Connecticut, Massachusetts Make Moves in Energy Policy; Maine Passes 10+ Energy Bills
Connecticut and Massachusetts have seen significant developments in energy and environmental policies. Connecticut officials have reached a settlement, while Massachusetts faces pushback on its green initiatives. Meanwhile, Maine has been active in passing energy-related legislation.
In Connecticut, regulators have approved incentives to reduce the upfront costs of residential and commercial battery storage systems. The incentives start at about $250/kWh, aiming to make these systems more affordable. Additionally, Connecticut officials have reached a $400,000 settlement with a third-party electric supplier accused of illegal marketing tactics.
In Maine, transit officials in the greater Portland area are still undecided on how to spend federal funds to attract riders back to public transportation after the pandemic. Meanwhile, Maine passed more than 10 pieces of energy-related legislation in the second quarter, outpacing other Northeastern states and Pennsylvania, which passed none.
Massachusetts, however, is facing resistance to its green initiatives. Home builders, utilities, and residents are pushing back against attempts to ban new natural gas infrastructure and encourage electrification. Despite this, Massachusetts environmental officials have introduced policies limiting new biomass development to just 10% of municipalities to protect environmental justice communities. This leaves only 35 communities open to biomass development under the proposed regulations.
These developments highlight the ongoing efforts and challenges in transitioning to cleaner energy sources and improving public transportation. While some states like Maine have made significant progress in energy-related legislation, others like Massachusetts face resistance to their green initiatives. Meanwhile, Connecticut has taken steps to make battery storage systems more affordable and settled a case involving illegal marketing tactics in the energy sector.
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