Boston, MA -- Almost a full year after the Massachusetts Senate passed their climate bill (S.2500) and more than five months after the proposed rewrite passed the House (H.4912), both chambers have finally released a final compromise version of the climate Roadmap Bill: S.2995.
WASHINGTON DC- Today, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will finalize standards for greenhouse gas emissions from new aircraft that take effect in 2028. The rule copies international standards from 2016 that set a greenhouse gas emissions floor for aircraft flying international routes at levels a decade behind what aircraft could already do in 2016.
Aviation is among the fastest growing sources of climate pollution, yet EPA’s final rule will have no impact at all on greenhouse gas emissions.
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- After weeks of threatening to block the major military spending bill, President Trump vetoed the 2020 National Defense Authoritzation Act. The $740 billion bill is the major vehicle for funding the U.S. military and passed both the House of Representatives and Senate with veto-proof majorities. The 2020 bill includes a provision that would redesignate military installations currently named after prominent Confederate military and political leaders.
Former coal lobbyist and EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler finalized his decision to maintain the insufficient ground level ozone standard of 70 parts per billion, despite the scientific consensus that it is not strong enough to protect the most vulnerable communities.
Last night, the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) voted 3-2 to approve a rate increase for Tucson Electric Power (TEP) to reimburse the utility for the high cost to operate gas and coal-fired power plants. Starting on January 1, 2021, TEP customers will see their electric bills increase -- at a time when people are already struggling to afford essential services due to the impacts of COVID-19. According to TEP, average monthly bills of residential customers with typical usage on TEP’s Basic pricing plan will increase approximately $5.20, compared to 2020 bills.
Washington, DC -- Late yesterday, Donald Trump implied that he will not sign the massive year-end omnibus package that provides some COVID relief, funds the government, and contains significant climate and energy provisions, including the phaseout of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and clean energy tax credits for wind, solar, and offshore wind.
Richmond, VA -- Today, the Virginia State Corporation Commission issued an order that creates a recovery mechanism for a new energy assistance program for low-income Virginians known as the Percentage of Income Payment Program, or “PIPP.” The PIPP program was included as a provision in the Virginia Clean Economy Act earlier this year with the express goal of lowering the cost of utility bills for lower-income ratepayers. The Commission’s order leaves open crucial elements of the PIPP program, such as the size and scope of energy reduction programs and the role of electrifica
NORTHEAST– Four jurisdictions - Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Washington, DC - have signed onto a final memorandum of understanding for the Transportation and Climate Initiative Program (TCI-P), a cap-and-invest program for reducing transportation emissions in the Northeast.
Killingly, CT -- Today, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), tasked with protecting the state’s waterways and environment, issued a draft determination approving the water quality certification for a pipeline that would fuel the controversial Killingly fracked gas plant. The proposed 2.8 mile pipeline would tear through vital wetlands and streams, including a native brook trout stream, and would destroy habitat for state-listed endangered species including the Northern long-eared owl and American bittern.
Washington, DC -- Today, Congress is voting on a massive year-end omnibus package that includes government spending, an energy package, and the Water Resources and Development Act while providing some COVID relief.
Congressional Democrats’ efforts on appropriations led to the inclusion of:
$180 million increase in funding for the EPA, the second highest funding level for the Agency ever