CLIMATEWORK MAINE’s Post

🌱 NECEC, MAINE RENEWABLE ENERGY ASSOCIATION, and CLIMATEWORK MAINE Pen Op-Ed on Navigating Maine's Climate Transition: Challenges and Opportunities 🌱 The shift towards a greener future in Maine is proving to be challenging. NECEC's Director of Ecosystem and Strategic Engagement, Aaron Jeffrey Frederick, MAINE RENEWABLE ENERGY ASSOCIATION Executive Director Eliza Donoghue, Esq., and ClimateWork Maine Executive Director Jeff Marks co-authored an insightful op-ed in The Portland Press Herald that delves into Mainers' cultural and practical hurdles as we embrace climate-friendly technologies like electric vehicles (EVs) and heat pumps. The article emphasizes that while the intention behind these transitions is noble, the execution requires a nuanced understanding of local sentiments and infrastructure needs. At the same time, another piece from the same newspaper highlights a critical issue: the rising demand for electricity due to the increased adoption of EVs and heat pumps. This surge is straining our current electrical grid, underscoring the urgent need for grid expansion and modernization to support our renewable energy goals. Together, these articles paint a comprehensive picture of Maine’s climate journey. They remind us that while innovation is key, it must be paired with thoughtful planning and community engagement to ensure a smooth and inclusive transition. NECEC is proud to be doing this work alongside our partners at ClimateWork Maine, and we were particularly excited to sponsor their recent 2nd Annual Summit on Climate Change and Maine's Economy. Let's continue to work together to overcome these challenges and build a sustainable future for all Mainers. Read more: Op-Ed on Climate Transition Challenges: https://lnkd.in/eGrqadGz Electricity Demand Increase: https://lnkd.in/eGZ4PM58 #Sustainability #RenewableEnergy #Maine #ClimateChange #ElectricVehicles #HeatPumps #EnergyTransition #CommunityEngagement

The State of Maryland is inspiring change! According to Susan Stevens Miller: “The energy sector is profoundly transitioning away from toxic fossil fuels to clean renewable energy, and Maryland is among the states that can lead it there.” ❓Do 🫵 agree? #MarylandCommunitySolar #QuestionOfTheDay #CleanEnergy #ClimateAction #MarylandLeadership

The irony of this story is not lost on us.....efforts to scale clean energy infrastructure are in conflict with legacy laws designed to protect the environment. As these developments come before municipalities, both sides will have to be flexible in order for states to reach their goals. In our work representing renewable energy companies, constructive dialogue about the benefits of clean energy can in some cases shorten the timeline for permitting. #renewableenergy #communityengagement #environmentalprotection https://lnkd.in/e4x5Ceq2

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is taking applications for its $27 million Energy Future Grants program! The program will give local, state, and tribal governments the resources “to address barriers preventing low-income and disadvantaged communities from realizing the benefits of clean energy.” The clean energy transition has to be equitable. That’s why measures like the Energy Future Grants program are so important – they’ll help ensure that the communities most impacted by the climate crisis aren’t left behind. https://lnkd.in/gY-qrNdP

We are making real progress to transition to clean energy. It’s an exciting moment in Washington as we begin to see the investments and commitments we’ve made starting to come to fruition. https://lnkd.in/gDWkUves #greenenergy #cleanenergy

The U.S. has a long way to go in its decarbonization goals, but these stories over the past year show signs of progress. In 2023, the country encountered severe climate impacts and made a number of counterproductive energy decisions, yet there was some significant progress in its decarbonization journey, including international commitments to renewable energy. #ClimateResilience #GreenEnergyAdvances2023 #USClimateChallenges #DecarbonizationJourney2023 #RenewableEnergy #RenewableEnergySystems #Decarbonization #GreenConstruction #Netzero #ZeroWaste #EVchargingInfrastructure #ResilientConstruction https://lnkd.in/eYSZnaRG

OPPD is making investments in the infrastructure that will continue to provide reliable and affordable power for our society as we accelerate decarbonization. Clean energy projects are moving forward now, and I am glad to be working with my colleagues on the Board of Directors to establish policy that sets emission reduction expectations for the future. FTA: Eric Williams, the chairman of the utility’s board, agreed that OPPD needs to establish meaningful milestones as it moves to cut carbon. “How will we continue to provide more energy and reduce emissions? By adopting more of the lowest cost resources, which are also the lowest-emitting resources. That’s what’s making the energy transition possible.” https://lnkd.in/dN6324rV

🙌🏿🌄NY's Energy Goals: An Inspiration for PA, but More to Be Done! 🌱🌎 As a resident of Pennsylvania, I commend New York's dedication to pursuing the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act's energy goals. Their efforts serve as an inspiration for all states, including ours, to take bold action against climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, it's essential to acknowledge that more needs to be done to reach these ambitious targets. While New York's progress is commendable, the urgency of the climate crisis demands even greater and faster action. To ensure a sustainable future for our planet, we must collectively accelerate the development of zero-emitting renewable electricity. This requires robust investments in clean energy infrastructure, innovative technologies, and policies that promote a rapid transition away from fossil fuels. Furthermore, as we look to New York for inspiration, we also need to learn from their challenges and areas for improvement. Identifying weaknesses and incorporating valuable recommendations will help us overcome obstacles more effectively and achieve our shared climate goals. Let's join hands with New York and other forward-thinking states to create a powerful force for change. By working together and holding ourselves accountable, we can make a significant impact in combatting climate change and building a sustainable future for all. https://lnkd.in/e4yyNzmZ #ClimateAction #RenewableEnergy #SustainableFuture #TogetherForChange

#HeatPumps #CommunityHeatPumps "But environmental advocates say there is still hope in a little-known infrastructure solution called thermal energy networks, which can significantly reduce a building’s carbon footprint. This is particularly important in New York City where over 70 percent of greenhouse gas emissions come from buildings. These networks connect multiple buildings to sources of thermal energy deep underground through a series of pipes that carry water-based fluid. Buildings are linked to the network through heat pumps that provide heating, cooling, and hot water to people’s homes. The heat pumps produce clean energy and use less electricity because they transfer heat from the underground loop into the building during the winter, and remove heat from the building during the summer. Geothermal heat pumps can reduce energy consumption and emissions 72 percent compared to standard air-conditioning equipment, according to the U.S. Department of Energy ... But New York is at the forefront of testing how the technology can become more widespread, partnering with utility companies to convert the current framework used for fossil fuel hookups into thermal energy networks using the utilities’ existing workers. Last year, New York became the first state in the nation to pass a law that required the state’s largest utility companies to design at least one thermal energy network project, and to use their “existing utility union work-force” to bring them to life. Such projects can lower emissions on a larger scale than building-by-building energy upgrades, supporters say. “We are going to have to [decarbonize buildings] at neighborhood scale to be able to meet our climate goals in time. And [thermal energy networks] is one of the best tools we have in our toolbox to help us do that,” said Lisa Dix, New York Director of one of the Building Decarbonization Coalition.  The organization is part of UpGrade NY, a larger coalition of environmental groups and unions that pushed for the bill’s passage. The pilots will allow the state to learn more about the benefits and the costs of working with thermal networks. Each utility company can design up to five projects, and have until Dec. 15 to refine their proposals; 11 pilots have already been suggested.  ... When John Murphy, a 59 year-old fourth generation union plumber from Yonkers saw New York sign the transition away from fossil fuels into law in 2019, he feared for the livelihood of his trade.  ... “The personnel that install and maintain fossil fuel systems can use their skills to install and maintain thermal energy networks. It’s the exact same skill set,” Murphy told City Limits. “Thermal energy networks is the closest solution that we’ve seen to a just transition [away from fossil fuels] that would allow workers to pivot and move into another sector, and in the case of union workers, continue to have their medical coverage and pension credits,” he added."

"All three of the natural gas companies in Oregon will have to fix their long-term plans to meet the state’s targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. "The Oregon Public Utilities Commission, which only has two members, said Thursday it could 'not acknowledge' Cascade Natural Gas’ plans to meet the state’s greenhouse gas emissions targets by 2050. Last year, the commission, which regulates the rates charged by private electric and natural gas utilities, rejected similar plans from the two other gas utilities serving the state, NW Natural and Avista. "The commission regulates the rates charged by private utilities. The rejections mean the commission could challenge the companies when they seek rate increases or investment in infrastructure because their plans were rejected, experts said. The utilities serve a total of about 750,000 people across the state. "The commissioners and staff said the companies were 'unreasonably optimistic' about future natural gas demand in a world of growing electrification and low prices. They said the companies are also relying too heavily on the rapid growth of less emissions-intensive fuels such as 'renewable natural gas,' which is made from methane captured from animal waste and other processes, and 'synthetic natural gas' made by blending hydrogen with carbon dioxide. These fuels are not widely produced and are still far too expensive, commissioners said. "Megan Decker, chair of the commission, said relying on nascent and still not scalable alternative fuels to reduce future emissions, rather than shifting some energy generation to renewable electricity, is something each company has not proposed at all. “'Some amount of electrification is going to be necessary,' she said. 'That’s part of what’s missing.'” —— Cascade is the smallest gas utility in Oregon, with about 75,000 residential customers. Avista serves about 105,000 residential customers and NW Natural is the largest, with about 600,000 residential customers in Oregon. #electrification #energy