Passive homes take off, but remain costly

EFFICIENCY: Massachusetts, New York, and Pennsylvania lead the country in passive house adoption, but these highly energy-efficient homes remain out of reach for many in the middle class. (Washington Post)

ALSO:

• Construction of energy efficient homes accelerates in Maryland as more builders pursue the federal Zero Energy Ready designation. (Capital Gazette)
• New Jersey utilities PSE&G and New Jersey Natural Gas receive state approval for their latest 30-month energy efficiency programs, which will offer low-interest financing, rebates, and other incentives to help residents and businesses use less energy. (news release)

TRANSPORTATION: New Jersey and New York ports receive $400 million in federal funding to electrify a ferry fleet and cargo handling equipment, provide plug-in power for ships in port, and help truck drivers get zero-emissions vehicles. (NJ Spotlight News)

FOSSIL FUELS: Northampton becomes the 10th Massachusetts municipality — and the only one in the western part of the state — authorized to ban fossil fuels in new construction as part of a pilot program. (Daily Hampshire Gazette)

NUCLEAR: Plans to revive the Three Mile Island plant, once synonymous with disaster, highlight the country’s shifting attitudes toward nuclear power. (New York Times)

POLITICS: The future of fracking in Pennsylvania is central to the two major presidential candidates’ pitches to voters in the important swing state. (TribLIVE)

TRANSMISSION: A Maryland state senator plans to propose legislation to delay the construction of a proposed 70-mile transmission line through the state. (Fox Baltimore)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES: More than $80 million in federal and state grants help Maryland expand electric vehicle charging infrastructure, particularly in underserved communities. (Southern Maryland Online)

GAS: A plant converting the methane from landfill emissions into natural gas opens in Pennsylvania, and could produce enough energy to heat 39,000 homes each year, developers say. (Republican Herald)

COMMENTARY:

• With Pennsylvania’s remaining coal plants set to close in coming years, state leaders must craft a plan to help employees and communities that are losing jobs, benefits, and tax revenue, says a sustainable development advocate. (Tribune-Democrat)
• Pennsylvania is poised to capitalize on the growth of power-hungry AI data centers by embracing natural gas rather than focusing too narrowly on renewable energy, says a former U.S. Congress member and natural gas advocate. (RealClear Energy)