A Democrat-controlled committee rejected a bill that would have allowed Virginia local governments to adopt stricter energy efficiency codes than the state, with senators fretting it could prevent badly needed affordable housing from being built.
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Dominion Energy Broadens Net Zero Commitments
Cision PR Newswire
Building on plans to achieve Net Zero carbon and methane emissions from power generation and natural gas operations by 2050, Dominion Energy will now work to achieve Net Zero for emissions outside of the company’s direct operations.
Conservative Group Promoting Clean Energy Lands in Maryland
Maryland Matters
A national conservative group that promotes the development of clean energy has set up a chapter in Maryland and plans to work with property owners and local governments to build large-scale solar and wind installations on private land here.
Here Are Three Smaller Climate Bills That Could Have a Big Impact
Maryland Matters
The Climate Solutions Now Act of 2022, wide-ranging legislation that would revolutionize the way Maryland confronts climate change, is getting most of the attention this General Assembly session. But there are several other measures before the legislature this year designed to protect the state during the growing climate crisis.
Bill Prohibiting Local Bans on Natural Gas Service Advances
Virginia Mercury
A bill that would prohibit local governments from banning natural gas is moving through the Republican-controlled House despite a hiccup last week.
National and International News
States Must Develop EV Infrastructure Plans to Access $5B in Federal Funding: DOE, DOT
Utility Dive
States will need to develop electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure plans to access $5 billion in federal funding under a new program announced Thursday by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and Department of Energy (DOE).
How Billions in Infrastructure Funding Could Worsen Global Warming
New York Times
The new $1 trillion infrastructure law invests billions in climate-friendly programs like electric car chargers and public transit. But it also gives states $273 billion for highways over five years, with few strings attached. One analysis from the Georgetown Climate Center found that this money could significantly increase emissions if states keep adding highway lanes.
Lessons from New York: What Makes a Community Turn Against Climate Adaptation?
Grist
The East River Park controversy highlights what can happen when a city fails to adequately seek community input.
As States Ramp Up Storage Targets, Policy Maneuvering Becomes Key
Utility Dive
A handful of states have emerged as leaders in energy storage deployment. Can their policies present a model for the country?
Trump-Appointed Judge Blocks Biden Administration Climate Metric
The Guardian
A Trump-appointed federal judge has blocked the Biden administration’s attempt to put greater emphasis on potential damage from greenhouse gas emissions when creating rules for polluting industries.