Trump tries to take back wind permit

This roundup of energy news headlines comes from our Northeast Energy News newsletter. Sign up to get it in your inbox each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday morning.

WIND

• The Trump administration asks a federal judge to allow it to remand federal approvals for Revolution Wind, even though the 65-turbine wind farm is already operating and sending power to the grid. (Canary Media)

• Maine plans to survey marine life this winter near a proposed offshore wind site to collect baseline data for future research into the impact of turbines on ocean ecosystems. (WMTW)

GRID

• The U.S. Department of Energy issues an emergency order allowing power plants in the PJM grid region to operate as needed and exceed pollution limits as warmer-than-usual weather leads to elevated power demand. (Pennsylvania Capital-Star)

• FERC rejects most of PJM Interconnection’s large-load interconnection plan, including the grid operator’s ​“bring your own new capacity rules” for data centers and other projects joining the system. (Utility Dive)

NATURAL GAS

• Pennsylvania’s gas-fired power generation capacity is expected to increase at least 15% by 2030, driven by surging data center demand. (Axios)

UTILITIES

• Connecticut’s attorney general and consumer advocate ask utility regulators to investigate utilities’ use of artificial intelligence, citing concerns about data privacy and cybersecurity. (Hartford Business Journal)

• Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey (D) urges electric utilities to immediately refund money they owe customers for years of collecting excessive returns. (NBC Boston)

• Two Maine utilities file a lawsuit challenging a new state law that prevents them from earning a financial incentive for voluntarily joining ISO New England by requiring they be members of the organization. (WGME)

• Maryland regulators find that a pilot program that allowed utilities to set rates three years in advance based on expected spending failed to produce ​“clear, measurable benefits for ratepayers.” (WYPR)

DATA CENTERS

• Residents of a small western Pennsylvania community jeer and boo plans for a 20-building data center campus and associated natural gas power plant presented at a recent town hall meeting. (Public Source)

HYDROGEN

• Years after the announcement of two hydrogen hub projects that were supposed to bring jobs and economic benefits to Pennsylvania and neighboring states, progress has gone completely dormant. (Inside Climate News)

AFFORDABILITY

• Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont (D) releases $12.7 million to provide assistance to homeowners dealing with high heating oil prices. (CT Mirror)

• Massachusetts school districts face difficult choices as soaring fuel prices raise the cost of heating classrooms and transporting students. (NBC Boston)