Northeast

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Rhode Island climate law sets the stage for the state's next fight: transportation

State lawmakers must pass authorizing legislation before joining a regional cap-and-invest program to reduce vehicle emissions. A bill is expected to be introduced soon, but its passage is hardly assured.

By Lisa Prevost . 16 April 2021
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Environmental groups step up push for cooling towers at Merrimack coal plant

The Sierra Club and Conservation Law Foundation want changes to an EPA water permit issued last year for what will soon be the last coal-fired power plant in New England.

By David Thill . 15 April 2021
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Commentary: Equitable procurement, hiring crucial to offshore wind growth

At the dawn of a period of significant growth for offshore wind, we must ensure an industry-wide commitment to equitable procurement practices, diversity and hiring, writes Rebecca Karp of Karp Strategies.

By Rebecca Karp . 14 April 2021
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Commentary: Making solar incentives work for low-income Bay Staters

Massachusetts' SMART program is not currently working for many of our under-resourced neighbors, writes Vote Solar's Nathan Phelps.

By Nathan Phelps . 12 April 2021
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New England’s solar growth is creating tension over who pays for grid upgrades

National Grid’s territory in Rhode Island and Massachusetts is one of several areas where solar developers, utilities and state regulators are grappling with how to pay for the growing cost of connecting projects to the grid.

By Lisa Prevost . 5 April 2021
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Young urban farmer plots growth of regenerative agriculture endeavor

College student Chander Payne received a “young heroes” award for his work in delivering fresh local food to homeless shelters and schools in underserved communities in the Washington, D.C., area.

By Elizabeth McGowan . 2 April 2021
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This Boston car-sharing service puts low-income drivers in electric vehicles

Good2Go’s small fleet of electric vehicles provides a clean, affordable transportation option in a neighborhood where many households cannot afford to own a car and public transit can be unreliable.

By Sarah Shemkus . 31 March 2021
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Burlington City Council delays weatherization vote for fine-tuning

A regional low-income weatherization program requested changes to the proposed ordinance to prevent a bottleneck of property owners seeking its services in order to comply.

By David Thill . 26 March 2021
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Vermont voters stoke debate on the best path to cleaner building heat

Almost two-thirds of Burlington voters this month said they want to give the city broad authority to regulate building heat sources, including in existing buildings, but the state legislature and governor need to sign off first.

By David Thill . 25 March 2021
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Critics warn Massachusetts’ climate progress is headed for traffic jam

Climate advocates and analysts say the state will need to reduce driving if it wants to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, and that current plans focus too much on vehicle electrification.

By Sarah Shemkus . 22 March 2021