Last month, the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) proposed changes to Maine’s net metering rule that threaten to stall the state’s progress in increasing its supply of clean, home-grown energy. In proposing the change, the PUC ignored their own study showing that the value of solar energy exceeds associated costs. What’s more, it disregarded the comments…
Oct 14
2016
2016
Sep 1
2016
2016
Don’t Believe the Hype: Solar Power Benefits All Mainers
Mainers like solar power, they want more of it, and they don’t want to change how solar panel owners are paid for it. That’s the take-home message of comments Maine residents submitted to the state’s Public Utilities Commission in its current proceeding to review how solar power customers are reimbursed for the power they produce.…
Aug 8
2016
2016
New Law Will Increase State’s Reliance On Renewable Energy
… Greg Cunningham — the energy and climate program director at the Conservation Law Foundation, one of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit against the state over its implementation of Global Warming Solutions Act — said in a statement that while the bill isn’t perfect, it’s a big step forward. “The forward-thinking diversity of resources advanced by this law, including offshore…
Jun 29
2016
2016
Take Action Now: Tell Massachusetts Senators to Support Clean Energy Bill
The challenge of climate change demands nothing less than a dramatic reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and a transition to locally made clean energy. In Massachusetts, we have an opportunity to take action to cut climate-warming pollution before it’s too late. Tomorrow, the Massachusetts Senate is debating Bill S. 2372, “An Act to Promote Energy…
Jun 29
2016
2016
Senate Energy Debate Could Get Heated
… The issue of whether electric ratepayers can be assessed to finance natural gas infrastructure is currently before the Supreme Judicial Court. The Conservation Law Foundation argues existing law doesn’t allow it, while the Baker administration’s Department of Public Utilities says the law does. Read more here…
Jun 23
2016
2016
Rhode Island General Assembly Ends 2016 Session By Passing Two Renewable Energy Bills
On Saturday morning, June 18, at 6:00 AM, the Rhode Island General Assembly wrapped up its 2016 session after an all-night session that many observers likened to college students cramming for exams. Two bills that CLF was closely involved with were passed by both chambers in those last few hours. It is virtually certain that…
May 29
2016
2016
Clean Energy Powerhouse
… Moving beyond electric energy efficiency, Vermonters now have an array of opportunities to install solar to meet electricity needs. Read more by CLF Senior Attorney Sandy Levine…
Apr 29
2016
2016
Maine Legislature Fails to Override Veto on Landmark Solar Bill
“The failure to override this shortsighted and ill-informed veto is a slap in the face to hardworking men and women across Maine,” said Sean Mahoney, Director of CLF’s Maine Advocacy Center…
Apr 28
2016
2016
U.S. Supreme Court Decision Will Not Harm Renewable Energy
On April 19, the U.S. Supreme Court handed down its decision in Hughes v. PPL, No. 14-614. The case addressed the kinds of incentives that states are allowed (or not allowed) to provide for certain kinds of energy production. For this reason, some environmentalists were concerned that the decision could affect the legality of Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS)…
Apr 13
2016
2016
Natural Gas Has No Place in Our Clean Energy Future
By David Ismay and Caitlin Peale Sloan Massachusetts stands at a crossroads, and the stakes could hardly be higher: Will we invest in a clean and healthy energy future for our children and grandchildren? Or will we continue to subsidize the failing fossil fuel industry that pollutes our air, water, and climate? That is the…