Volume 39 | December 22, 2021
Governors Prepare for Omicron Variant
Updated Mask Advisories; National Guard Activated; Elective Medical Procedures Delayed
Governors across the Northeast are proactively preparing for rising cases of COVID-19 across their states. The majority of new COVID cases and hospitalizations in the Northeast US are unvaccinated individuals. Being fully vaccinated is the best way to prevent serious infections, hospitalizations, and death.
Governors Scott and Mills Address Summit for Democracy
On December 9-10, 2021, President Biden hosted the first of two Summits for Democracy, which brought together leaders from government, civil society, and the private sector to set forth an affirmative agenda for democratic renewal and to tackle the greatest threats faced by democracies today through collective action. President Biden invited Governors Scott and Mills to address the summit.

“I want to thank the President for convening this critical Summit and for inviting me to speak,” said Governor Scott.
“Democracy is only as strong as our commitment to it, and we can’t let our guard down in the face of threats to it, whether at home and abroad,” said Governor Scott.
News from the States
Connecticut
Governor Lamont Signs Executive Order Directing Connecticut State Agencies To Implement Actions That Reduce Carbon Emissions and Adapt to Climate Crisis

Governor Lamont Announces Connecticut Department of Transportation and City of New Haven Sign Partnership Agreement on Union Station
 
Maine
To Mark One Year of Progress in Maine’s Climate Plan, Governor Mills Unveils New Initiatives to Empower Communities in the Fight Against Climate Change
 
Southern Maine Community College launches tech training for EVs (Maine Biz)

Massachusetts
Baker-Polito Administration Provides COVID-19 Update on Mask Advisory, Hospital Support

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Historic Selection of Offshore Wind Projects to Bring Clean, Affordable Power to the Commonwealth

New Hampshire

State Increases Benefits To Help Home Heating Costs
New York
Governor Hochul Announces New Framework to Achieve at Least 10 Gigawatts of Distributed Solar By 2030
 
 
Governor Hochul Announces New York Power Authority's Economic Development Power Awards Supporting More Than 22,600 Jobs and $633 Million in Private Capital Investments
 
Rhode Island
COVID-19 Booster Dose Eligibility Expanded in Rhode Island
 
Governor McKee, Speaker Shekarchi, Senate President Ruggerio Announce Legislature’s Commitment to Act on Governor’s RI Rebounds Plan for Initial, Near-term American Rescue Plan Spending

Vermont
Vermont’s Climate Council has released its Initial Climate Action Plan
 
Vermont plans to use infrastructure money for roads, electric vehicles, trains (VT Digger)
Regional and Federal Updates

Senator Collins and her Colleagues Urge Energy Department to Release Funding to Help States Improve Energy Efficiency, Foster Job Creation

EPA Finalizes Greenhouse Gas Standards for Passenger Vehicles, Paving Way for a Zero-Emissions Future (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency)

Billions in Amtrak Funding Could Modernize Aging Rail System - Amtrak hopes can fix crumbling bridges and tunnels along the Northeast Corridor (New York Times)

EPA Announces $1.3 Million to Fund 13 Environmental Justice Grants in New England (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency)
 
DOE Announces $18.6 Million to Expand the Weatherization Assistance Program (U.S. Department of Energy)
 
Canada’s 2030 emissions reduction plan delayed – Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault will introduce the plan end of March (Global News)
Season's Greetings!


We extend our very warm wishes to you and your family for a joyous holiday season and a happy and healthy new year!


Jay Lucey

Tom Critzer

Elaine Murchison
Did you know?

All CONEG states among ten most generous states in the country this year, with Massachusetts leading the way.

Source: Fast Company