New York sues major beef producer, alleging empty net-zero pledge

CLIMATE: New York Attorney General Letitia James sues one of the world’s largest beef producers, alleging the company doesn’t actually have a plan to meet its public pledge to reach net zero emissions by 2040. (Associated Press)

ALSO: As Vermont lawmakers advance a bill requiring a transition to 100% renewable energy by 2030, Gov. Phil Scott is urging a lower-cost alternative as residents point to affordability as their top priority. (WCAX)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES: New Jersey plans to phase out its sales tax exemption for electric vehicles, focusing on rebates instead. (NJ.com)

POLITICS: On the topic of Pennsylvania’s participation in RGGI, the state’s Republican Senate majority leader says he wants to see ​“an end to this debate once and for all,” arguing the uncertainty is harming the state’s energy economy. (City & State)

JOBS: New York City Mayor Eric Adams announces a plan to help meet demand for as many as 400,000 new green economy jobs by 2040. (Brooklyn Paper)

SOLAR: A Cornell University researcher studies what types of crops can best co-exist with solar panels on New York farms. (Spectrum News)

GRID: A Rhode Island utility announces plans to install 530,000 smart meters after receiving regulatory approval last fall. (Smart Energy International)

UTILITIES: A public input process on Massachusetts utility bills wraps up this week, with many residents submitting comments on the hardships they face from high energy costs. (State House News Service)

EFFICIENCY: New Hampshire officials seek input on how to deploy $70 million in federal funds for residential energy upgrades. (New Hampshire Public Radio)

TRANSPORTATION:

• New York City’s transit agency begins public hearings on a proposed $15 congestion charge for drivers in lower Manhattan. (Associated Press)
• Massachusetts’ attorney general sues a Boston suburb for failing to allow multifamily housing construction near a transit corridor, as required by state law. (WBUR)
• A Connecticut bill would provide grants to underresourced communities to build transit-oriented development. (CT Mirror)

HYDROPOWER: Some residents of a Maine town targeted for dam removal urge officials to revive its power generators, which would cost millions of dollars. (Maine Monitor)

COMMENTARY:

• An environmental advocate urges Pennsylvania officials to take full advantage of federal clean energy incentives so the state can remain competitive with its neighbors. (Bucks County Beacon)
• The chair of a Massachusetts regional planning organization says state lawmakers should reject a bill that limits local control of energy siting, arguing instead for incentivizing solar on parking lots and other already developed land. (Berkshire Eagle)