The growing demand for renewable energy to meet state and utility goals is driving the rapid expansion in the U.S. wind power market. The sector emerged as the top provider of new power generation capacity in 2019, adding about 9.1 gigawatts of large-scale projects.
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on Oct. 15 issued an order on PJM Interconnection LLC’s proposed revisions in response to a December 2019 order that directed the grid operator to expand the minimum offer price rule, or MOPR, effectively raising the bid price for state-subsidized resources to participate in the capacity market. Democratic Commissioner Richard…...
Hydrogen is emerging as an important player in the U.S. energy landscape because of its ability to decarbonize multiple sectors. A number of exciting projects harnessing the technology are taking shape as hydrogen and fuel cells can store energy to help enhance the power grid and maximize opportunities to deploy renewable energy.
The U.S. Energy Department on Oct. 6 announced a statement of intent to collaborate with the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy on analyzing and sharing information on hydrogen technologies. The effort will facilitate the collection of real-world data to guide future research and development, and demonstration activities. The consortium supports the department’s…...
The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public input on two proposed solar farms near Desert Center in eastern Riverside County, California, according to an Oct. 2 press release. The projects, spanning an area of about 4,000 acres, would result in an estimated infrastructure investment of $689 million and $5.9 million in annual operational benefits…....
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Oct. 1 finalized a rule allowing a major source of hazardous air pollutants to reclassify as an “area source,” a less stringent category under the Clean Air Act, any time it implements measures to limit emissions. The action implements the agency’s 2018 guidance that withdrew the 1995 “Once In,…...
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Sept. 29 announced $73 million in funding and grants to support initiatives aimed to reduce diesel emissions from existing engines. About $50 million in Diesel Emissions Reduction Act funding is expected to be allotted for projects intended to address diesel emissions from the nation’s existing fleet. The 2020 grants…...
Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf, a Democrat, vetoed legislation, which would have prevented the state from implementing measures to limit carbon emissions without legislative approval. The state’s Environmental Quality Board recently voted in favor of a proposed regulation that would allow the state to participate in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, or RGGI, a cooperative effort…...
Vermont Governor Phil Scott, a Republican, signed legislation on Sept. 23, which directs energy efficiency funds to support emissions reduction measures in the thermal energy and transportation sectors for a period of three years. The new law requires the Public Utility Commission to authorize an entity appointed to provide energy efficiency and conservation programs to…...
State policy goals are driving comprehensive grid modernization endeavors aimed at transitioning to a flexible and efficient grid that caters to the needs of the evolving electric sector and diverse customer interests. A growing number of state regulators and utilities alike are embarking on innovative ventures, striving towards necessary enhancements to accomplish energy and environmental goals.
The Michigan Public Service Commission on Sept. 24 requested staff and stakeholders in its MI Power Grid initiative to recommend how utility resource planning requirements should be revised to reflect the new emissions reductions goals set by an executive order from Governor Gretchen Whitmer. The order, issued on Sept. 23, creates the MI Healthy Climate…...
Democratic Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation on Sept. 18, which directs the state to deny permits if an environmental justice analysis finds that a new facility will have a disproportionate impact on overburdened communities. The law marks the toughest measure in the nation to safeguard overburdened communities from pollution. Under the bill, “overburdened” applies to…...
