New York wind, solar siting too slow, state comptroller finds

POLICY: New York’s comptroller releases an audit finding that the state energy siting office is too slow at approving big wind and solar developments and that permit applications often had missing or insufficient paperwork. (LoHud, Spectrum News 1)

ALSO:

• Bangor, Maine, city councilors approve the Penobscot Climate Action Plan, a regional blueprint for how 10 central Maine communities plan to mitigate the climate crisis. (Bangor Daily News)
• University of Vermont researchers examine surveys from roughly 6,000 Americans and find they’re more willing to pay for climate policy if they had experienced extreme weather. (WCAX)
• New data shows Connecticut’s greenhouse gas emissions rose 7% between 2020 to 2022, similar to nationwide emissions estimates. (CT Mirror)

OFFSHORE WIND:

• Maine’s governor opens up a request for information to collect public feedback on what will become the first commercial offshore wind solicitation for the Gulf of Maine. (Renewables Now)
• Several New Jersey beach towns tell state utility regulators the proposed Atlantic Shores wind farm is going to be more expensive than previously estimated, while also expressing fear it will reduce local economic activity. (Associated Press)
• A New Hampshire lawmaker says offshore wind development in the Gulf of Maine could benefit his state greatly, if leaders work to take advantage of the opportunity. (In-Depth NH)
• Several anti-offshore wind groups ask a federal judge to halt construction of the Revolution Wind project because of feared harm to loggerhead sea turtles and the North Atlantic right whale. (E&E News, subscription)
• A recent U.S. Coast Guard Academy survey of 200 recreational anglers around the Block Island wind facility found that ​“many … believe the turbines improve fishing.” (Yale Climate Connections)

GRID: Pennsylvania environmentalists cheer the end of plans to develop a major plastics chemical recycling plant in a cornfield, following their concerns it would be an energy-hungry and highly polluting facility. (Inside Climate News)

SOLAR:

• The University of New England showcases its largest renewable energy investment to-date, an 804-panel solar array on the roof of an athletic facility. (WMTW).
• In Pennsylvania’s Cumberland County, solar projects remain ​“a political football” among some residents and officials because of perceived negative aesthetic factors, despite economic and climate benefits. (The Sentinel)
• An energy developer installs a 230 kW solar array for a Massachusetts municipal utility, part of which is behind-the-meter for on-site needs while the rest is used as a community solar facility. (news release)

UTILITIES: Pennsylvania utility commissioners unanimously vote to investigate a rate hike request from FirstEnergy equal to 34%. (Butler Eagle)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES:

• New York City outlines where three new charging stations for medium-to-heavy duty electric vehicles will be located on Staten Island. (SI Live)
• Pennsylvania receives its first electric school buses purchased with federal Clean School Bus Program dollars, six buses manufactured in Oklahoma. (The Hill)
• A central Pennsylvania beer distributor uses a $2.5 million state grant to electrify its freight truck fleet. (Penn Live)

COMMENTARY: A pediatric physical therapist and climate advocate writes that electrifying NJ Transit without regressive fare hikes is necessary to improve public health and air quality. (Star-Ledger)