Rhode Island Energy plans 1.2 GW offshore wind solicitation

OFFSHORE WIND: Rhode Island Energy intends to issue a request for proposals in October to build a 1.2 GW offshore wind farm, months after exiting the Revolution Wind power purchase agreement. (WPRI)

ALSO:

• A wave of issues stalling development at New York’s Port of Albany, which is supposed to support wind turbine development, underscores the complex web of problems across the wind industry. (E&E News)
• A new Stockton University poll shows that only 50% of responding New Jersey residents support offshore wind development in the state — a sizable drop from the 80% who were in favor of it back in 2019. (NJ Advance Media)
• New Jersey utility regulators give offshore wind developers more time to walk away from their ​“contingent project” bids in the state’s third solicitation if they also have bids in other states. (RTO Insider, subscription)

SOLAR:

• New zoning board changes may make it easier for a developer to push through an unpopular 19 MW solar array slated for a residential part of Johnston, Rhode Island. (Boston Globe)
• New York plans to tap into a federal energy department loans program and cooperate more with that agency to speed up large-scale solar financing. (news release)

OIL & GAS: 

• A Pennsylvania lawmaker introduces a bill to develop a statewide phase-out and eventual ban of gas-powered lawn equipment. (CBS News)
• Federal investigators and Pennsylvania regulators continue sparring over state laws intended to protect utility information security but that impede the probe into a fatal chocolate factory explosion in March. (Insurance Journal)

CLEAN ENERGY: Although Pennsylvania lawmakers earmarked $112 million for state park and forestry improvement this year, the amount barely makes a dent in the $1.4 billion-backlog of projects, including $500 million for clean energy work. (Spotlight PA)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES: Massachusetts’ transportation agency signs a $341,000 contract to replace unreliable electric vehicle chargers on the Massachusetts Turnpike. (Worcester Telegram & Gazette)

GRID: ISO New England proposes adopting most of FERC Order 2023’s recommendations to overhaul its interconnection processes but wants almost double the amount of time suggested to undertake cluster studies. (RTO Insider, subscription)

BIOMASS: In Burlington, Vermont, a formerly fierce supporter of the local wood-fired electric plant explains his change of heart as the city’s council nears a crucial vote to expand operations. (Seven Days)

POLLUTION:

• A new federal redesignation finds a New Jersey county is in compliance with sulfur dioxide regulations, making it the first time since the late 1980s that the entire state has been in compliance. (news release)
• New York City and two major cruise lines strike a deal to hook up to local electric power and reduce emissions, among other community-focused supports. (Brooklyn Eagle)

COMMENTARY:

• A Maine state house correspondent writes that it’s impossible to predict how Mainers will vote on a ballot referendum seeking to form a public power utility. (Maine Public Radio)
• A newspaper opinions editor examines the various potential impacts that could happen if Rochester, New York, forms a new community utility. (Rochester Beacon)