Maine lawmakers pass weakened natural gas phaseout bill

NATURAL GAS: Backing down from a proposal that originally sought to block utilities from billing ratepayers for new natural gas infrastructure, the Maine House passes a bill that directs a state agency to study the issue instead. (Press Herald)

CLIMATE:

• While fishing groups push back on offshore wind, advocates say the industry is unprepared to deal with the threat of climate change, as increasingly intense storms damage waterfront facilities. (Bangor Daily News) 
• Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro works with labor and environmental groups to submit a $475 million pitch for federal funds to advance electrification and energy efficiency. (E&E News, subscription)

HYDROGEN: A green hydrogen startup with a production facility in New Hampshire is among companies urging the U.S. Treasury to adopt strict requirements for tax credit eligibility. (Energy News Network)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES:

• Climate activists protest the unveiling of an off-road electric Ford pickup at the New York Auto Show, stating ​“electric vehicles don’t solve the real problem with cars.” (Carscoops)
• State and federal officials unveil new high-speed electric vehicle chargers in a coastal Maine town, part of a $15 million initiative. (Spectrum Local News)
• Auto industry experts are concerned New Jersey’s ​“hot mess” of incentive programs could deter some prospective electric vehicle buyers. (Gothamist)

UTILITIES:

• Avangrid is seeking permission to bill ratepayers for $1.2 million in business expenses, challenging a new Connecticut law that prohibits them from doing so. (WFSB)
• A Connecticut town organizes a petition to state regulators to fight a proposed Eversource rate increase. (Patch)

NUCLEAR: A Connecticut congress member looks to Finland for solutions to deal with the state’s nuclear waste. (CT News Junkie)

CLEAN ENERGY: Maine farms and rural businesses receive $2 million in federal grants for clean energy and efficiency projects. (Mainebiz)

EFFICIENCY: New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announces $8 million in grants to help fund high-efficiency multifamily housing projects around the state. (news release)

COMMENTARY:

• A Maine high school student and activist urges lawmakers to pause natural gas expansion, saying ​“it is crucial to me that my state holds itself to its climate goals with integrity.” (Bangor Daily News)
• The CEO of the New Jersey Utilities Association says the state’s utilities support a ​“multipronged strategy” for decarbonization, including nuclear, carbon capture and hydrogen. (ROI-NJ)
• An editorial says western Pennsylvania should embrace solar power despite skepticism: ​“You don’t know until you try.” (Trib Live)