CLIMATE XCHANGE Policy Roundup: Baker BOND BILL gets hearing— NORTHERN PASS is out— drop in SOLAR JOBS

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Baker Envt’l Bond Bill-

-Hearing scheduled for tomorrow: Governor Baker’s $1.4 billion bond bill (H.4318) is getting a hearing tomorrow (4/3) in the state house at 10:00am in rooms A-1 & A-2 before the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources & Agriculture. Expect a packed room, arrive early if you want a seat or to sign up to give testimony.

Anti-pipeline activists are expected to show up in force to oppose the bill’s controversial ‘clean peak’ standard. The standard is widely seen as a backdoor maneuver to introduce more natural gas capacity to Massachusetts.
For more information on this expansive legislation check out our complete factsheet.

Beacon Hill Happenings--

-Turmoil in Mass. Senate Threatens Clean Energy Future: Uncertainty in the state’s upper house is threatening to derail a number of clean energy and adaptation bills moving through the legislature this session. This is despite last week’s announcement by Senator Karen Spilka that she has the votes to be the chamber’s next leader. Fueled by multiple scandals and a number of high-level departures, the turmoil is summarized well in yesterday’s Boston Globe.

-State Rep. Criticized for Sharing Email with Gas Lobbyist: State Representative Steven Howitt (R-Seekonk) apologized on Friday after sharing a constituent email with a prominent gas industry lobbyist. The constituent was accidentally cc’d on the forwarded email from the Rep to the lobbyist, who appeared to be coaching Rep Howitt on how to respond to the constituent. The constituent had originally reached out to express concern about the ‘clean peak’ standard contained within the Baker bond bill (H.4318).

Transportation Emissions--

-EPA to Roll Back Clean Car Standards: In an unprecedented move, the Trump EPA is expected to announce this week the removal of Obama era clean car standards. In place nationally since 2012, these standards jointly limit the amount of carbon pollution vehicles can emit and require them to be more fuel efficient.

Clean car standards have widespread positive effects on state economies. Since 2011 in Massachusetts, the standards have reduced gas consumption by more than 186 million gallons, saving drivers $602 million in fuel costs. By 2030, the standards were also expected to create over 15,000 jobs in Massachusetts, and increase the gross state product by $2 billion. With their roll back, states will need to find new ways to reduce transportation emissions, and capture the job and economic benefits that come with it.

Mass Clean Energy RFP--

-Northern Pass Out, Central Maine Power In: Last wednesday, Massachusetts officially withdrew their approval for the controversial Northern Pass transmission project to bring electricity from Canadian hydro through New Hampshire to Massachusetts. The Bay State’s three biggest utilities and Governor Charlie Baker’s administration are shifting gears and backing a competing proposal, Avangrid’s Central Maine Power (CMP). CMP will also bring Canadian hydropower to Massachusetts, this time via Maine. Massachusetts officials are pushing to sign a contract with Avangrid by late April 2018.

-Competition Heating up for Offshore Wind: Last week, offshore wind competitor Revolution Wind announced plans to develop infrastructure (and jobs) in three cities across the Massachusetts south coast. Other competitors, including Vineyard Wind and Bay State Wind, have also highlighted the economic benefits of offshore wind, citing its expansive supply chain. Regulators and the state’s three utilities are set to select a winning bid on April 23rd.

Solar--

-New Map Highlights Solar Jobs by State: The Solar Foundation unveiled a new interactive tool that break downs solar jobs by state, congressional district, county, metro area, and solar sub-sector. Check it out here.

The numbers aren’t great for Massachusetts, the Bay State ranks among the lowest in the country for job growth having added almost no new jobs over the previous year. The state is still second in overall solar jobs with 11,530 (behind only California), and is 7th in solar jobs per capita. This is despite state solar capacity increasing by 30% in 2017.

New England Grid--

-FERC Approves New 2-Tiered Auction: In a controversial step, federal regulators have green lighted an ISO-NE (New England’s independent grid operator) plan that would likely raise prices for renewable energy and possibly increase regional reliance on fossil fuels. The proposal has split New England states, with half in favor (MA, NH, ME) and half against (VT, RI, CT). Meanwhile, electric utilities are supporting the proposal and consumer advocates fear its effects on clean energy development.

Offshore Drilling----

-New Jersey Lawmakers Vote to Ban Offshore Drilling: On Tuesday, New Jersey lawmakers unanimously voted to ban offshore oil and gas development in state waters. This comes in response to a Trump administration proposal to establish five-year offshore leases for exploration. Although not technically able to ban development in federal waters, New Jersey is able to limit on shore infrastructure that supports drilling in federal waters. Other states, including Massachusetts, have also pushed back against the Trump administration proposal.
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Have a news story, suggestion, feedback, or any other info for the CXC Policy Roundup? Email: tim.cronin@cabaus.org.