NY Republicans look to delay state renewable energy targets

POLICY: In New York, a group of Senate Republicans introduce legislation to postpone the state’s mandatory timeline for a renewable energy transition by a decade and add cost studies, but also create residential solar and hydroelectric tax credits. (WMHT)

ALSO: The head of the New York City Economic Development Corporation discusses plans to redevelop industrial waterfront sites into an offshore wind port. (City & State)

WIND: While the governors of Connecticut and Massachusetts have worked together on offshore wind development, lately Connecticut’s leader has been quiet about whether the state will take power from Vineyard Wind 2. (Rhode Island Current)

AFFORDABILITY:

• Some Rhode Island Energy customers express dismay at a public hearing that a potential winter utility rate adjustment could hike the average bill up 23.4%. (Rhode Island Current)
• Pennsylvania lawmakers will consider reauthorizing utility shutoff protections and transit agency funding in the upcoming legislative session, but possible funding sources for the latter could be held up by special interests. (Spotlight PA)

GRID: PJM Interconnection’s struggle to bring new generation resources online as fossil fuel-fired assets set retirement dates fans concern with the grid operator’s planning abilities. (Heatmap)

EQUITY:

• The executive director at New York City’s Mayor’s Office of Climate and Environmental Justice discusses climate vulnerability, air pollution and how communities can advocate for themselves. (Daily Climate)
• Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley is again ranked one of the worst places for asthmatic people to live by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, in part because of exposure to pollutants. (Morning Call, subscription)

CLIMATE: A company using greenhouse gasses emitted by a Baltimore wastewater treatment plant to refine a carbon dioxide-eating algae is asked to stop working out of the facility by the city agency that owns it. (WBAL)

COMMENTARY: Advanced Energy United’s senior principal writes that Connecticut needs to get a handle on the gas system ​“death spiral” that will make home heating increasingly expensive for vulnerable communities that can’t afford to electrify. (CT Mirror)