In the States
ME – The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded Maine $1.2 million for cleanup and redevelopment projects at contaminated industrial sites across the state. EPA Regional Administrator Curt Spaulding awarded an additional $2.35 million in brownfields funding to six communities and groups in Maine to asses and cleanup contaminated sites. Brownfields described land previously used for industrial or commercial purposes that may have been or is contaminated with hazardous waste or pollution. Groups receiving funding include several towns, the Penobscot Indian Nation, and the Portland Harbor Commission. "EPA's Brownfields program is a proven asset helping local communities to get abandoned or derelict properties assessed, cleaned up, and returned to productive use," said Mr. Spalding. EPA announced $1.2M in cleanup funds and Maine gets $2.3M to redevelop industrial sites – Maine Business Journal
NC – North Carolina recently passed one gigawatt (GW) of installed solar capacity, according to a new report by the North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association (NCSEA). North Carolina becomes the fourth state to reach the 1GW milestone behind Arizona, California, and New Jersey. Additionally, NCSEA found that the state’s solar energy industry accounts for $1.6 billion in revenue and for about 4,000 full-time jobs in North Carolina. "Solar has been a fantastic economic driver in North Carolina's clean energy industry for the past several years, and reaching 1 gigawatt is the latest impressive milestone for this growing market," Robin Aldina, manager of energy research at NCSEA. In the state’s budget for next year, however, the General Assembly decided to include a sunset of the state’s renewable energy tax credit, hoping to have the industry compete “more evenly with other forms of energy production.” North Carolina reaches solar power milestone – United Press International and NC becomes fourth US state to pass 1GW solar milestone – PVTech
ND – State regulators are extending the compliance deadline for new natural gas flaring rules by 10 months, giving private sector companies more time to meet the state’s targets. Flaring, or the burning of natural gas, oftentimes take place at oil and gas production sites that lack adequate transportation infrastructure. Industry leaders initially asked for a delay of two years, but Governor Jack Dalrymple and two other members of the state’s Industrial Commission rejected their proposal. The new rules, which will take effect on November 1, 2016, require companies to capture 85% of natural gas produced from their wells and by 2020, companies will be required to reach a flaring reduction target of 91%. "The industry's presentation has some very real reasons why the goal has become more difficult," said Governor Dalrymple. "Many of these items they've mentioned realistically could not have been expected." North Dakota postpones deadline for natural gas flaring rules – Reuters
NM – Governor Susana Martinez released her state energy plan during an annual energy summit in Carlsbad, a town in southeastern New Mexico. According to the Governor, her proposal is the state’s “first comprehensive plan for energy since 1991.” The plan calls for improved energy infrastructure, including rail and transmission lines, storage options for renewable energy production, and job training. The plan also notes that the state may explore exporting coal and natural gas to other states and Mexico in addition to considering building small modular nuclear reactors and streamlining state regulatory processes. "New Mexico is one of the most energy-rich and energy-diverse states in the nation, and we have an excellent opportunity to utilize this position to grow our economy and create more jobs," Governor Martinez said. NM Governor unveils new state energy plan – The Associated Press and NM governor announced comprehensive energy plan – The Santa Fe New Mexican
Federal and Regional
Governors Kate Brown of Oregon, Rick Snyder of Michigan, Jay Inslee of Washington, Jerry Brown of California, and Terry Branstad of Iowa signed an agreement with Chinese President Xi Jingping to “boost businesses that create renewable and clean energy” and to expand energy collaborations among their states and China. The agreement was signed during the 3rd China-U.S. Governors Forum, which was titled “Clean Energy and Economic Development”, in Seattle, Washington. President Xi, who arrived in Seattle earlier this week for his first state visit to the United States, said he looks forward to exchanging ideas regarding clean energy technologies and reducing transportation emissions. Chinese governors from the provinces of Sichuan, Chongqing, Zhejiang, Shandong, and Shaanxi also attended the Forum. "We at the local level have the responsibility and the power and the opportunity to take very bold and creative initiatives. In order to really get at the threat of climate change, everyone has to do whatever they can," said Governor Brown of California, a co-chair of this year’s Forum, following his meeting with President Xi. 5 Governors, Chinese president talk clean energy in Seattle – The Salt Lake Tribune