Renewable natural gas not the answer in Rhode Island, critics say

NATURAL GAS: As Rhode Island considers how to transition toward cleaner energy, several stakeholders say renewable natural gas made from manure and other organic waste is not a viable alternative to other fossil fuels. (Energy News Network)

ALSO: Dealing with the ramifications of fracking has been a 20-year-long task for local officials in western Pennsylvania. (The Almanac)

ELECTIONS:

• In Maine, officials and advocates worry the new Trump administration will pull the plug on funding essential for the state’s offshore wind, heat pump, and electric vehicle targets. (Portland Press-Herald, subscription)
• New Hampshire’s governor-elect Kelly Ayotte is likely to be less supportive of offshore wind than the current governor, saying current projects ​“don’t make sense” for the state. (New Hampshire Bulletin)

TRANSMISSION: At the first public hearing about a proposed transmission line through Maryland, opponents of the project shout down a utility company presenter and demand answers. (WBFF)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES:

• Connecticut is unlikely to pursue more stringent emissions standards or electric vehicle adoption mandates in the wake of Trump’s win, says Gov. Ned Lamont. (New Haven Register, subscription)
• Massachusetts rolls out a new program to give rideshare and taxi drivers an extra $6,500 rebate on the purchase of an electric vehicle, on top of existing incentives. (WBUR)
• Cambridge, Massachusetts, debuts its first electric trash collection truck, part of the city’s goal of transitioning to an all-electric fleet. (news release)

CLEAN ENERGY: A Massachusetts funding bill would direct $400 million over ten years to a state clean energy center for investments in offshore wind and climatetech. (10 Boston)

OFFSHORE WIND: On a small peninsula in Rhode Island, an ecosystem of companies supporting the offshore wind industry is growing. (WPRI)

GRID: Utilities in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Jersey are among those to try out new software intended to help streamline the interconnection process and reduce backlogs. (Canary Media)

COMMENTARY: New York state agencies need to step up their education and outreach efforts to help residents understand how and why to help with the transition to renewable power, says an area editorial board. (Buffalo News, subscription)