In the States
IN: Governor Eric Holcomb concluded an economic development trip to Egypt on November 14th, including a stop at the United Nations Climate Conference of the Parties (COP27) in Sharm El Sheikh. Governor Holcomb is the first Indiana governor to participate in a UN COP event, and was the only Midwest governor in attendance. The Governor used his speaking opportunity to tout Indiana’s collaborative approach to building new clean energy technology, including the state’s recent ranking as No. 4 in the U.S. for new clean energy projects. The Governor also touted electric vehicle manufacturing, a burgeoning sector in Indiana that includes Toyota and General Motors. Accompanying the Governor was Indiana Commerce Secretary Brad Chambers. “This trip was a unique opportunity to share with the world how Indiana is contributing to and leading the energy transition while highlighting how our governance and partnerships achieve a thriving, sustainable energy and economic future,” Governor Holcomb said. Holcomb highlights the state’s energy solutions at COP27 in Egypt—WBIW
NC: Governor Roy Cooper signed an executive order to encourage adoption of zero-emission trucks and buses on North Carolina’s roads. Executive Order 271 establishes the North Carolina Advanced Clean Trucks program, which will require manufacturers of medium and heavy-duty vehicles to set their North Carolina fleets on a gradual zero-emission path beginning in 2025. The state will formalize a rule through the Environmental Management Commission by May of 2023 implementing the executive order. “North Carolina is already a national hub for truck and bus manufacturing and supply chain development, and we should not miss the opportunity to lead the market-driven transition already underway to cleaner and increasingly cheaper zero-emission technologies that benefit our economy and our communities,” Governor Cooper said. With executive order, Cooper seeks to up zero-emission trucks and buses on NC roads —News and Observer
NY: Governor Kathy Hochul announced a land transfer between the state of New York and Suffolk County to serve as the site of a National Offshore Wind Training Center. The county purchased the Brentwood, NY facility from the state for $1.46 million, and the center is expected to create 10,000 new jobs. Governor Hochul described the new training center as a hub for workforce training for the state’s burgeoning wind sector. “We are the epicenter of offshore wind, and I put $500 million of investment, not just for the programs themselves, but also for the supply chain,” the Governor said. Accompanying the land transfer is $9 million in state funding through the state’s Offshore Wind Institute for more green energy job training at nearby Farmingdale State College and Stony Brook University. New York invests in National Offshore Wind Training Center in Suffolk County—WSHU
SC: Governor Henry McMaster announced an executive order to promote the production of electric vehicles in South Carolina. The order forms an inter-agency workgroup aimed at reducing barriers to EV adoption. The Department of Commerce will serve as the one-stop shop for companies looking to create or expand EV manufacturing in the state. South Carolina is already a leader in automotive manufacturing, with the industry employing over 70,000 statewide. In mid-October, BMW announced a $1.7 billion project to expand EV production in the state. The newly formed work group includes agencies like the South Carolina Departments of Transportation, Commerce, and Employment and Workforce. McMaster announces electric vehicle workforce order, streamlining production in the state—ABC News 4
National
With Democrats’ surprisingly strong performance in the midterm elections, Republicans are likely to gain a small majority in the House of Representatives. GOP control promises aggressive hearings into Biden administration energy and environment policies, particularly misspent funds from the Inflation Reduction Act. Meanwhile, Democratic control of the Senate promises continued ability to confirm judicial and agency appointments, many with influence over the future of energy policies. Democratic control in the states may mean stricter climate laws and curbs on fossil fuels. Democrats gained full control of state governments in Michigan, Minnesota, Maryland and Massachusetts. Environment and Energy Impacts of the 2022 Election—Legal Planet