MINNEAPOLIS, MN -- Earlier today, Xcel Energy released its integrated resource plan, or IRP, following a preview in late May. As expected, Xcel included commitments to retire its remaining coal plants a decade earlier than previously stated, and the addition of at least 4,000 MW of solar capacity to Xcel’s system, as well as historic commitments to energy efficiency.
RICHMOND, Virginia – Today, the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) accepted Dominion Energy’s refiled Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), after rejecting it in its entirety in late 2018. The SCC is also requiring several changes in future plans, including an update due in September, that will more accurately assess the costs and benefits of energy options, such as: Battery storage, using the most updated cost estimates available Compliance with climate pollution limits through the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) Gas transportation costs Solar power purchase agreements as 25% and 50% of the solar generation capacity Estimating capacity value for future solar PV tracking resources by using past performance or 25%, higher than the 23% used previously
Boston, M.A. - Yesterday, the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) issued an order on long-term contracts for clean energy that paves the way for Governor Baker’s plan to source foreign hydroelectric power as a part of the state’s ongoing efforts to reduce carbon pollution by 80 percent of 1990 levels by 2050.
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, two subcommittees of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce held a hearing on the Trump Administration’s planned rollback of the fuel economy and greenhouse gas emissions, known as the Clean Car Standards. The hearing was peppered with hard-hitting questions about the wide-spread and devastating role the proposed rollback will have on public health, the environment, consumers, and the auto industry itself.
Baltimore, MD -- The Maryland Commission on Climate Change (MCCC) hosted a meeting today where Governor Hogan’s Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) presented an overview of its draft Greenhouse Gas Reduction Act Plan (GGRA). Advocates are concerned that the Governor’s current plan will not provide enough ambitious climate action leadership, especially since details remain sparse. The release of the draft plan is already six months overdue.
Augusta, ME -- Last night, the Maine Legislature passed LD 1494 which increases the state’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) to 80 percent by 2030 and 100 percent by 2050.
Albany, NY — Early this morning, the New York State Senate passed the strongest climate legislation in the nation as part of a three-way agreement with the Assembly and Governor Andrew Cuomo. The Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act’s road to passage was the culmination of a multi-year effort, deeply rooted in climate justice, and widely supported and led by frontline community groups, environmental justice organizations, labor, environmental organizations including the Sierra Club and everyday New Yorkers who made their voices heard.
East Hampton, NY —Today, environmental, labor and local organizations, and residents attended an East Hampton hearing where they urged the New York Public Service Commission to move forward expeditiously on the permitting process to ensure New York’s first offshore wind farm gets built.
On Monday, the District 197 School Board passed a resolution establishing the goal of transitioning the school district to 100% clean electricity by 2020. District 197 has made great strides toward 100% clean electricity and this resolution formalizes the district’s commitment.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK -- At noon on Tuesday, May 28, 2019, the Sierra Club will hold a rally opposing OG&E’s proposed rate hike. OG&E is requesting to force ratepayers to pay hundreds of millions of dollars for excessively costly work on OG&E’s Sooner coal-burning power plant. The rally will take place prior to the Oklahoma Corporation Commission's (OCC) hearing on the rate increase, the afternoon of Tuesday, May 28, and there will be space for media.
Today, Sierra Club, Fresh Energy, Union of Concerned Scientists, Center for Energy and Environment, Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy, Clean Grid Alliance, LIUNA (Laborers’ International Union of North America) Minnesota and North Dakota, and Xcel Energy filed an agreement with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (MNPUC) that proposes retirement dates for Xcel’s remaining coal units and includes historic investments in solar energy and energy efficiency.
Brookhaven, NY-- Brookhaven Town Supervisor Ed Romaine (R – Center Moriches) signed a pledge today supporting the town to move to 100% clean, renewable energy across all sectors. With a population of 500,000, Brookhaven would become the largest municipality in the state to aim for 100% clean energy.