Rhode Island needs to protect ratepayers from shutoffs, advocates say

HEAT: Rhode Island consumer advocates say the state should do more to protect ratepayers from summertime utility shutoffs as higher summer temperatures create dangerous conditions for those who can’t afford their bills. (Providence Journal)

POLICY:

• Massachusetts’ House and Senate energy committee chairs say they ought to be able to pass new climate legislation this session despite icy relations between the pair. (CommonWealth Magazine)
• Clean energy project interconnection issues and continued use of trash incineration plants will make it hard for Maryland to reach its ambitious climate goals, even as the state receives federal funds for emissions reduction. (Inside Climate News)
• Over half of New York’s thousands of air-polluting facilities may not be complying with state regulations because state officials haven’t examined old permits. (Times Union)

CLEAN ENERGY: Massachusetts’ governor forms a new clean energy siting and permitting commission to ensure equitable siting and benefits. (news release)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES: Maine’s Acadia National Park begins testing two different electric buses to shuttle tourists as it looks to transition away from propane-fueled models. (Maine Public Radio)

BIOENERGY:

• A recent Vermont climate council meeting heats up as debate continues on whether the state should allow biomass generation. (WAMC)
• A citizen-driven food waste diversion program in Canton, Connecticut, saves the town money via lower tipping fees and creates biofuel with the scraps. (Hartford Courant)

WIND:

• Maine officials celebrate an offshore wind research lease and massive plans for the Aroostook Renewable Gateway development, but both projects still require significant work to get off the ground. (Portland Press Herald)
• Federal officials give $2.5 million to the University of Rhode Island to study local community impacts of offshore wind development. (PBN)

SOLAR:

• Newington, Connecticut, installs solar panels on eight municipal buildings, eyeing over $3.5 million in expected cost savings over the next two decades. (Hartford Courant)
• A newly completed 1.7 MW rooftop community solar array in northern New Jersey has been connected to the grid. (news release)

CLIMATE:

• Weather monitoring stations in New Hampshire’s White Mountains will use a federal grant to build new locations and upgrade existing equipment to help better understand broader climate trends. (New Hampshire Bulletin)
• A new Maryland pilot program will allow fishers to harvest shrimp, which are becoming more common as the state’s coastal waters warm. (Baltimore Sun)

FLOODS: A Boston newspaper provides an overview of typical flood insurance policies and requirements for New Englanders recovering from recent flash floods. (Boston Globe)