In the States
DE – Citing a report by the Environment American Research and Policy Center, the State’s Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control said Wilmington, Delaware’s largest city, is ranked third in solar power per capita. The recently released report highlighted Delaware’s solar power infrastructure as well as its creative approach to financing. Wilmington, the report states, increased its solar 14-fold from 2008 to 2013, to roughly 7 megawatts from 500 kilowatts. "Encouraging solar power is the right thing to do for the environment and our economy," said Governor Jack Markell. Report: Wilmington a top solar city – The News Journal
ME – Governor Paul LePage recently vetoed a bill that would have imposed a new tax on residential and commercial properties. The revenue from the new tax, a levy of 0.011 cents per kilowatt-hour on electricity bills, would have reestablished a solar energy rebate program under Efficiency Maine, a trust dedicated to promoting the efficient and cost-effective use of energy. “This is a particularly painful time to impose an additional tax on electricity,” said Governor LePage. “This bill would impose the tax on thousands of hardworking families just to provide the few who have the means to purchase a $20,000 solar system with a rebate of an estimated $2,000.” LePage vetoes solar energy bill, two others – The Bangor Daily News
NY – Governor Andrew Cuomo released a new plan to encourage consumers and utilities to use technology and other innovative approached to curb energy costs. Called Reforming Energy Vision (REV), the plan calls for rewarding consumers who utilize smart appliances or other technology to reduce demand. Additionally, REV encourages utility companies to establish and work within “more distributed” systems to generate electricity from interconnected energy sources. "By introducing and embracing information technology and clean energy solutions,” said Governor Cuomo, “Millions of New Yorkers will benefit from a 21st century power grid, enabling them to better manage and reduce their energy costs while protecting and preserving the environment." Cuomo unveils plan to reduce power usage – The Poughkeepsie Journal
OH – State regulators and geologists in Ohio have discovered a link between hydraulic fracturing, commonly known as fracking, and a series of recent minor earthquakes. According to a report issued by the State, recent injections of sand and water into a well “may have increased pressure on an unknown microfault in the area,” triggering minor tremors. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources now will require companies that seek fracking permits within areas of fault lines to install a network of seismic monitors before beginning to drill. Ohio finds link between fracking and sudden burst of earthquakes – The Los Angeles Times and Ohio acknowledges connection between hydraulic fracturing and Youngstown quakes – The Cleveland Plain Dealer
Federal
The State Department announced it is extending its deadline to review the proposed 1,200 mile Keystone XL pipeline. The State Department cited the ongoing Nebraska Supreme Court case over which route the proposed pipeline project should take as its reason to delay. The legal process could postpone any decision on the project until well after this fall’s congressional elections. The State Department also said it needs to continue reviewing the approximately 2.5 million public comments submitted on the project. "The permit process will conclude once factors that have a significant impact on determining the national interest of the proposed project have been evaluated and appropriately reflected in the decision documents," the State Department wrote in a statement. U.S. further delays final decision on Keystone XL pipeline – Reuters and Administration again delays Keystone pipeline decision – The USA Today
The Obama Administration recently announced a $15 million program to help state and local governments build solar panels to combat climate change. Announced during what the White House Called a “solar summit,” the Administration hopes the program will encourage the use of solar power and increase the use of renewable sources. Titled the Solar Market Pathways program, the new plan will help support businesses find “low-cost financing for solar power” and help federally-subsidized housing have at least “100 megawatts of installed renewable energy.” "As part of the President’s all-of-the-above energy strategy, solar energy is helping families and businesses throughout the U.S. access affordable, clean renewable power,” Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz said. Obama puts $15M into solar power – The Hill