrivoltaic practices. (news release)

EFFICIENCY: A New York investment firm plans to open a new heat pump water heater factory near Bangor, Maine, an expansion of existing regional operations the company says will bring roughly 200 new jobs. (Bangor Daily News)