Governors Cuomo and Raimondo give State of the States; Gov. Baker Commits to Zero Emission Vehicles; Northeast US tops chart for Clean Energy

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The CONEG Connection - January 18, 2017

The Coalition of Northeastern Governors (CONEG) is a non-partisan association of the Northeast states. CONEG encourages intergovernmental cooperation on issues affecting the economic, social and environmental well-being of the Northeast. CONEG coordinates regional efforts by the Governors and their Administrations that benefit the Northeast.

2017 State of the States

As the CONEG governors begin to deliver their 2017 State of the State addresses, several common themes are emerging. Governors have highlighted their state’s achievements and identified their challenges, and many have proposed bold initiatives to address priority policy issues.

Common themes across the states include the need to retain and create jobs; develop innovative ways to develop and attract a strong workforce; combat the substance abuse epidemic; and create a leaner, more efficient state government. After the divisive tone of the November election season, CONEG governors have called for increased cooperation and bipartisan solutions.

Governors Malloy, Cuomo, and Raimondo have delivered their State of the State addresses; Governors Sununu and Scott delivered their inaugural addresses earlier this month; Governor Baker is scheduled to deliver the State of the Commonwealth on January 24.

“New York has adopted one of the most aggressive greenhouse gas reduction policies in the nation, and these continued investments in infrastructure supporting zero emission vehicles is one more way to help reach these goals, reduce our carbon footprint and combat climate change,” Governor Cuomo said.

Governor Raimondo said, “Last year, we passed the most comprehensive infrastructure program in recent history. Because of RhodeWorks, we’re fixing our highways. By the end of this year, we’ll have started or completed repairs on nearly 120 bridges: a visible sign that we are rebuilding Rhode Island together.”

NEWS FROM AROUND THE REGION:

CONNECTICUT

The Connecticut Department of Transportation released its $10.9 billion five-year Capital Plan that details planned investments for all modes of transportation for fiscal years 2017-2021.

Governor Malloy announced that due to unprecedented housing efforts and focused strategies to end homelessness, the state is able to match every chronically homeless individual to permanent housing.
The CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection discusses siting of large-scale clean energy projects.

MAINE

Governor’s Energy Office finds that heating fuel prices continue to rise.
U.S. Senators King and Collins announce U.S. EPA grant for Eastern Maine Development Corporation to develop economic development plan for former Verso Paper Mill.
Maine DOT has released its Workplan for 2017-2019.
USDA announces $11.1 million in investments healthcare, water and wastewater systems, and education in six rural Maine communities.

MASSACHUSETTS

Governor Baker signs legislation to promote the use of electric vehicles and increase access to ZEV charging stations.

Massachusetts has been selected to partner in the nation’s first manufacturing innovation institute in manufacturing robotics to produce new technologies and opportunities for skilled workers in advanced manufacturing.
Governor Baker signs legislation to facilitate the transformation of unused state-owned land in Worcester into a biomanufacturing industrial park.
MassDOT adds three solar PV systems to renewable energy portfolio.

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Governor Sununu pledges to lower energy bills, but challenges remain.

NEW YORK

Governor Cuomo announces that cell phone coverage in underground subway stations will be available a full year ahead of schedule, and Wi-Fi has been installed in underground stations a full two-years ahead of schedule.
Governor Cuomo announces $4.2 million to support programs to train building workers to improve building efficiency, reduce energy costs and decrease greenhouse gas emissions.
New York sets the bar high for offshore wind.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has proposed a $32 billion 10-year capital plan.

RHODE ISLAND

Governor Raimondo proposes two years of free college for every Rhode Island student who graduates on time from the Community College of Rhode Island, Rhode Island College and the University of Rhode Island.
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management announced the availability of $380,000 to help grow Rhode Island farm and food businesses and increase the competitiveness of local products in the marketplace.

VERMONT

Governor Scott signs four Executive Orders on first day in office.
Governor Scott says he supports goal of getting 90 percent of the state’s energy from renewable sources by 2050.

NEWS FROM WASHINGTON, DC AND THE NORTHEAST:

Energy & Environment

A new report ranks CONEG states in top 20 states based on the ease with which companies can procure renewable energy for operations within each state.
The U.S. Department of Energy released the second installment of the interagency Quadrennial Energy Review that focuses on the U.S. electricity system including the need for improvements to the system.
New study finds that RGGI has saved $5.7 billion in health care costs between 2009 and 2014.
The U.S. Department of Energy finds that adding even limited electricity transmission can significantly reduce the costs of expanding wind energy to supply 35% of U.S. electricity by 2050.
FERC podcast provides discussion on how regional organized electric power markets work.
EPA announces that carbon Pollution standards for Cars and Light Trucks will remain unchanged through 2025.
The Energy Information Administration projects U.S. will become a net energy exporter.
EIA finds natural gas prices in 2016 were lowest in nearly 20 years.
EIA expects in 2016, for third consecutive year, more than half of new generating capacity will be from renewable technologies, especially wind and solar.
New study from National Renewable Energy Laboratory and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory examines future costs, benefits, and other impacts of renewable energy under state Renewable Portfolio Standard polices.

Transportation

Small towns raise concerns with Amtrak’s plan to speed up NEC service.
New DOT report on transportation infrastructure confirms that more investment is needed to maintain the nation's highway and transit systems and to overcome a nearly trillion-dollar investment backlog.
U.S. DOT releases its five-year Research, Development, and Technology Strategic Plan.

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