Pennsylvania Lawmakers Demand Loan Return; New Hampshire, Maine Push Clean Energy
Lawmakers in Pennsylvania demand a steel company return a $10 million loan meant for small businesses hit by the pandemic. Meanwhile, New Hampshire plans to shift to 100% clean news, and Maine approves a transmission line for Canadian hydropower.
Democratic lawmakers in Pennsylvania have called on a steel company to return a $10 million loan. The funds were intended to support small businesses affected by the coronavirus pandemic. The company, however, has not been impacted by the crisis and has no need for the loan.
In New Hampshire, a town is working on a draft plan to transition to 100% clean news. The plan includes requiring energy performance in property listings and increasing energy efficiency opportunities. This move aims to reduce the town's carbon footprint and promote sustainability.
Maine's environmental regulators have granted a permit for a transmission line. The line will import Canadian hydropower, providing a clean energy source for the state. This decision aligns with Maine's commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Central Maine Power has set up a $500,000 fund for customers affected by COVID-19. This fund is part of a settlement and aims to provide relief to those struggling due to the pandemic.
A Pennsylvania company specializing in energy efficiency for healthcare facilities has been slowed by the coronavirus pandemic. The company's services, which help reduce energy costs for hospitals, have been temporarily paused due to the crisis.
Advocates in New York warn that companies seeking rate relief from the coronavirus pandemic could endanger funding for state clean news programs. They argue that these programs are crucial for the state's transition to renewable energy.
Environmentalists have sued federal regulators for not including climate risks in permit reviews for a western Massachusetts pipeline project. They believe that climate change should be a key consideration in such reviews.
Analysts suggest that strong approval ratings for governors may give them the opportunity to push a climate agenda. With public support, governors could drive policies that address climate change and promote clean news.
A community choice aggregation program for 13 towns in New York has been shelved due to a drop in energy prices. The program, which allows communities to choose their energy supplier, was no longer cost-effective with the current low energy prices.
A Massachusetts town has hired a consultant who concludes that Eversource does not need to replace a natural gas pipeline. The consultant's report shows that demand for natural gas has remained flat, making a pipeline replacement unnecessary.
In Pennsylvania, lawmakers press for the return of a small business loan. New Hampshire and Maine make strides in clean news, while New York faces challenges in its transition. Meanwhile, analysts see governors' strong approval ratings as an opportunity to push climate agendas.
