Trump ends NYC congestion pricing, city immediately sues

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TRANSPORTATION

The Trump administration announces plans to halt New York City’s congestion pricing program; the Metropolitan Transporation Authority immediately files a lawsuit challenging the legality of the move. (New York Times)

GEOTHERMAL
A bill that would create a program providing grants and loans to networked geothermal developments in Connecticut enjoys wide support, though advocates would like to see the legislation also require utilities to propose pilot thermal energy networks. (Canary Media)

EMBODIED CARBON

Several northeastern states are among those implementing ​“Buy Clean” policies intended to boost demand for building materials produced with lower carbon emissions, even as President Trump abandons a federal plan created by the Biden administration to support these state initiatives. (Canary Media)

CLIMATE

Vermont Gov. Phil Scott asks lawmakers to eliminate mandatory emissions reduction targets, block residents from suing the state for not meeting such goals, and weaken the power of a state climate council — changes opponents say essentially dismantle the state’s landmark 2020 climate law. (Vermont Public)

FUNDING FREEZE

In Connecticut, $9.5 million in federal funding for a geothermal project in New Haven is unfrozen, though another $20 million to fund heating system upgrades, energy efficiency programs, and other projects for low-income households in the city remains inaccessible. (New Haven Register)

POWER PLANTS

• New Jersey gives the go-ahead for construction to begin on a new gas-fired power plant in an economically disadvantaged Newark neighborhood despite residents’ and officials’ objections that the three other plants operating in the area already compromise public health and air quality. (NJ.com)

• The owners of the nuclear plant at Three Mile Island, now called the Crane Clean Energy Center, say progress toward reopening the plant in 2028 is ​“ahead of schedule” as they update evacuation plans and emergency response systems. (City & State Pennsylvania, WITF)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES

Massachusetts rules mandating increased sales of electric trucks kick in, but few buyers are ready to make the move and manufacturers are holding off on selling diesel vehicles to meet the requirements, bringing the market to a virtual halt. (Boston Globe)

SOLAR

• Projects in Maine and New York help make 2024 a record-breaking year for community solar installations nationwide, though growth is expected to taper off in coming years. (news release)

• New Jersey’s solar installations fell more than 40% in 2024, spurring discussions about whether the state should keep its existing net metering rules or look at a more dramatic restructuring of the incentive program. (RTO Insider, subscription)