Maine agencies sued over alleged lack of climate action

POLICY: Several environmental organizations sue two Maine state agencies for failing to protect residents from climate change, citing a lack of compliance with greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets and the recent failure of new clean car rules. (Portland Press Herald, Bangor Daily News)

ALSO: Connecticut’s legislature is considering four major climate bills right now, but observers say not all will make it to a vote. (CT Mirror)

SOLAR:

• Pennsylvania’s governor unveils a new initiative that aims to get half of state agencies’ power from solar resources beginning in 2025. (WTAE, WHTM)
• The U.S. EPA’s Solar for All program issues grants to states for low-income solar projects, including $62.5 million for Connecticut, nearly $250 million for New York, $156 million for Pennsylvania, $62 million for Vermont and just under $50 million for Rhode Island. (WTNH, WENY, Seven Days, WUN)
• Some Connecticut lawmakers want to hand more control over where solar projects are sited to localities because of noise pollution complaints. (CT News Junkie)
• A Massachusetts representative asks the developer of a proposed solar array in Springfield to consider relocating because of some residents’ concern it could displace water and increase traffic. (WWLP)
• Nine universities in Pennsylvania and North Carolina join together to sign a power purchase agreement with NextEra for an up-to-150 MW solar project in Kentucky. (news release)

HYDROPOWER: A developer argues in court that Maine didn’t explain well enough why it rejected a permit needed for federal regulators to relicense a Kennebec River hydroelectric dam. (E&E News, subscription)

OFFSHORE WIND:

• With New York choosing not to go forward with several offshore wind project bids, the hope for hundreds of new jobs at the Port of Coeymans in Albany has faded. (Times Union)
• New York cited GE Vernova’s cancellation of its plans to build one of the biggest wind turbines ever designed as a reason behind its denial of the two offshore wind projects. (E&E News)
• Eversource finalizes the deal to sell its 50% ownership in the 924 MW Sunrise Wind project to Ørsted, though it will still lead the project’s onshore construction. (news release)

GRID: While construction continues on the $6 billion Champlain Hudson Power Express transmission line, slated to bring 1.25 GW of hydropower from Canada to New York City, some groups still hold concern for the impact on Native lands. (Business Insider)

FOSSIL FUELS:

• A municipal utility in Norwich, Connecticut, will receive a $10.9 million federal grant this year to help replace cast iron gas pipes, helping the agency slash the amount of time needed to complete the project. (The Day)
• Paddlers on the Hudson River say they reported evidence of a small spill a week before at least 50 gallons of oil leaked from a Con Edison facility in New York City. (W42ST)

TRANSIT:

• Connecticut transportation officials kick off a new campaign encouraging residents to drive less during the month of May to reduce emissions. (Hartford Courant)
• As Maryland’s transit agency considers dropping bus routes connecting the Washington, D.C. suburbs with the city’s downtown, some commuters say doing so is akin to ​“ripping that rug out from under us.” (Baltimore Sun)

BUILDINGS: Efficiency Vermont creates a new calculator to show state residents all the incentives, rebates, programs and offers available for them to make green home upgrades. (WCAX)