Massachusetts considers climate test for new gas connections

NATURAL GAS: Massachusetts lawmakers consider legislation that would require proposals to expand natural gas service to consider climate impacts and whether there are ​“less costly or less polluting alternatives.” (Boston Herald)

ALSO: Residents of a Pennsylvania community are seeking answers as chemicals used in fracking are suspected in a spike of cancer cases. (The Guardian)

SOLAR:

• Rhode Island lawmakers consider a bill that would help solar developers offset the costs of building on brownfield sites. (What’s Up Newp)
• A New York town reverses course on solar, imposing a one-year moratorium on new projects despite passing new regulations last year to end a previous moratorium. (WSKG)
• Portsmouth, New Hampshire’s Historic District Commission scales back a church’s proposed rooftop solar array, calling the original plan ​“a step too far.” (Seacoast Online)

WIND:

• Developers of the Revolution Wind project unveil the first U.S.-built ship designed specifically for offshore wind construction. (WPRI)
• A developer courts landowners for a proposed wind farm in western Pennsylvania, with local officials predicting pushback from residents. (Bradford Era)
• As electricians and other trade workers are encouraged to pursue clean energy jobs, the ups and downs of the offshore wind industry are taking a toll. (Sierra Magazine)

BUILDINGS: Rhode Island lawmakers weigh competing bills to measure emissions from buildings, which advocates say will be critical to reducing the sector’s climate impact. (Rhode Island Current)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES:

• United Illuminating, a utility serving southern Connecticut, announces it is joining Eversource in pausing rebates for electric vehicle chargers until there is more clarity from regulators about cost recovery. (Hartford Courant)
• Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont announces $5 million for nine high-speed electric vehicle charging stations along major highways. (Fox 61)

TRANSPORTATION:

• Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont declines to weigh in on the controversy over New York City’s congestion pricing plan; meanwhile, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul says the plan would raise the price of pizza. (CT News Junkie, Gothamist)
• Business groups push back on New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy’s plan for a corporate tax to help fund transit, urging a sales tax instead. (Bergen Record)

GRID: Developers of New England’s first utility-scale standalone energy storage facility say they have secured financing for construction. (Renewable Energy World)

UTILITIES: Maryland regulators reject a multi-year rate increase proposed by an Exelon subsidiary, saying that front-loading capital expenses ​“undermines regulatory review, and shifts risks to customers.” (Utility Dive)

COMMENTARY: The executive director of the Maine Port Authority defends the state’s decision to site an offshore wind staging facility at Sears Island, highlighting weaknesses of a competing site nearby. (Bangor Daily News)