Maine offshore wind port funds rejected

OFFSHORE WIND: Federal officials reject Maine’s application for $456 million in grants to build an offshore wind port, raising questions about the industry’s future in the state. (Lewiston Sun Journal, subscription)

ALSO:

• Local residents threaten to challenge an air quality permit for a planned offshore wind cable manufacturing plant on the former site of a coal-burning power plant in Massachusetts. (CommonWealth Beacon)
• A slight majority of New Jersey votes support offshore wind, but few consider the issue a priority likely to influence their votes this election season. (NJ Spotlight News)

NUCLEAR: Massachusetts’ pending climate bill could allow the state to count nuclear energy procurements towards its renewable power goals. (Inquirer and Mirror)

SOLAR:

• Ten municipal agencies in Pennsylvania join forces to buy solar power, but unexpected legal fees spark conflict, highlighting the difficulties of coordinating action across governments. (Spotlight PA)
• A Vermont company sees growing interest in its off-the-grid, solar-powered electric vehicle charging systems. (Seven Days)
• Maine’s attorney general warns consumers to be on the lookout for scam ads for solar and clarifies that the state does not require homes convert to solar or offer incentives or grants for home solar panels. (Portland Press Herald, subscription)

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE: The company redeveloping the former site of the East Coast’s largest oil refinery agrees to cut emissions, remove contamination, and work with community groups addressing the health problems caused by pollution from the refinery. (Inside Climate News)

TRANSMISSION: A New York state transmission project completed last year is already alleviating congestion on the grid, allowing more wind energy onto the system. (RTO Insider, subscription)

TRANSIT:

• New York City plans to transition the Staten Island Ferry fleet to renewable diesel fuel, which could cut carbon dioxide emissions by as much as 60%. (NY Daily News, subscription)
• State and regional agencies in midcoast Maine kick off efforts to improve public transportation in the underserved region. (Bangor Daily News, subscription)

NATURAL GAS: Philadelphia Gas Works receives $125 million in federal funding to replace 66 miles of aging natural gas pipes in an attempt to reduce emissions from methane leaks. (WHYY)

CLEAN ENERGY: A Pennsylvania project shares in $428 million of federal funds to support clean energy manufacturing in former coal communities. (The Hill)