POWER PLANTS: The last coal-fired power plant in New York shuts down this month, leaving few prospects for its last workers and financial uncertainty for the rural town where it’s located. (New York Times)
EFFICIENCY: Bills in the Maryland Legislature to focus energy efficiency efforts on low-income households stall as the body shuts down over the coronavirus pandemic. (Utility Dive)
OIL AND GAS: Data show the Philadelphia refinery closed by a fire and explosion last year still emits benzene far in excess of federal regulations. (E&E News, subscription required)
PIPELINES: The Mariner East pipeline project appears to be included in Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf’s Thursday night order to shut down “non-life sustaining” businesses even though regulators earlier in the day dismiss a state legislator’s call to halt construction due to coronavirus. (StateImpact Pensylvania, Daily Local News)
GRID: Power demand in PJM falls as a result of the coronavirus pandemic as operators assess their energy needs during the crisis. (Bloomberg, subscription required)
SOLAR:
• Tesla shuts down its manufacturing plants nationally, including its solar panel factory in Buffalo. (MarketWatch)
• A Vermont school district sends out requests for proposals for solar net-metering projects. (Bennington Banner)
ELECTRIC VEHICLES: New York regulators clarify rules for electric vehicle charger owners and operators to increase incentives and allow greater public access. (news release)
COMMENTARY:
• A town official in New York says a proposal to fast-track renewable energy projects is an overreach of the state into home rule prerogatives for local communities. (Niagara Gazette)
• A former staff director in the New York Senate says closure of the Indian Point nuclear plant heartens some environmentalists, but the result will be greater reliance on natural gas power that will affect environmental justice communities. (Gotham Gazette)