[USA] Pennsylvania court rules against plan to join RGGI

On November 1, 2023, the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court ruled in a 4-1 decision that former Governor Tom Wolf’s (D) move to join the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) through executive action was an illegal tax.[1] RGGI is the longest-running mandatory greenhouse reduction program in the U.S. and includes eleven states, though Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin (R) is attempting to leave the program. Pennsylvania would be the first major fossil-fuel-producing state to join the initiative. Former Governor Wolf sought to join RGGI in 2019 but was opposed by the Republican majority General Assembly. The state’s participation in RGGI had been on pause for over a year as Judge Michael Wojcik (D) had issued a preliminary injunction. According to the court, without authorization from the state legislature, RGGI is an unlawful tax. Judge Wojcik wrote in the majority opinion, “Stated simply, to pass constitutional muster, the Commonwealth’s participation in RGGI may only be achieved through legislation duly enacted by the Pennsylvania General Assembly, and not merely through the Rulemaking promulgated by" Pennsylvania regulators.

[1] https://cases.justia.com/pennsylvania/commonwealth-court/2023-247-m-d-2022.pdf?ts=1698852322

[USA] NYSEDRA and National Grid announce the selection of 21 community solar projects

On October 17, 2022, the New York Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), in partnership with National Grid, announced that 21 community solar projects, totaling more than 120 MW, have been selected as the first round of the Expanded Solar For All program.[1] The program, which was approved by the state’s Public Service Commission (PSC) in January 2022, will serve nearly 175,000 income-eligible customers in National Grid’s upstate service areas once fully implemented. The announcement builds on NYSERDA’s NY-Sun program, the state’s $1.8 billion initiative to advance the scale-up of solar energy while reducing costs and making solar more accessible. According to the press release, the announcement also supports New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (Climate Act) mandate that at least 35% of the benefits of clean energy investments be directed to disadvantaged communities. The installed distributed solar projects combined with projects under development go beyond the current Climate Act goal to install 6 GW of distributed solar by 2025.

NYSERDA expects to select an additional round of projects in 2023. As part of the program’s first phase, National Grid will provide up to $240 million in bill credits during the 25-year lifetime of the program. The second phase, subject to approval from the PSC, would double the total anticipated bill credits to up to $480 million over the program’s lifetime.

[1] https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/About/Newsroom/2022-Announcements/2022-10-17-NYSERDA-and-National-Grid-Announce-Round-1-Results

[USA] FHWA approves EV charging network plans for all 50 states, D.C., and Puerto Rico

On September 27, 2022, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) announced that it has approved the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Deployment Plans for all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program.[1] The NEVI program, which was established by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) in 2021, will provide $5 billion to states over five years to build EV charging stations every 50 miles along the federal highway system. With the FHWA’s approval, states now have access to all FY 2022 and FY 2023 program funding, totaling more than $1.5 billion. This will allow the buildout of EV chargers covering 75,000 miles of highway across the U.S. “We have approved plans for all 50 States, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia to help ensure that Americans in every part of the country – from the largest cities to the most rural communities—can be positioned to unlock the savings and benefits of electric vehicles,” Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said.

Projects that can be funded under the program include upgrades to existing and construction of new EV charging infrastructure; operation and maintenance costs of these charging stations; installation of on-site electrical service equipment; community and stakeholder engagement; workforce development activities; EV charging station signage; data sharing activities; and related mapping analysis and activities.

[1] https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/historic-step-all-fifty-states-plus-dc-and-puerto-rico-greenlit-move-ev-charging

[USA] New England states launch effort to connect offshore wind to the grid

On September 1, 2022, five New England states—Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Maine— launched an effort to help connect offshore wind projects and other carbon-free resources to the power grid over the next three decades.[1] In a joint request for information (RFI), the states requested comments on how to limit the costs of transmission for consumers, where new power lines should be located, and how environmental justice and equity impacts should be considered. The states hope to speed up the process for building new power lines and related infrastructure and to make use of funding programs established by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). Although Vermont, the only state in New England without a coastline, is not participating in the joint initiative, it will remain an observer and supports the objectives of the initiative.

Currently, the New England states have about 8.3 GW of offshore wind under construction or in the permitting process. However, the RFI cited a 2020 study conducted by ISO New England (ISO-NE) that indicated the region could only add up to 5.8 GW of offshore wind without major new transmission reinforcements on land. “Any significant quantity of offshore wind beyond that amount may not be able to interconnect into the regional grid without significant transmission upgrades,” the RFI said. “In addition, the most easily accessible interconnection points along the southern New England coast are already at or beyond their full capacity with those offshore wind projects under contract or review.” Comments on the RFI are due October 14, 2022.

[1] https://newenglandenergyvision.files.wordpress.com/2022/09/transmission-rfi-notice-of-proceeding-and-scoping.pdf

[USA] Pennsylvania to apply for federal funding to establish a hydrogen hub

On May 17, 2022, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf (D) announced that the state is working to establish a Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub funded under the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).[1] The IIJA allocates $8 billion for four hydrogen hubs in the U.S. to expand the use of clean hydrogen in the industrial sector. The law requires that at least two of these hubs are located in regions with the highest natural gas resources, such as Pennsylvania. According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), Pennsylvania is the second-largest producer of natural gas and the third-largest producer of coal in the U.S.[2] The state also has sizeable industrial and manufacturing industries, which could help it succeed as a hydrogen hub. The clean hydrogen hub could bring more jobs to the state, as well as help it reduce its emissions. Pennsylvania currently ranks fourth in carbon dioxide emissions from the energy sector, according to the EIA. The Department of Energy (DOE) expects that applications for the hydrogen hub funding will open later this summer.

[1] https://dced.pa.gov/newsroom/gov-wolf-announces-aggressive-push-to-secure-clean-hydrogen-hub-in-pennsylvania/

[2] https://www.eia.gov/state/?sid=PA

[USA] Illinois Senate passes clean energy bill, includes subsidies for nuclear plants

The Illinois Senate voted 39-16 on September 1, 2021, to pass Senate Bill (SB) 18, an energy bill that would decarbonize the state's electric grid by 2050.[1] Two Republicans joined with 37 Democrats to vote for the bill. SB18 aims to prevent the premature closure of nuclear plants, and to this end, the bill contains $694 million in taxpayer funds for Exelon's Byron, Dresden, and Braidwood power plants. Exelon has said that it will shut down its Byron plant in September 2021 and its Dresden plant in November 2021.[2] However, Exelon said that it has "established off-ramps" that will allow contingencies for continuing operations of the plants if legislation is passed. In addition to nuclear subsidies, the bill also provides more than $600 million in subsidies for renewable power-related initiatives.

The legislation still needs to pass the House, which has not set a date as to when it will return. Environmental groups and Governor J.B. Pritzker, D, have raised objections to the bill's plans for coal plants, saying that coal plants would not be phased out quickly or allowed to keep running with unproven carbon-capture equipment. Under SB18, the municipally-owned Prairie State coal-fired plant, the largest carbon-emitting power plant in Illinois and one of the largest in the nation, would shut down by 2045. Environmental groups and the governor say that this is not soon enough, and there need to be provisions to significantly reduce the plant’s emissions. In a statement, the governor said his "office looks forward to working with members of the House to finalize an energy package that puts consumers and climate first."

[1]https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=18&GAID=16&GA=102&DocTypeID=SB&LegID=127591&SessionID=110

[2] https://www.reuters.com/legal/litigation/illinois-senate-passes-bill-save-nuclear-plants-sends-house-2021-09-01/

[USA] Coalition sues Alaska governor to return money rural energy program

On July 19, 2021, a coalition that includes the Alaska Federation of Natives, electric cooperatives, and several local governments[1] filed a lawsuit against Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy (R) to demand that his administration release money intended to subsidize power bills in rural Alaska.[2] The Power Cost Equalization Endowment Fund is a program that reduces rural customers' electric rates to levels comparable to those paid in urban areas of Alaska. The program reimburses utilities for credits they extend to customers. The Power Cost Equalization Endowment Fund serves more than 80,000 citizens who are largely reliant on diesel for power generation. According to the Department of Revenue, the fund was valued at about $1.2 billion as of June 30, 2021.

The lawsuit claims that in 2019 the Dunleavy administration identified without "any legal explanation or justification" a larger list of accounts, including the Power Cost Equalization Endowment Fund, to be swept into the budget reserve compared to previous administrations. A budget reserve is a fund set aside to meet short-term deficits. The sweep happens automatically, and actions to reverse it and return funds to the accounts require three-quarters of legislators to pass. The legislature did not meet the three-quarter vote requirement in June 2021 amid a budget dispute. The attorney for the plaintiffs said that issue isn't with the failed vote but with the administration's decision to sweep money from the endowment fund into the budget reserve.

[1] Alaska Federation of Natives, First Alaskans Institute, Association of Village Council Presidents, Aleutians East Borough, Organized Village of Kake, City of Saint Paul, City of Adak, City and Borough of Yakutat, City of Sand Point, Alaska Village Electric Cooperative, Inn Electric Cooperative, Inside Passage Electric Cooperative, Kotzebue

Electric Association, Naknek Electric Association, Nushagak Electric & Telephone Cooperative, Unalakleet Valley Electric Cooperative, Cordova Electric Cooperative, and Tanalian Electric Cooperative

[2] https://public.courts.alaska.gov/web/media/MRCF/3AN-21-06737CI/complaint.pdf

[USA] South Carolina regulators reject Duke IRPs

On June 17, 2021, the South Carolina Public Service Commission (PSC) voted 4-2 to reject the integrated resource plans (IRP) submitted by two Duke Energy subsidiaries, Duke Energy Carolinas and Duke Energy Progress.[1] The decision comes ten months after Duke filed its IRPs with regulators in North and South Carolina. The IRPs outlined six pathways for its electricity mix under different carbon policy scenarios. Duke favors the base case without strict carbon regulations. Under this pathway, Duke would add about 8.6 GW of solar and more than 1 GW of storage by 2035. The utility would also add 9.6 GW of new natural gas and close its remaining coal plants.

According to the PSC, Duke’s IRPs failed to meet the standards set in the state’s 2019 Energy Freedom Act, which aims to boost clean energy technologies by requiring utilities to consider procuring all sources of electricity generation. The commission questioned the modeling Duke used to project future natural gas prices as well as its estimation of the ability of solar to meet the state’s energy needs. The PSC’s directive asks the utility to make several changes to its plan related to modeling and energy price forecasts. The PSC requests that Duke’s assessments include 20-year Purchase Power Agreements for third-party solar priced at $38/MWh as a selectable resource, with additional PPA pricing at $36/MWh and $40/MWh. These prices are roughly on par with other 20-year PPAs in the region. A more detailed order is expected in the coming weeks. Once the order is out, Duke will have 60 days to file its modified IRP, followed by a 60-day comment and review period. The PSC then has 60 days to approve or reject the modified IRP.

[1] https://dms.psc.sc.gov/Attachments/Matter/f30b83c7-3382-4d64-b0b6-b59712378b3d

[USA] California Energy Commission announces $50 million project for zero-emission trucks and bus infrastructure

During a virtual event held on April 13, 2021, the California Energy Commission (CEC), the state’s primary energy planning and policy agency, announced the approval of a $50 million multi-year project to add sites for recharging or refueling zero-emission buses and big trucks.[1] The Energy Infrastructure Incentives for Zero-Emission Commercial Vehicles (EnergIIZE) project will use a “concierge-like model” to work directly with private companies and local transit agencies to help plan and fund charging and hydrogen fueling infrastructure additions. CALSTART, a nonprofit consortium focused on the clean transportation industry, will administer the first-of-its-kind project. CALSTART will receive an initial $17 million to design and launch the project, with additional funds subject to annual approval from the state budget and the CEC. Tetra Tech Inc., CALSTART’s long-term incentive program administrator, and GRID Alternatives, a non-profit that manages clean energy programs in low-income communities, will be a part of the project team.

The EnergIIZE project is funded by the CEC’s Clean Transportation Program, which invests more than $100 million annually to support research, development, and deployment of advanced transportation and fuel technologies. According to the CEC, the EnergIIZE project will benefit at-risk communities by meeting the infrastructure needs of companies and public agencies committed to adding clean battery-electric and hydrogen equipment. The project will also help advance Governor Gavin Newsom’s goal of 100% zero emissions from medium-duty and heavy-duty vehicles by 2045.

[1] https://www.energy.ca.gov/news/2021-04/energy-commission-announces-nations-first-incentive-project-zero-emission-truck

[USA] 13 states file lawsuit against Biden administration over oil and gas leasing plan

On March 24, 2021, 13 states[1], led by Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry (R), sued the Biden administration over its restrictions on new oil and gas leasing on federal lands and waters.[2] On the same day, Wyoming filed a separate challenge against the Biden administration in a different federal court.[3] On January 27, 2021, President Biden issued Executive Order 14008 which, among other initiatives, blocked new leasing while the administration conducts a review of the environmental impacts of the federal oil and gas program. The Louisiana-led lawsuit argues that the Biden administration violated requirements under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) and the Mineral Leasing Act (MLA) to develop energy resources on federal lands and waters. According to the lawsuit, Biden’s policy could cause economic harm in fossil fuel-producing states like Louisiana and Texas. It could also cause energy prices to increase, which would indirectly harm the rest of the country. The lawsuit requested that the federal court block actions that relied on the executive order and allow the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to restart quarterly oil and gas lease sales.

[1] Louisiana, Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Georgia, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah and West Virginia

[2] http://agjefflandry.com/Article/10878

[3] https://governor.wyo.gov/media/news-releases/2021-news-releases/wyoming-launches-lawsuit-challenging-biden-administrations-federal-leasing

[USA] Texas PUC Chair resigns amid blackout crisis fallout

The Texas Public Utility Commission (PUC) Chair Arthur D'Andrea resigned March 16, 2021 at the request of Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R).[1] The move was the latest in a string of events following an extreme cold weather event in February 2021 that caused widespread blackouts in the state. D’Andrea is the third PUC commissioner to resign in as many weeks which leaves the appointed panel empty. D’Andrea had been under pressure from Lt. Governor Dan Patrick (R) to follow the advice of Potomac Economics, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas’ (ERCOT) independent market monitor, to correct $16 billion of excessive charges from the power outage crisis. D’Andrea had declined to revise real-time wholesale energy prices. His resignation was announced after Texas Monthly published a leaked recording where D’Andrea promised out-of-state investors that he would support efforts to prevent repricing of the excessive charges.[2] On March 15, 2021, the Texas Senate passed a bill that would mandate ERCOT move ahead with pricing corrections. However, the Texas House speaker said he did not believe ERCOT’s decision was an error which may mean an uphill battle for the proposal.

[1] https://www.utilitydive.com/news/texas-puc-chair-resigns-following-pressure-from-governor-refusal-to-repri/596843/

[2] https://www.texasmonthly.com/news-politics/wall-street-profited-off-texas-blackouts/

[USA] New Mexico governor warns Biden about effects of oil and gas policies

On March 15, 2021, New Mexico’s governor, Michelle Lujan Grisham (D), sent a letter warning President Joe Biden that his policies limiting oil and gas production will have widespread adverse effects on New Mexico.[1][2] In January, the Biden administration halted federal oil and gas leases pending a review of the program. According to the letter, more than 60% of New Mexico’s oil and gas production happens on federal land and the state will be disproportionately impacted by Biden’s policies compared to states like Texas or Oklahoma which have more private land available for development.

Oil and gas revenues make up about 32% of general fund revenue in the state. These revenues fund a wide range of state priorities, including public schools, infrastructure projects, and environmental initiatives. A “relatively modest” 10% drop in oil and gas production would cost the state $709 million in revenues by the end of Biden’s first term which could hinder New Mexico’s ability to achieve major goals, the letter says. The letter also highlights New Mexico’s commitment to increasing environmental regulations on oil and gas development, such as methane standards. Gov. Grisham notes that other states like Texas do not have the same robust methane restrictions which could mean high emissions if drillers move due to Biden’s policies. In the letter, Gov. Grisham asks for a seat at the table regarding possible changes to federal fossil fuel programs.

[1] https://www.eenews.net/assets/2021/03/16/document_ew_03.pdf

[2]https://www.eenews.net/energywire/2021/03/16/stories/1063727539?utm_campaign=edition&utm_medium=email&utm_source=eenews%3Aenergywire

[USA] Ohio House votes to repeal $1 billion in nuclear subsidies

On March 10, 2021, the Ohio House of Representatives voted 86-7 to pass H.B. 128, which repeals many provisions in the Creates Ohio Clean Air Program (H.B. 6).[1] H.B. 6 was passed on July 23, 2019 and is a comprehensive energy bill that would provide subsidies to promote clean air. The bill created a customer-paid $1.1 billion subsidy for two nuclear power plants in northern Ohio which had been suffering economically. The bill On July 30, 2020, federal prosecutors indicted then-House Speaker Larry Householder (R) and four associates on charges of running a $61 million bribery scheme involving Energy Harbor, the FirstEnergy subsidiary that operates the two nuclear plants involved in H.B. 6. Householder and his associates are charged with receiving bribes from Energy Harbor in exchange for passing H.B. 6. Householder, who pled not guilty in court, was reelected in November 2020 and continues to serve in the Ohio House while he awaits trial. The former speaker was among those who voted to pass H.B. 128. In the wake of the scandal, there was a large push among Ohio representatives and government officials to repeal all or parts of H.B. 6. While H.B. 128 repealed many of the nuclear provisions in H.B. 6, it did not repeal H.B. 6’s subsidies for two of the Ohio Valley Electric Corp’s (OVEC) coal plants.

[1]https://www.eenews.net/energywire/2021/03/11/stories/1063727183?utm_campaign=edition&utm_medium=email&utm_source=eenews%3Aenergywire

[USA] Colorado regulators approve Xcel’s $110 million transportation electrification plan

On January 11, 2021, the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) formally approved Xcel Energy’s $110 million “2021-2023 Transportation Electrification Plan,” which includes installing approximately 20,000 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at residential, commercial, and public sites across Xcel's Colorado service territory.[1][2] Xcel’s plan, which was first filed in 2020, comes as a result of a bipartisan bill passed in 2019 that directed Colorado’s electric utilities to file applications to enable the deployment of EV charging stations and support EV adoption. Colorado has set a goal of having 940,000 EVs on the road by 2030 and Xcel has stated that their plan is designed to help the state achieve that goal. Xcel's plan includes an emphasis on ensuring EV adoption for all customers, with approximately 15% of the program budget directed toward equity-focused programs. The approved plan includes a $5 million pilot to provide rebates to income-qualified customers to support low-income adoption of EVs. Through this pilot, Xcel will offer upfront $5,500 rebates for new EV purchases and $3,000 for used EVs for qualifying customers. Xcel’s plan also includes adding programs and rates to help manage the new charging load. According to Utility Dive, Xcel's plan will add about 67 cents to monthly customer bills.

[1] https://www.dora.state.co.us/pls/efi/EFI_Search_UI.Show_Decision?p_session_id=&p_dec=28011

[2] https://www.nrdc.org/experts/miles-muller/colorado-approves-110m-transportation-electrification-plan

[USA] Gov. Cuomo announces largest procurement of offshore wind by a state

On January 13, 2020 during a multiday series of State of the State speeches, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo (D) announced the largest award of offshore wind contracts by a U.S. state as part of the state’s broader plan to scale up renewable power over the next decade.[1] New York selected Equinor and incoming strategic partner bp to develop two new offshore wind farms about 20 miles off the coast of Long Island.[2] Empire Wind 2 will provide 1,260 MW of renewable offshore wind power and another 1,230 MW of power will come from Beacon Wind 1. Equinor has not released expected commercial operations dates for these projects, yet. Combined with Equinor’s existing commitment to provide 816 MW of renewable power from Empire Wind 1—expected to come online in 2024—Equinor will provide 3.3 GW of offshore wind power to New York. According to Cuomo, the newly announced wind farms will bring $8.9 billion in investment and create more than 5,200 jobs. Cuomo also announce that New York will contract 23 solar farms and one hydroelectric facility in 2021, which will produce more than 2,200 MW of clean power.  When the large-scale renewable and offshore wind facilities are complete, more than half of the state’s electricity will come from renewable sources, putting the state ahead of schedule for reaching its goal of 70% renewable energy by 2030.

[1] https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/About/Newsroom/2021-Announcements/2021-01-13-Governor-Cuomo-Outlines-2021-Agenda-Reimagine-Rebuild-Renew

[2] https://www.equinor.com/en/news/202101-us-offshore-wind.html

[USA] Maine regulators approve state's largest renewables solicitation

On September 22, 2020, the Maine Public Utilities Commission (PUC) approved the terms for 546 MW of renewable energy projects, the largest renewable energy procurement in the state's history.[1] During its 2019 session, the Maine Legislature enacted An Act To Reform Maines Renewable Portfolio Standard which directed the PUC to conduct two competitive solicitation processes to procure renewable energy equal to 14% of retail electricity sales in the State during calendar year 2018. This first round of solicitations included 482.5 MW of new solar, 20 MW of new wind, 39 MW of existing biomass, and 4.5 MW of existing hydropower.[2] The selected bidders will enter into 20-year contracts with both or either of Maine's investor-owned utilities, Central Maine Power and Emera Maine.

The projects are expected to provide substantial benefits to Maine’s environment and economy. Based on estimates from project bidders, the projects would reduce greenhouse gas emissions by roughly 500,000 tons per year. Bidders also committed to providing more than 450 full-time equivalent jobs during the construction phase and more than 30 full-time equivalent jobs in each year of the operations phase. Additionally, according to Commission Chairman Philip L. Bartlett, the first-year prices for energy from the new projects will be competitive, ranging between $0.029-$0.042 per kWh.

[1] https://www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/index.php?topic=puc-pressreleases&id=3329595&v=article08

[2] https://www.maine.gov/mpuc/electricity/rfps/class1a2020/

[USA] Indiana regulators release report on state energy policies and market conditions

The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) delivered a 338-page study to the governor and a legislative task force on August 14, 2020, analyzing a variety of state energy policies and market conditions.[1] The House Enrolled Act 1278 of 2019 directed the IURC to conduct a comprehensive study of the statewide impacts of transitions in the fuel sources and other resources used to generate electricity by electric utilities and new and emerging technologies for the generation of electricity. While the report was overseen by the IURC, the analysis was done by the State Utility Forecasting Group (SUFG), the Lawrence Berkley National Laboratory (LBNL) and a team of Indiana University (IU) researchers.

Among the scenarios analyzed in the report, two considered the cost impact of a moratorium on coal plant retirements. In one, coal plant retirements would be postponed until at least 2025 and in the other, coal plants would run until 2030. In both scenarios, the analysis showed that postponed coal retirements would lead to slightly higher electricity prices. The IURC study also examined the roles of regional transmission organizations (RTOs), utility-integrated resource plans, and how emerging technologies like rooftop solar and electric vehicles (EVs) would affect Indiana's grid. While the report does not make any specific recommendations, it supports the need for flexibility in planning and the continued reliance on utility integrated resource plans (IRPs) that outline how utilities plan to meet energy demand. IRPs are submitted to the IURC every three years and while they are nonbinding, IRPs help guide power plant investment decisions.

[1]https://www.in.gov/iurc/files/2020%20Report%20to%20the%2021st%20Century%20Energy%20Policy%20Development%20Task%20Force.pdf

[USA] 15 states and D.C. announce joint MOU to accelerate bus and truck electrification

In a press release on July 14, 2020 by the Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management (NESCAUM), a nonprofit association of air quality agencies in the Northeast, governors from 15 states and the mayor of Washington, D.C.[1] announced a memorandum of understanding (MOU) committing to zero-emissions vehicles (ZEV) in 100% of medium- and heavy-duty sales by 2050 and interim target of 30% electric vehicle (EV) sales by 2030.[2][3] Collectively, these states account for nearly 50% of the U.S. economy and about 40% of goods moved by truck (by value).[4] To meet the targets of the MOU, key policies, including the Advanced Clean Truck Rule (California’s  zero-emission commercial truck requirement) and investments in electric vehicle charging infrastructure, are identified in the MOU.

The participating locations will work through NESCAUM’s Multi-State ZEV Task Force to develop a roadmap to increase electric vehicle supply, encourage zero-emission vehicle purchases, and establish a supportive ecosystem comprised of a trained workforce, charging infrastructure, and financing tools. The Multi-State ZEV Task Force’s 2018 action plan focused on light-duty vehicles. Under the MOU, the task force will focus on developing a plan for heavy duty vehicles like trucks and buses in the next six months.

[1] Participating locations: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Washington D.C., Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Washington, and Vermont

[2] https://www.nescaum.org/about-us/newsroom/#

[3]http://d31hzlhk6di2h5.cloudfront.net/20200714/dc/3a/2b/58/794e750e808dd4a82ae402dd/MHDV_ZEV_MOU_7-14-20.pdf

[4] https://www.nrdc.org/experts/patricio-portillo/15-states-take-historic-action-transportation-pollution

[USA] West Coast utilities propose charging stations for electric trucks along I-5 and connected highways

In a report issued on June 17, 2020 through the West Coast Clean Transit Corridor Initiative, nine West Coast utilities and two agencies representing 24 municipal utilities[1] have recommended electric-charging stations for trucks every 50 miles along Interstate 5 (I-5) and connecting highways.[2] [3] According to the report, the first phase would build 27 sites along I-5 for medium-duty electric vehicles (EVs) by 2025. By 2030, 14 of those charging sites would be expanded to also accommodate heavy duty EVs. The report says that by 2030, 8% of all trucks on the road in California are expected to be electric. Sixteen of the sites will be in California, five in Oregon, and six in Washington. The report found that the plan could take years because rural areas do not have the generating capacity for charging medium-duty EVs and no rural area along I-5 can serve heavy-duty EVs so infrastructure to provide these services have to be built. However, most utilities in urban areas have the ability offer medium-duty EV charging.

The report recommends expanding state, federal, or private programs that provide funding for electrification. Several utilities in California like Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E) and Southern California Edison (SCE) have programs that support the adoption of electric trucks, but more support will be needed for the report’s recommended infrastructure.

[1] Los Angeles Department of Water & Power (LADWP), Northern California Power Agency (NCPA), Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), Pacific Power, Portland General Electric (PGE), Puget Sound Energy (PSE), Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD), San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E), Seattle City Light (SCL), Southern California Edison (SCE), and Southern California Public Power Authority (SCPPA)

[2] https://westcoastcleantransit.com/resources/WestCoastCleanTransitNewsRelease-Website.pdf

[3] https://www.westcoastcleantransit.com/#resources-section

[USA] New Mexico regulators delay two solar+storage projects intended to replace San Juan coal plant

On April 29, 2020 the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission voted 3-2 to delay the decision on whether to approve two solar-plus-storage projects that the Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM), the New Mexico’s largest investor-owned utility, had proposed as part of the replacement generation for its San Juan coal plant.[1] The regulators determined that they could not approve the two solar projects before taking a closer look at the utility’s full replacement plan. The two projects in question are the Arroyo (300 MW of solar and 40 MW/160 MWh of battery storage) and the Jicarilla (50 MW solar and 20 MW/80MWh of battery storage) projects. The two projects are part of PNM's broader plan to add 350 MW of solar capacity, 380 MWh battery storage, and 280 MW of natural gas to replace its coal-fired generation. PNM has plans to spend $733 million in order to replace its coal-fired generation.[2]

Environmental groups and PNM have both stated that they were not happy with the decision, though they both understood in part the commission's reasoning. A major downfall to the delay is that the projects won’t be able to secure the full value of the solar investment tax credit as it winds down, making the projects' future prices unknown.

[1] https://www.santafenewmexican.com/news/local_news/regulators-again-delay-decision-on-pnms-solar-proposals/article_475242f8-8a32-11ea-aa6c-571c28313f6f.html

[2] https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pnm-files-consolidated-application-for-san-juan-generating-station-300878854.html