The Boston Globe covers President Trump's recent executive order to pause federal funding for solar energy projects, causing significant implications for numerous solar initiatives in Massachusetts and the broader New England region. United's Jeremy McDiarmid expressed concern that the administration's funding freeze could hinder the region's progress toward clean energy goals, increase costs, and slow economic growth.
Topics: United In The News, Massachusetts, Jeremy McDiarmid, Solar
Inside Climate News reports that Virginia is debating the establishment of the Virginia Energy Facility Review Board, a proposed body that would evaluate solar farm projects across the state. United's Jim Purekal spoke to the benefits of solar power and other renewable energy sources, stating that a diverse set of large-scale advanced energy projects is necessary for Virginia to meet its clean energy goals.
Topics: Virginia, United In The News, Jim Purekal, Solar
CT Mirror discusses the potential challenges that Connecticut and the broader New England region may face in advancing their clean energy initiatives under the second Trump Administration. United's Jeremy McDiarmid spoke to the progress of offshore wind projects in Connecticut, highlighting that New England states will have to continue to lead to meet their energy goals, amidst shifts in political power.
Topics: United In The News, Offshore Wind, Transmission, Jeremy McDiarmid, Connecticut, Solar
Virginia Commission on Electric Utility Regulation gives the green light to solar siting
RICHMOND, VA – The Commonwealth’s first energy legislation of the year successfully passed out of the Commission on Electric Utility Regulation (CEUR)today.The proposed legislationrefinesthe approval process for solar and battery storage projects of at least 20 MW, or 2 MW if it’slocated on previously disturbed land,andlocated within three miles of an interconnection point.The draft proposalis designed to balance the needs of local communities with Virginia’s growing demand for renewable energy, ensuring a more efficient path to cleaner, more affordable power.
Topics: Virginia, Press Releases, Permitting and Siting, Solar, Battery Storage
The Arizona Republic reports on Arizona's recent decline in rooftop solar installations over the past year, attributed to a combination of regulatory hurdles and financial barriers. United's Michael Barrio spoke to Arizona's potential as a leader in solar energy adoption, emphasizing the need for stable policies that support the solar industry's growth across the state.
Topics: United In The News, Arizona, Michael Barrio, Solar
Governor Gavin Newsom vetoes into law SB 1374
SACRAMENTO, CA – California Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed Senate Bill (SB) 1374, which was designed to accelerate local solar adoption. SB 1374 would have expanded solar benefits by reversing a prior CPUC decision that prevents schools and apartment buildings from being able to use the solar energy they generate on their properties. This misguided veto will result in unnecessary energy costs for schools and apartment buildings.
Topics: State Policy, Press Releases, California, Solar
Amid rising energy demands, The New York Times reports that America's biggest oil-producing state, Texas, is increasingly turning to solar power and battery storage to see it through extreme weather over the years. The article quotes Matthew Boms of Texas Advanced Energy Business Alliance (United's state affiliate), who speaks to Texas' renewable energy potential.
Topics: United In The News, Texas Advanced Energy Business Alliance, Texas, Matthew Boms, Solar, Battery Storage
Updated November 6, 2024: Alex Gonzalez of Utah News Connection published an accompanying Public News Service broadcast for this piece. Listen to the full audio here.
Utah News Dispatch reports on the growing interest in virtual power plants (VPPs) and quotes United's Brian Turner, who emphasizes VPPs' potential as a cost-effective and flexible solution to rising electricity demand.
Topics: United In The News, Brian Turner, Virtual Power Plants, Solar, utah