Waste-to-Energy Shift in Connecticut; Maryland's Offshore Wind Push; NJ's Clean Energy Justice Fund
Connecticut's waste-to-energy landscape is shifting as the state's largest facility, a state farm, faces closure, opening doors for anaerobic digesters. Meanwhile, Maryland lawmakers push back against federal rulings affecting offshore wind, and New Jersey considers clean energy fund allocation for environmental justice communities.
In Connecticut, advocates are seizing the opportunity presented by the impending closure of the state's largest waste-to-energy facility, a state farm. They are championing anaerobic digesters, which convert organic waste into renewable energy and fertilizer. While no specific details on organizations or reasons behind these efforts are available, the transition could significantly impact the state's waste management and renewable energy landscape.
Maryland legislators have urged federal regulators to reverse a ruling that could hinder offshore wind's competitiveness in capacity auctions. The ruling, which disadvantages renewable energy and supports fossil fuel plants, has drawn criticism from lawmakers who argue it could increase costs for consumers in the PJM region by billions annually.
Con Ed, New York's largest energy provider, has plans to triple its energy efficiency commitments by 2025. The company aims to invest $1.5 billion in energy-saving initiatives, demonstrating a significant shift towards renewable and efficient energy sources.
After a decade of effort, a Vermont dairy farm is now constructing an anaerobic digester. The facility will produce renewable natural gas, supplying energy to a local college and utility. This project showcases the potential of anaerobic digesters in providing sustainable energy solutions for rural communities.
In New Jersey, a bill proposes allocating 10% of the state's clean energy fund to environmental justice communities. The funding would support solar, renewable energy, and efficiency projects, aiming to ensure these communities benefit from the state's clean energy transition.
Secrecy surrounds a possible explosion and maintenance work at a Rhode Island compressor station. The incident highlights the need for transparency in energy infrastructure operations and maintenance.
The coronavirus pandemic has had a significant impact on the solar industry. In Massachusetts alone, about 52% of solar jobs are projected to be lost, with national losses exceeding 114,000. These job losses underscore the need for policy support and recovery efforts in the renewable energy sector.
Construction is complete at New Jersey's largest solar farm, a 28.5 MW array at a U.S. Navy facility. The project demonstrates the military's commitment to renewable energy and sets a precedent for other federal institutions to follow.
A Connecticut city is seeking state funding to relocate two commercial fishing operations displaced by an offshore wind project. The request highlights the need for thoughtful planning and compensation when renewable energy projects impact existing industries.
As Connecticut's waste-to-energy landscape evolves, anaerobic digesters emerge as a promising alternative. Maryland lawmakers fight for offshore wind's competitiveness, while New Jersey considers targeted clean energy funding. Meanwhile, the solar industry grapples with job losses due to the pandemic, and the completion of New Jersey's largest solar farm signals progress in renewable energy adoption.
