In the States

CT: Connecticut lawmakers sent Gov. Ned Lamont legislation that codifies the Governor’s green energy goals into law. A 2019 executive order from Governor Lamont established the goal of shifting Connecticut’s power supply to 100% carbon-free sources by the year 2040. “Committing Connecticut to a 100% zero-carbon electricity supply by 2040 not only will have a positive impact on improving our air quality, but it will also support the growth of clean energy jobs,” Governor Lamont said. “This is an important action we are taking to help mitigate the impacts of the climate crisis that we are already starting to experience.” The bill does not contain enforcement mechanisms, but lawmakers hope that it will demonstrate to the utility sector the state’s commitment to decarbonization. The bill passed with unanimous GOP support in the State Senate and accompanied a bill that raised caps on solar production. Lawmakers approve Lamont’s target of zero-carbon power by 2040–CT Insider

FL: Citing cost to consumers, Governor Ron DeSantis vetoed a bill that would have reduced the amount of money rooftop solar users received from selling excess electricity back to the grid, in a program known as “net metering.” The bill was strongly opposed by environmentalists and the solar industry, who hailed the Governor’s veto. “Given that the United States is experiencing its worst inflation in 40 years and that consumers have seen steep increases in the price of gas and groceries, as well as escalating bills, the state of Florida should not contribute to the financial crunch that our citizens are experiencing,” Governor DeSantis said. The bill would also have required state regulators to draft new net metering policies, ones which could have led to utility companies adding additional fees to those with rooftop solar.   In surprise move, Florida Gov. vetoes solar energy crackdown—E&E News

NJ: Danish wind power company Orsted signed an agreement with the State of New Jersey to use a state financed manufacturing port to build components of the state’s first offshore wind farm. Governor Phil Murphy announced that the company will partner with New Jersey based utility PSEG to lease the New Jersey Wind Port, a state-owned port designed for offshore wind component production. The facility will produce turbines weighing thousands of tons and is specially designed for easy transport of such large components to sea. The Governor announced the partnership at an offshore wind conference in Atlantic City, saying “this is a huge moment, today is a vision turning into reality…this is truly New Jersey’s ‘If you build it, they will come’ moment.” The lease is expected to create over 200 jobs in the Salem County area. The state is planning to build a second wind port facility in southern New Jersey on the Delaware River. Orsted will use NJ Wind Port to build offshore wind farm– AP                                       

UT: Governor Spencer Cox announced the release of the state’s “Energy and Innovation Plan.” The plan commits the state to an “any of the above” energy future, “market driven” solutions to climate change, supporting coal communities, and backing electric vehicle charging. “State code requires state energy policy to have adequate, reliable, affordable, sustainable, and clean energy resources and that’s precisely what this plan does,” Governor Cox said. “It’s crucial that we ensure Utah’s energy future is secure, innovative, and reliable in order to maintain our high quality of life and robust economy.”  The Governor hopes that the plan will offer a roadmap to guide state energy policy. Governor Spencer Cox releases energy and innovation plan – KSL TV

National

The Biden administration adopted stricter energy efficiency standards for light bulbs, effectively phasing out the sale of most incandescent light bulbs by the end of 2023. The Energy Department estimated that Americans will save $3 billion annually on electric bills because of the rule. Incandescent lightbulbs are up to fifty times less efficient than LED light bulbs, and have a far shorter useful life. Original rules during the Obama administration intended for the phase-out to begin in 2019, until the Trump administration put the plan on hold. The National Electrical Manufacturers Association, the trade group for light bulb manufacturers, applauded the administration’s efforts to create a “manageable” time frame for transition. New Rules Will End the Century-Long Run of Classic Light Bulbs—NY Times