Offshore wind leaders ask Trump to consider economic impact

OFFSHORE WIND: Offshore wind representatives urge Donald Trump to consider the economic benefits the industry can offer, despite the president-elect’s vocal opposition to such developments. (New Bedford Light)

ALSO: As work begins on an intended offshore wind port on Maine’s Sears Island, conservation advocates say the state is not being transparent with its plans. (News Center Maine)

ELECTIONS: Vermont Democrats lose their supermajorities in both the state Senate and House, sparking concern about future climate policy, particularly the controversial clean heat standard that is under development. (VT Digger)

SOLAR: In Pennsylvania, 480 proposed solar projects that could increase the state’s total solar capacity by a factor of 18 are waiting in queue with the regional grid operator, according to a land development analysis. (PV Magazine)

EMISSIONS: Massachusetts launches efforts to lower carbon emissions from fossil fuel-fired peaker plants, using battery storage and other technology. (MetroWest Daily News)

NUCLEAR: Federal regulators’ refusal of Amazon’s request to increase its use of energy from a Pennsylvania nuclear plant does not mean similar plans for co-located data centers are destined for rejection, insiders and experts say. (E&E News, subscription)

RENEWABLES: The New York Power Authority holds its first public hearing for its plan to build 3.5 GW of renewable energy capacity in coming years; more than 1,200 comments opposing the plan have already been submitted. (Niagara Gazette, subscription; news release)

GRID:

• More New Hampshire towns contemplate adopting community power aggregation as a way of lowering electricity bills for residents and allowing them to choose to buy a greater proportion of renewable energy. (Valley News)
• A new 5 MW battery storage system in a Massachusetts suburb could save residents $8 million annually by reducing the need to buy power at the most expensive times of day. (CommonWealth Beacon)

COMMENTARY:

• Connecticut should keep working to switch from diesel to electric school buses for the health of the climate and its students, says a ninth-grader from the state. (Hartford Courant)
• Massachusetts’ pending climate bill could cost billions but have lackluster climate impact, says an advocate from a fiscal responsibility nonprofit. (CommonWealth Beacon)