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The CONEG Connection      February 14, 2017

News from the States

Connecticut Governor Malloy introduces budget proposal focused on fiscal stability and predictability for Connecticut residents and businesses. Governor Malloy announced that aerospace engineering design and manufacturing firm Cyient, Inc. is expanding its operations in East Hartford and adding 85 full-time jobs over the next three years. Governor Malloy proposes the creation of a municipal accountability system designed to provide state intervention and support to local governments confronting fiscal challenges. Governor Malloy and CTDOT Commissioner Redeker announce the completion of a $10 million renovation and upgrade project at the Bridgeport railroad station. Rail Bypass Opponents Testify Against Plan (Hartford Courant) Rep. Elizabeth Esty Urged To Work for Funds for Connecticut in New Transportation Committee Post (Hartford Courant)

Maine Governor LePage delivers his State of the State address. Maine Public Utilities Commission issues decision on customer net energy billing Efficiency Maine helps warm York homes (Seacoastonline.com) Senator King signs letter calling for answers on overdose drug price hike.

Massachusetts The Baker-Polito Administration announced that an additional 30 Massachusetts cities and towns have been designated by the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) as Green Communities. State environmental officials announce update to the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs’ environmental justice policy to serve the environmental needs of the Commonwealth’s most vulnerable residents. The Baker-Polito Aadministration’s Seaport Economic Council announced a total of $5 million in awards for 13 coastal communities to improve public infrastructure and promote maritime economic development. U.S. Senators Markey and Warren send letter to FERC regarding Atlantic Bridge pipeline. A Berkshire County agency expands operations using federal surplus property program. Drought conditions are improving in some areas of the Commonwealth.

New Hampshire Governor Sununu delivers 2017 budget address New Hampshire lowers LIHEAP income eligibility guidelines, giving more families access to fuel assistance this heating season.

New York The New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced the adoption of official sea-level rise projections that will help state agencies and coastal communities better plan for the impacts of climate change. Governor Cuomo proposes two-year, $15-million program to provide rebates for the installation of ground-source heat pumps to accelerate the use of renewable heating and cooling technologies and stimulate the clean energy economy. Indian Point nuclear plant set to retire by 2021. New Second Ave. Subway ridership growing by approximately 8,000 daily riders per week, Veronique Hakim will serve as interim Executive Director of the MTA while a seven-person committee conducts a nationwide search for a permanent Chair and Chief Executive Officer. Governor Cuomo announced $3 million in new funding to help eligible municipalities and rural electricity cooperatives purchase electric vehicles for use in their municipal use fleets. Governor Cuomo today announced $25 million to fund rail and port improvement projects across New York including rehabilitation of two railroad bridges and more than 58 miles of rail track and facilities.

Rhode Island The National Governors Association selects Rhode Island to participate in electric power modernization program. Governor Raimondo appoints advisory council to assist R.I. manufacturing (Providence Journal)

Vermont  Vermonters spend less on electricity, despite high rates. (Burlington Free Press) UVM leads $1.8 million Energy Department project to improve grid’s ability to handle renewables. (Vermont Business Magazine)

News from Around the Region  and Washington, DC

Energy FERC delegates power to staff in absence of quorum. The Sustainable Energy in America Factbook provides a detailed look at the state of U.S. energy and the role that new technologies are playing in reshaping the industry. Solar Power And Electric Vehicles To Halt Growth In Oil And Coal By 2020. (Forbes) LIHEAP fundraisers increase across the Northeast and Midwest. "Fuel security" tops ISO New England's challenges: CEO. (Platts) Wind is now the country’s largest renewable resource by installed generating capacity. As New England's Carbon Emissions Rise, Region Bucks National Trend. (Forbes)

Transportation Northeastern University selected to lead research on nation’s transportation challenges Amtrak names William Feidt executive vice president and chief financial officer. American Public Transportation Association President calls for making public transit “a big part” of infrastructure investment. A coalition of hundreds of state and national transportation, construction and labor organizations sent a letter to President Trump urging him to include a dedicated, long-term revenue stream for the Highway Trust Fund in his infrastructure investment plan. Governors Highway Safety Association’s new report, Autonomous Vehicles Meet Human Drivers: Traffic Safety Issues for States, examines the implications of new vehicle technologies for highway safety agencies and advocates. VW Subsidiary Invests $2 Billion to Promote Electric Cars. (Bloomberg)

Upcoming Events

February 12-15 - National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) Winter Committee Meetings, Washington, DC February 24-27 - National Governors Association (NGA) Winter Meeting, Washington, DC February 26 - CONEG Governors Winter Meeting  February 28  -  March 3, 2017 - American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Washington Briefing, Washington, DC   June 26-28 - National Energy & Utility Affordability Coalition Conference, Fort Lauderdale, FL

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.