Northeast

ENN

In Connecticut, another boost for fuel cell industry reignites subsidy debate

A bill signed into law last week will require electric distribution companies to solicit 30 megawatts of new generation from fuel cells. Critics say the technology should not be considered renewable because of its reliance on natural gas.

By Lisa Prevost . 19 July 2021
ENN

Massachusetts cities try new legal path toward banning new fossil fuel hookups

A year after the state’s attorney general struck down a suburban town’s attempt to ban new fossil fuel infrastructure, several municipalities are pursuing new strategies to restrict oil and gas in buildings.

By Sarah Shemkus . 15 July 2021
ENN

Commentary: Our children deserve a clean ride to school

The ride to school shouldn’t include a daily dose of toxic pollution, writes guest commentator John Stout of MASSPIRG.

By John Stout . 14 July 2021
ENN

Maine joins debate over how to define environmental justice

A new law directs the state to develop a specific legal definition for terms including “environmental justice” and “frontline communities,” as well as methods to incorporate equity into decision-making at state agencies.

By David Thill . 13 July 2021
ENN

Mass. bill would double real estate fee to fund clean energy, affordable housing

A broad coalition of environmental and community advocates backs the proposal to increase the deeds excise tax and spend the expected $300 million per year on projects such as climate adaptation and energy-efficient affordable housing.

By Sarah Shemkus . 8 July 2021
ENN

University of Connecticut solar tree will offer campus visitors a place to recharge

An industrial design team is constructing a 12-foot aluminum tree topped with nine large, leaf-shaped solar panels. The installation will be a research and education tool, and a place for campus visitors to plug in devices.

By Lisa Prevost . 30 June 2021
ENN

As car-centric Cape Cod tries to cut emissions, transportation is a challenge

The Massachusetts region’s unique geography and seasonality — and decades of car-centric development — present a challenge for local leaders trying to reduce climate emissions, more than 55% of which comes from transportation.

By Sarah Shemkus . 28 June 2021
ENN

Maine utility regulators can’t consider climate in their decisions. A bill headed to the governor can change that

A bill approved this week by Maine lawmakers would expand the Public Utilities Commission’s scope beyond reliability and rate impacts and allow it to consider the state’s climate goals in decision-making. Equity might be next.

By David Thill . 16 June 2021
ENN

Connecticut neighborhood pushes back against planned fuel cell power plant

The proposed facility would convert natural gas to electricity through a chemical process that emits carbon but eliminates other air pollution associated with combustion power plants.

By Lisa Prevost . 14 June 2021
ENN

Massachusetts group tests new model for solar on affordable housing projects

The Solar Technical Assistance Retrofits will offer financial and technical assistance to community development agencies interested in rooftop solar, with private investors providing the upfront capital.

By Sarah Shemkus . 11 June 2021