New York launches congestion pricing despite legal challenges

TRANSPORTATION: The first congestion pricing plan in the United States goes into effect in Manhattan after a judge declines New Jersey’s request to halt the program at the last minute. (New York Times)

ALSO: New Hampshire launches a program to reimburse schools, businesses, and municipal bodies for efforts to reduce emissions from the use of diesel fuel. (New Hampshire Bulletin)

TRANSMISSION:

• The company behind a proposed transmission line through three Maryland counties argues there are no better alternatives to the current plan, even as lawmakers from the area work on legislation to undermine the project. (Baltimore Sun, subscription)
• Despite years of legal challenges, a controversial transmission line designed to import hydropower from Canada through Maine is expected to be operational by the end of 2025. (Maine Public)

CLIMATE:

• Pennsylvania’s pick for attorney general suggests the energy-producing state may not be among those leading the resistance against President-elect Trump’s likely weakening of climate policies. (Pennsylvania Capital-Star/Capital & Main)
• State lawmakers in New York will consider legislation to bring the state closer to meeting its climate mandates and strengthen its environmental policies in anticipation of the incoming Trump administration. (Times Union)

SOLAR: On more than 100 days in 2024, Maine drew more electricity from the grid at night than during the day as solar power use surged in the state. (Portland Press Herald, subscription)

BIOFUEL: Advocates urge Massachusetts policymakers not to lean too heavily on biofuels in their plans to decarbonize the state’s heating systems, saying there are too many questions about the possible impacts. (Energy News Network)

NATURAL GAS:

• A Pennsylvania environmental board agrees to review claims that renewing permits for two fracked gas wells infringes on local residents’ right to clean air and water. (TribLive)
• Natural gas prices in Maine will not increase as much as originally proposed following talks between pipeline owners and state regulators. (Bangor Daily News, subscription)

AGGREGATION: Three years after community choice power launched in New Hampshire, nearly half the state’s population lives in a participating community, with more expected to join soon. (Concord Monitor)

NUCLEAR: A New York company plans to acquire a bankrupt startup that develops nuclear microreactors. (E&E News, subscription)

STORAGE: A municipal fire official in Massachusetts refuses to approve plans for 5 MW battery installation, saying the project would be too close to homes and a church in case of fire. (Patriot Ledger)

COMMENTARY: As congestion pricing rolls out in New York City, Connecticut should keep an eye on whether a similar program might work on the state’s highways, a transportation advocate says. (CT Mirror)