New Jersey halts latest offshore wind plans

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OFFSHORE WIND

• New Jersey decides not to award a contract in its fourth offshore wind solicitation, creating serious questions about the future of the industry in the state, and contributing to concerns that President Trump’s anti-wind plans are gaining traction. (New Jersey Monitor, Politico)

• Facing an uncertain future for offshore wind in the state, New Jersey economic development officials will review plans for a port serving the industry and consider alternative uses for the facilities. (NJBIZ)

TARIFFS

• The U.S. and Canada come to an agreement to delay implementation of tariffs, but experts say the eventual charges on Canadian goods and energy will quickly increase prices for heating oil in Maine and New Hampshire, two of the states most dependent on the fuel for winter warmth. (Bangor Daily News, subscription; WMUR)

• An economics professor advises Quebec against cutting energy exports to northeastern United States in retaliation for Trump’s tariffs, warning that the move would only exacerbate tensions. (CTV News)

AFFORDABILITY

• Democratic lawmakers in Maryland introduce a package of bills intended to combat rising energy costs by speeding up permitting for new projects and making solar more accessible, though climate advocates express concern about the measures’ support for natural gas. (Washington Post)

• Massachusetts pilots a program providing residents of two cities with no-cost guidance navigating the options for reducing costs by improving their home energy efficiency and accessing clean energy. (WWLP)

CLEAN ENERGY

• Maine received $2.2 billion in benefits from federal clean energy spending and related private investments spurred by two major bills passed during the Biden administration, according to an analysis by an environmental nonprofit. (Portland Press Herald, subscription)

• In Massachusetts, as much as $1 billion in promised federal funding for low-income solar developments, weatherization initiatives, and other clean energy and efficiency projects faces an uncertain future as Trump attempts to freeze spending. (WBUR)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES

Confronted with the absence of federal support and legislative opposition from both sides of the aisle, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont says he won’t renew his attempts to require the state to phase out sales of gas-powered vehicles. (CT Mirror)

EQUITY

Delaware’s environmental agency will take steps to improve its process for engaging with residents affected by new developments, after it allegedly failed to do proper outreach to the Latino, Haitian, and Black communities adjacent to a facility turning chicken waste into natural gas. (Spotlight Delaware)

COMMENTARY

As Massachusetts considers wooing AI facilities, the state must take measures to ensure communities of color do not bear the brunt of the projects’ environmental impact, says an environmental justice leader. (CommonWealth Beacon)