Massachusetts Delays EV Rules; Maine Fines Solar Polluter; Vermont's Climate Action Stalls
In a mix of environmental news, Massachusetts delays EV sales rules, while Maine fines a solar company for river pollution. Meanwhile, Vermont's climate action stalls, and New Hampshire regulates energy supply costs. Delaware's net metering program shows strong returns, and a Michigan coal plant stays open due to an 'energy emergency'.
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has decided to postpone the implementation of regulations mandating increasing percentages of car sales to be electric. However, automakers must still report their EV sales and marketing efforts. This delay comes as Northeastern states grapple with the future of the New England grid, with offshore wind's potential uncertain.
In a separate development, Maine's environmental regulators have fined a solar company over $200,000 for polluting the Kennebec River during the construction of a solar array. This incident highlights the importance of responsible renewable energy practices.
In a positive step for conservation, utility company Central Maine Power plans to create a 50,000-acre conservation area as part of a deal for a controversial transmission line. This move demonstrates the potential for utilities to contribute to environmental protection.
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court is currently deciding whether the cost of paying for carbon emissions is an illegal tax or a permissible fee. This case could have significant implications for climate policy across the country.
In Vermont, climate action has hit a roadblock due to the loss of veto-proof Democratic majorities and the Republican Governor's delay in adopting electric vehicle rules. This political landscape has led to a standstill in climate action initiatives.
New Hampshire regulators have ruled that electric utility Unitil can only pass on extra energy supply costs to customers who buy electricity directly from the company, not those in community power programs or with competitive suppliers. This decision aims to protect consumers from unnecessary cost increases.
A new report has found that Delaware's net metering program creates $1.28 in direct benefits for utility customers for every dollar invested. This positive return on investment underscores the value of net metering programs in supporting renewable energy adoption.
In an unexpected move, the U.S. Energy Department has ordered a Michigan coal plant to stay open past its retirement date due to an 'energy emergency'. This decision highlights the ongoing reliance on coal power in certain regions.
Lastly, Maryland's climate justice efforts have taken a step backward with Governor Wes Moore's veto of legislation calling for studies into greenhouse gas emissions and data center development impacts. This veto may slow down progress in addressing climate change and its local impacts.
These news developments highlight the complex and varied landscape of climate and energy policy across the United States. While some states make progress in renewable energy and conservation, others face setbacks and uncertainties. The future of energy and climate policy remains a critical area of debate and action.
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