Maine considers limiting eminent domain for power line projects

GRID: Maine lawmakers consider limiting the use of eminent domain for transmission projects even as the state needs more power lines to meet its clean energy goals. (Portland Press Herald)

ALSO:

• The New England grid operator’s consumer liaison group discusses the need for proactive demand response and peak shifting tools in the face of mass electrification to reduce transmission upgrades. (RTO Insider, subscription)
• A New Jersey senate committee advances a bill that makes electric utilities develop distribution infrastructure upgrade plans to support new renewable energy capacity. (RTO Insider, subscription)

TRANSIT:

• The developers and officials working to connect suburban Maryland cities around Washington, D.C., by rail need another $425 million to get the job done, putting the total project cost at more than $4 billion over budget. (Washington Post)
• While details are scarce, Maryland lawmakers say the state will need to raise highway tolls and establish new electric vehicle fees to plug a growing transportation budget gap. (Baltimore Sun)

OFFSHORE WIND: New York City’s Staten Island is now anticipated to have its first offshore wind operation, the Arthur Kill Terminal for staging and assembling turbines, finish construction in 2026. (SI Live)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES: New York City’s taxi commission says the city doesn’t need more electric rideshare vehicles right now after over 7,500 were added last year and as an earlier license review faces litigation. (NYDN)

HYDROPOWER: Some residents of York County, Pennsylvania, worry at a public meeting that a newly proposed, massive hydroelectric facility on the Susquehanna River will displace them to flood their properties. (Fox 43)

POLICY:

• New Hampshire lawmakers consider restarting a climate and health program to collect data relevant to climate change and handle long-term planning, despite a lack of general funds to do so. (New Hampshire Bulletin)
• In his final State of the State address, Delaware’s governor touts his administration’s net-zero emissions by 2050 goal and an earmarked $30 million for coastal resiliency projects. (Delaware News Journal)

SOLAR: Residents of Rush, New York, discuss water quality and hydrology concerns at a public meeting on a proposed 180 MW solar farm. (Rochester First)

BUILDINGS: The United States Green Building Council recognizes Boston Public Schools as one of the greenest districts in the country, citing sustainability efforts like improving building efficiency and indoor air quality. (Boston.com)