Category Archives: Climate

CPES Policy Committee Update: January 15, 2019

This update features policy, regulatory, legislative, and regional developments in Connecticut and New England. The policy updates are compiled by the CPES New Energy Professionals Team. If you are interested in learning more about the New Energy Professionals, the Policy Committee, or if you have ideas for future policy updates, we would welcome your input and feedback. Please send comments to Kathryn Dube, CPES Executive Director, via email: kdube@ctpower.org.

In this Update:

  • Government shutdown delays Vineyard Wind meetings
  • ISO-NE’s ICR Values for FCA #13 Accepted
  • Ramping up renewable energy remains lawmakers’ focus in 2019
  • The Energy & Technology Committee will meet on January 15 at 1:00 PM

REGIONAL/INDUSTRY

GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN DELAYS VINEYARD WIND MEETINGS
Due to the government shutdown, two meetings with the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management regarding the Vineyard Wind Project in Massachusetts, were delayed. At this point, there is no indication that these delays will impact the construction schedule. Read article

ISO-NE’s ICR VALUES FOR FCA #13 ACCEPTED
FERC issued an order accepting the ISO’s filing of ICR-related values for the thirteenth Forward Capacity Auction, which is associated with the 2022-2023 Capacity Commitment Period.

CONNECTICUT

RAMPING UP RENEWABLE ENERGY REMAINS LAWMAKERS’ FOCUS IN 2019
The new administration and the legislature are prioritizing renewable energy in 2019. Lamont has called for combatting climate change, through greater investment in renewable sources and improvements to the grid. Bipartisan cooperation on offshore wind development is also expected. Read article

LEGISLATIVE
The Energy & Technology Committee will meet on January 15 at 1:00 PM for remarks by the chairs and ranking members and introductions of members and staff.  The meeting agenda is available here.  

The Bil Record Book, which contains proposed House and Senate bills, is available here.

CPES Policy Committee Update: October 4, 2016

This update features policy, regulatory, legislative, and regional developments in Connecticut and New England. The policy updates are compiled by a team recently formed with support from CPES, known as the New Energy Professionals. If you are interested in learning more about the New Energy Professionals, the Policy Committee, or if you have ideas for future policy updates, we would welcome your input and feedback. Please send comments to Paul Brady, CPES Executive Director, via email: pbrady@ctpower.org.

This week’s features:

  • PURA Opens Dockets on PURPA Regulations and Standards for Distributed Generation
  • Climate Change Focus of MA Governor’s Order
  • Looking Ahead to the Next Legislative Session – Schedules and Key Links

 

REGULATORY DEVELOPMENTS

PUBLIC UTILITIES REGULATORY AUTHORITY NEW DOCKETS:

On September 22, 2016, the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority initiated the following proceeding, which may be of interest to you:

On September 28, 2016, the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority initiated the following proceeding, which may be of interest to you:

 

REGIONAL DEVELOPMENTS

Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker Signs Climate Change Strategy Executive Order

On September 16, 2016, Governor Charlie Baker signed an Executive Order directing executive offices and state agencies to make coordinated efforts to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions, safeguard residents, municipalities and businesses from the impacts of climate change, and build a more resilient Commonwealth.  The Order, Establishing an Integrated Climate Change Strategy for the Commonwealth, directs the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs to continue to consult the Global Warming Solutions Act (GWSA) Implementation Advisory Committee for advice on greenhouse gas emission reduction measures, including recommendations on establishing statewide greenhouse gas emissions limits for 2030 and 2040. The Order also directs the Department of Environmental Protection to promulgate final regulations that ensure the Commonwealth meets the 2020 statewide emissions limit mandated by the GWSA.

For more information, visit http://www.mass.gov/governor/press-office/press-releases/fy2017/gov-baker-signs-climate-change-strategy-executive-order.html.

 

LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS

CONNECTICUT LEGISLATION:

The 2016 Connecticut regular session ended on May 4, 2016.  The 2017 Connecticut regular session begins January 4, 2017.

Information about the Energy and Technology Committee, including committee meetings and public hearings, is available at: https://www.cga.ct.gov/et/.

 

MASSACHUSETTS LEGISLATION:

The 2015-2016 Massachusetts formal session ended on July 31, 2016.  The 2017-2018 Massachusetts session begins January 4, 2017.

Information about the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy, including hearings and bills in committee, is available at: https://malegislature.gov/Committees/Joint/J37.

 

Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty Visits with the CPES

From left to right: Weezie Nuara, ISO New England; Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty; Joey Lee Miranda, Robinson & Cole, CPES President; and Alexandrea Isaac, Starion Energy, CPES Board Member.

From left to right: Weezie Nuara, ISO New England; Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty; Joey Lee Miranda, Robinson & Cole, CPES President; and Alexandrea Isaac, Starion Energy, CPES Board Member.

On February 17, 2016, the Connecticut Power and Energy Society (CPES) hosted Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty, the U.S. Representative for the 5th Congressional District of Connecticut. Congresswoman Esty offered her thoughts on a wide range of issues, including climate change, the Clean Power Plan, and the 2016 Presidential race. On the issue of climate change, Esty pointed to a deep divide in Congress, but said she is working with other Members to strengthen our resiliency to the impacts of climate change. From the east coast to the west coast, the impacts are clear, she said, and we must prepare for more frequent and extreme weather events.

She commended the state of Connecticut for its leadership role in climate change mitigation and renewable energy policy, particularly the efforts of Deputy Commissioner Katie Dykes. On November 18, 2015, Dykes testified before the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee on Connecticut’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) and other climate change mitigation programs, which, in her view, have been accompanied by consumer savings, economic growth, and reliable power. Congresswoman Esty assured attendees that Connecticut was smart to move ahead on RGGI and other complimentary policies relating to climate change and renewable energy development. Congresswoman Esty also commented on the recent extensions of the Production and Investment Tax Credits, policies favorable to wind and solar development in the U.S. She made clear that fuel cells were intended to be among the technologies eligible for these important tax credits and that she is working with House Speaker Paul Ryan to amend the legislation to include them.

Congresswoman Esty commented on the passing of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, who days before his death joined a five-judge majority to stay the implementation of the Clean Power Plan, the Environmental Protection Agency’s final rule to reduce carbon pollution from fossil-fueled power plants. Esty paid homage to Scalia’s intellectual force and brilliant legal mind. She noted that President Obama is considering several names for nomination to fill the vacant seat, but was unsure whether the Senate would hold a confirmation hearing before his term expires.

Finally, Congresswoman Esty assured attendees that despite the volatility of an election year, she is committed to working across party lines to find common ground and “get things done” in Washington. She likened her approach to finding the overlapping space in a Venn diagram, stating that “this is the space I am trying to work in.” She is striving to make progress, she said, not headlines.