Alternative energy

New York Breaks Ground on Solar “GigaFactory”

Governor Cuomo officially broke ground for the Western Hemisphere’s largest solar panel manufacturing facility at a one million-square-foot site in RiverBend. On September 23, 2014, New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced a one-million-square-foot site for the proposed SolarCity GigaFactory Facility at RiverBend in South Buffalo.  The SolarCity facility will be the largest solar manufacturing…...

Massachusetts’ Second Green Bond Sale Shows Strong Demand

Massachusetts’ second Green Bond sale resulted in orders exceeding $1B for $350M worth of bonds and $429M in refinancing transaction that will save taxpayers $45M. On September 22, 2014, Massachusetts Treasurer Steven Grossman announced that the Commonwealth’s second Green Bond sale generated more than $1B in buy orders for a $350M bond offering.  Retail investors placed…...

NY Climate Week Highlights Clean Energy and Climate Preparedness Efforts

Governor Cuomo has designated September 22-28 as Climate Week, highlighting the state’s transformational clean energy accomplishments and proactive climate preparedness efforts. On September 22, 2014, New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo designated the week of September 22-28 as Climate Week to increase climate awareness and highlight New York’s ongoing efforts to meet climate challenges.  Governor…...

Massachusetts Completes 1.8 MW Solar Installation on Superfund Site

SunEdison has completed a 1.8 MW solar power plant on a remediated Superfund site in New Bedford, Massachusetts. On September 19, 2014, global solar technology manufacturer SunEdison Inc. announced the completion of a 1.8 MW DC solar photovoltaic installation on the remediated Sullivan’s Ledge landfill site – and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Superfund site –…...

New York City Launches Building Retrofit Plan to Reduce Emissions

NYC has committed to reduce emissions to 80 percent below 2005 levels by 2050, beginning with a comprehensive plan to retrofit all public buildings by 2025 and set target reductions and mandates for private buildings. On September 21, 2014, New York City (NYC) Mayor de Blasio announced a new goal of reducing emissions to 80…...

Executive Actions to Advance Solar Deployment and Energy Efficiency

New executive actions and initiatives to advance solar and energy efficiency projects include military-veterans solar job training, $68M USDA-funded rural projects, and stronger building codes. On September 18, 2014, the White House announced executive actions, public and private sector commitments, federal agency initiatives, and reports to advance solar deployment and energy efficiency.  The actions are…...

Senate Finance Committee Hearing on Energy Tax Policy Reforms

On September 17, 2014, the Senate Committee on Finance held a hearing titled “Reforming America’s Outdated Energy Tax Code” to discuss possible reforms to the U.S. energy tax policy. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) underscored the need for predictable, level playing-field tax policy that puts renewables on the same footing as other…...

Cape Wind to Stage Offshore Wind Project at Marine Commerce Terminal

Cape Wind has entered into a two-year lease agreement with MassCEC to stage the first U.S. offshore wind project at the South Coast Marine Commerce Terminal. On September 12, 2014, Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick announced a lease agreement between Cape Wind and the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) to stage the first U.S. offshore wind project from the South…...

DOE Announces $8M for Microgrid Projects

The DOE has announced seven awards to advance microgrid projects focused on enhanced microgrid control systems and technologies to strengthen electric infrastructure resiliency. On September 8, 2014, the Department of Energy (DOE) announced more than $8M for microgrid projects across seven states to develop advanced technologies that facilitate more resilient and adaptive communities.  The projects…...