Search Results for: community solar

Best keep this one off the president’s daily briefing list

Ironic?  Bigly.

Karen Yoder files this story for Grist:

A coal museum in Kentucky is switching to solar power.

EKB-TV
The Kentucky Coal Mining Museum, nestled in the heart of coal country, might seem like an odd place for a solar project. But the solar panels currently being installed on its roof will ultimately save thousands in electricity costs.


The museum is located in the small town of Benham, a former coal camp. Now, the town will partially run on solar: The excess power from the museum’s solar project will feed into the town’s grid.

Solar panels are being installed on the roof of the museumEKB-TV

“It is a little ironic,” Brandon Robinson, communications director at Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College, which owns the museum, told WYMT. “But you know, coal and solar and all the different energy sources work hand-in-hand. And, of course, coal is still king around here.”

In the 2016 election, 85 percent of Harlan County, where Benham is located, voted for Donald Trump — likely in part because of his promise to bring back coal jobs, a promise that experts say is unrealistic.

Maybe those coal miners should be looking to get into the solar business.

Like this? Use form in upper right to receive free updates
See popular posts from the last 30 days in right column — >>

Best keep this one off the president’s daily briefing list Read More »

NJ labor, faith and green groups join for climate fight


Powerful union members with deep pockets like NJEA and SEIU could help Jersey Renews achieve its ambitious environmental agenda

Tom Johnson  reports for NJ Spotlight:

Alarmed by climate change, an unusual coalition of labor, faith, community, and environmental organizations is banding together to more forcefully promote steps to curtail global warming.
The coalition, Jersey Renews, cited steps taken by the Trump administration along with years of inaction in Trenton as the motivation behind its efforts to vault New Jersey into a leadership position in curbing greenhouse-gas emissions and advancing clean-energy initiatives.
In a press conference in the State House, the group unveiled an ambitious agenda, including many proposals long pending or neglected in Trenton — increasing the state’s reliance on solar and offshore wind energy, stopping the diversion of money from the Clean Energy Fund, and expanding programs to use energy more efficiently.
Achieving those objectives, however, has proved elusive despite years of lobbying by environmental groups and clean-energy advocates. This time, the coalition vows, will be different. Its optimism stems from new alliances with labor groups that have often been on the opposite side of the issues and from the backing of the New Jersey Education Association, the state’s largest teachers union, with the money and political clout that goes with it.
“Climate change is the defining issue of our time. Get ready to hear about Jersey Renews,’’ said the Rev. Fletcher Harper, executive director of GreenFaith, an interfaith coalition for the environment. “In your schools, in your places of worship, and in your union halls.’’
A big selling point for the coalition’s agenda is its potential to drive a new green economy, built on well-paying jobs in emerging sectors in the solar, offshore wind, and electric car infrastructure, according to its organizers.
“Climate change is one of the fundamental planks in how we are going to save jobs,’’ predicted Kevin Brown, vice president and New Jersey state director of the Service Employees International’s Unit 32BJ. “We cannot continue denying the reality of what is going on with our planet.’’
In laying out an agenda to fight climate change, the coalition focused on reducing greenhouse-gas emissions by more aggressively dealing with problems already being tackled by the state or federal governments. It urged action to increase fuel efficiency in the transportation sector, an issue addressed by the Obama administration, but not likely to come under scrutiny by President Donald Trump.
The coalition wants more aggressive efforts to reduce methane, a potent greenhouse gas, by eliminating leaks from pipes, an increased emphasis on energy efficiency, and an expansion of the state’s renewable-energy commitments.
Finally, the coalition recommended trying to create 100,000 family-sustaining jobs across the state and protecting communities from pollution. “We believe kids should get dirty when they play in the mud,’’ said Kate Schumacher, New Jersey field organizer for Moms Clean Air Force, “not from the air they breathe.’’
Like this? Use form in upper right to receive free updates
See popular posts from the last 30 days in right column —
>>

NJ labor, faith and green groups join for climate fight Read More »

NJ enviro, energy bills in committee – Jan. 12, 2017

ASSEMBLY TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND UTILITIES
1/12/17 10:00 AM
Aide: (609) 847-3840
Committtee Room 9, 3rd Floor, State House Annex, Trenton, NJ
A-441  Eustace, T. (D-38); Benson, D.R. (D-14);
Zwicker, A. (D-16)
Establishes solar power incentive program.
Related Bill: S-2691
     
A-2401  McKeon, J.F. (D-27); Wimberly, B.E. (D-35);
Benson (D-14)
Expands programs in BPU to include low-interest loans
and grants to municipalities for energy efficient programs and innovative
energy technologies.
     
A-2828  McKeon, J.F. (D-27); Wimberly, B.E. (D-35)
Establishes financial incentives for certain energy
providers to conduct energy audits.
     
ACR-151  Diegnan, P.J. (D-18); Eustace, T. (D-38);
Wimberly (D-35)
Urges construction of microgrids at municipal
facilities in New Jersey.  Related Bill: SCR-108

________________________________________

     
ASSEMBLY COMMERCE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
1/12/17  1:30 PM
Aide: (609) 847-3875
Committee Room 16, 4th Floor, State House Annex, Trenton, New Jersey
A-4274  Houghtaling, E. (D-11); Andrzejczak, B. (D-1)
Requires EDA, in consultation with Department of
Agriculture, to establish loan program for certain vineyard and winery capital
expenses.  Related Bill: S-2727
     
___________________________________________
ASSEMBLY HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
1/12/17  2:00 PM
Aide: (609) 847-3875
Committee Room 9, 3rd Floor, State House Annex, Trenton, NJ
A-4304  Conaway, H. (D-7); Wimberly, B.E. (D-35)
Requires compilation of, and public access to, tests of
soil lead levels.
     
A-4305  Conaway, H. (D-7); Wimberly, B.E. (D-35)
Requires soil testing to determine lead content prior
to certain home sales.
     
A-4306  Conaway, H. (D-7); Wimberly, B.E. (D-35)
Requires DEP to adopt Statewide plan to reduce lead
exposure from contaminated soils and drinking water.
     

Like this? Use form in upper right to receive free updates
See popular posts from the last 30 days in right column —
>>

NJ enviro, energy bills in committee – Jan. 12, 2017 Read More »

Energy & Enviro Bills in Committee, Trenton Jan 9-12 2017


MONDAY, JAN 9 2017  

A-1628  Rodriguez-Gregg, M. (R-8); Holley, J.C.
(D-20) 
Codifies DEP’s New Jersey Recycling Awards Program to
annually recognize outstanding recycling achievements. Related Bill: S-2777
    Jan 9, 2017 –  Senate
Environment and Energy
S-142  Madden, F.H. (D-4)
Requires DEP to establish certification program for septic system inspectors.
    Jan 9, 2017 – For discussion only: Senate Environment and Energy
S-1808  Van Drew, J. (D-1); Diegnan, P.J. (D-18)
Designates striped bass (Morone saxatilis) as New Jersey saltwater fish.
Related Bill: A-3342
    Jan 9, 2017 –   Senate Environment and Energy
S-2490  Smith, B. (D-17); Bateman, C. (R-16)
Provides for protection of public’s rights under public trust doctrine.
Related Bill: A-4092
    Jan 9, 2017 –   Senate Environment and Energy
S-2689  Greenstein, L.R. (D-14)
The “Green Building and Infrastructure Tax Credit Act”; provides tax credits for certain green buildings and wood utility poles.  Related Bill: A-1355
    Jan 9, 2017 –   Senate Environment and Energy
S-2777  Cruz-Perez, N. (D-5); Van Drew, J. (D-1)
Codifies DEP’s New Jersey Recycling Awards Program to annually recognize outstanding recycling achievements.  Related Bill: A-1628
    Jan 9, 2017 –   Senate Environment and Energy
SR-93  Bateman, C. (R-16)
Urges DEP to revise and update Statewide Water Supply Plan and urges citizens of State to conserve water.   Related Bill: AR-200
    Jan 9, 2017 –   Senate Environment and Energy
THURSDAY, JAN 12 2017

A-441  Eustace, T. (D-38); Benson, D.R. (D-14); Zwicker, A. (D-16)
Establishes solar power incentive program.
    Jan 12, 2017 – Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities

A-2401  McKeon, J.F. (D-27)
Expands programs in BPU to include low-interest loans
and grants to municipalities for energy efficient programs and innovative
energy technologies.
    Jan 12, 2017 –  Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities
A-2828  McKeon, J.F. (D-27)
Establishes financial incentives for certain energy
providers to conduct energy audits.
    Jan 12, 2017  – Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities
A-4274  Houghtaling, E. (D-11); Andrzejczak, B. (D-1)
Requires EDA, in consultation with Department of
Agriculture, to establish loan program for certain vineyard and winery capital
expenses.  Related Bill: S-2727
    Jan 12, 2017 – Assembly Commerce and Economic Development
A-4304  Conaway, H. (D-7)
Requires compilation of, and public access to, tests
of soil lead levels.
    Jan 12, 2017 – Assembly Housing and Community Development
A-4305  Conaway, H. (D-7)
Requires soil testing to determine lead content prior
to certain home sales.
    Jan 12, 2017  – Assembly Housing and Community Development
A-4306  Conaway, H. (D-7)
Requires DEP to adopt Statewide plan to reduce lead
exposure from contaminated soils and drinking water.
    Jan 12, 2017  –  Assembly Housing and Community Development
ACR-151  Diegnan, P.J. (D-18); Eustace, T. (D-38)
Urges construction of microgrids at municipal
facilities in New Jersey.
    Jan 12, 2017  –  Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities 

Like this? Use form in upper right to receive free updates

See popular posts from the last 30 days in right column — >> 

Energy & Enviro Bills in Committee, Trenton Jan 9-12 2017 Read More »

Peco backs away from $35M microgrid project

Peco
has called a retreat on plans to install a $35 million self-sustaining
“microgrid” in Delaware County after the proposal generated stiff opposition
from customer advocates. 

The Philadelphia Inquirer‘s Andrew Maykuth writes:

The
Philadelphia utility, in a filing posted with the Pennsylvania
Public Utility Commission, withdrew the plan to build the experimental
microgrid in an area of Concordville that has endured a large number of power
outages.

The proposed
microgrid, which could
operate independently of the regional power grid during a widespread outage,
included 10.5 megawatts of natural-gas and solar-power generators and 200
kilowatts of battery storage.

But
advocates for small businesses, consumers, industrial users, and retail energy
suppliers had questioned whether it was proper for Peco to reenter the
power-generation business it had been forced to spin off under the 1996 Electricity
Generation Customer Choice and Competition Act.

The
advocates also questioned whether all Peco customers would benefit from the
project, whose costs the utility had proposed to recover in rate surcharges
that would affect all of its 1.6 million customers. Peco said the impact would
eventually require an increase of about 29 cents a month for a residential
electrical customer using 1,000 kilowatt hours.

Peco’s
proposal “raises significant legal and policy questions,” the Pennsylvania
Office of Consumer Advocate said in a June filing with the PUC.


Like this? Use form in upper right to receive free updates 
See popular posts from the last 30 days in right column — >> 


Peco backs away from $35M microgrid project Read More »

Former pesticide plant site in NJ added to Superfund list

Atlantic City Press graphic

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced yesterday that it has added the former Kil-Tone Company site in Vineland, N.J. to its Superfund list of the country’s most hazardous waste sites. Pesticides were manufactured at the now defunct facility, and groundwater and soil at the site, including soil in the yards of nearby homes, is contaminated with arsenic and lead.

The Sierra Club’s New Jersey chapter responded to the news by blaming New Jersey’s Department of Environmental Protection for knowing about the site for 30 years but doing noting to address it.

“We are glad to see the EPA step in, but we hope the Kil-Tone site doesn’t end up like the Shieldalloy facility,” said NJ Sierra Club Director Jeff Tittel. We need to a complete clean-up, not a cap like what the EPA is doing in Millville.

“Instead of cleaning up the site the Shieldalloy Superfund Site in Newfield, they are capping it, leaving tons of toxic material in the ground that will leach into the environment. Eventually the caps will fail, allowing these dangerous materials to pollute the groundwater and harm the community,” Tittel claimed.

  

In a news release on Kil-Tone, the EPA said:

Pesticides were manufactured at the now defunct Kil-Tone Company facility, and groundwater and soil at the site, including soil in the yards of nearby homes, is contaminated with arsenic and lead.
“The EPA is committed to protecting residents from the high levels of arsenic and lead at this site,” said Judith A. Enck, EPA Regional Administrator. “The EPA has contacted community members and residents throughout the process to address the pollution. Now we can do the additional sampling needed to determine the best way to clean it up.

”Arsenic is known to cause cancer, as well as many other serious health problems. Lead is a toxic metal that can cause damage to a child’s ability to learn as well as a range of adverse health effects in adults.
Even at low levels, lead can cause learning disabilities and behavioral problems in children.


The Kil-Tone Company manufactured pesticides, which included arsenic and lead, from approximately 1917 to 1926 on the property at 527 East Chestnut Avenue in Vineland, N.J. In 1926, the Kil-Tone Company sold the property to Lucas Kil-Tone Co., a New Jersey company, which is believed to have continued manufacturing pesticides at the property until at least 1933. The property is currently occupied by an unrelated and active business.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection investigated the site in August 2014 and took soil and groundwater samples. The state’s discovery of high concentrations of arsenic and lead in the soil at the property and several neighboring residential properties prompted the referral of the site to the EPA for additional investigation in November 2014.

The EPA confirmed that soil at both the former Kil-Tone property and in the yards of nearby homes had unacceptable levels of arsenic and lead. In April 2015, the EPA collected surface water and sediment samples along the Tarkiln Branch to the confluence with the Maurice River. Sampling results show elevated levels of arsenic and lead related to the Former Kil-Tone Company Site.

In June 2015, the EPA sampled soil at 48 additional residential properties located near the site. An additional 31 residential homes located within the flood plain of the Tarkiln Branch were sampled in November 2015. The results show elevated levels of arsenic and lead at residential properties located within the floodplain of the Tarkiln.

The EPA has shared the sampling results with the affected residents and businesses and held a public meeting in July 2015. The EPA advised residents in April 2015 on immediate actions they should take to reduce potential exposure to the contaminated soil in their backyards.

This month EPA began work to reduce, in the short term, the potential exposure from the elevated levels of arsenic and lead at the residential properties by placing sod, stone, mulch or another barrier at the impacted areas. A final cleanup will be determined and carried out in the future.

The Superfund final designation makes sites eligible for funds to conduct long-term cleanups. The EPA received a letter from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection supporting the inclusion of this site to the Superfund list.


Related news stories:
 EPA adds Vineland Kil-Tone site to Superfund list Kil-Tone site added to Superfund list 
Vineland residents warned against Kil-tone contamination 

 

Former pesticide plant site in NJ added to Superfund list Read More »

Lame-duck energy, enviro bills signed, vetoed by Christie

Gov. Christie and Lt. Gov. Guadagno at previous bill signing 

For many lobbyists, consultants, association execs, unions and bill sponsors, too, the wait is over.


Gov. Christie this afternoon released a much-anticipated list of bills that he has signed and vetoed from the last session. [Will Gov. Christie sign or pocket-veto energy, enviro bills?]


Energy and Environment Bills Signed Into Law

S-2617/A-3944 (Cardinale/Garcia, McKeon, Auth, Eustace, Pinkin) – Requires DEP to adopt regulations to allow cultivation of commercial shellfish species in certain coastal and inner harbor waters for research, educational, or restoration purposes; requires community engagement process for revision thereof


S-2880/A-4704 (Lesniak, T. Kean/Diegnan, Wisniewski) – Provides up to $25 million in tax credits under Economic Redevelopment and Growth Grant Program for certain infrastructure at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey

S-3321/A-4927 (Smith, Van Drew, Bateman/Spencer, Rumana) – Authorizes DEP to require public access to waterfront and adjacent shoreline as condition of waterfront development approvals and CAFRA permits


A-1726wGR/S-308 (Eustace, Lagana, Mosquera, Vainieri Huttle, Wimberly/Gordon) – Amends “Flood Hazard Area Control Act” to require DEP to take certain actions concerning delineations of flood hazard areas and floodplains 

A-1812/S-2717 (Mosquera, Mazzeo, Andrzejczak/Cruz-Perez, Oroho, Jones) – Extends protections of the new vehicle “lemon law” to new farm tractors purchased or leased in New Jersey 
A-1958/S-1848 (Allen, Van Drew) – Concerns exemptions from permits for certain agricultural activities under “Freshwater Wetlands Protection Act” 

A-2839/S-2620 (Burzichelli, Space, Phoebus/Oroho, Turner) – “New Jersey Rural Microenterprise Act”



A-3257wGR/S-2125 (Andrzejczak, Mazzeo, Burzichelli/Van Drew) – Provides that determination by county agriculture development board or State Agriculture Development Committee as to what qualifies as farm-based recreational activity in pinelands protection area is binding on Pinelands Commission


 A-3850/S-2467 (DeAngelo, Eustace, Mazzeo, Pintor Marin, Benson/Turner, Singer) – Requires BPU to establish procedures allowing electric power and gas supplier customers to switch energy suppliers


Energy and Environment Bills  pocket vetoed 


S-564/A-4186 (Smith, Bateman/Eustace, McKeon, Spencer, Benson) – Establishes “Solar Roof Installation Warranty Program” in EDA and transfers $2 million from societal benefits charge to initially fund program

S-1414/A-2405 (Smith, Bateman/Eustace, Benson, Johnson) – Concerns low emission and zero emission vehicles; establishes Clean Vehicle Task Force

SCS for S-1420/ACS for A-1603 (Beach, Whelan, Smith, Sweeney, Bateman, Thompson/Spencer, Eustace, Quijano, Wimberly) – Requires paint producers to implement or participate in paint stewardship program

S-2491/A-4069 (Smith/Danielsen, Pinkin, Benson) – Establishes position of State Oceanographer

S-2711/A-4128 (Smith, Whelan/Mazzeo, DeAngelo, Spencer, Singleton, McKeon, Danielsen, Johnson) –Permits BPU to approve qualified wind energy project; requires BPU to provide application periods for those projects

S-2769/AS for ACS for A-4197, 4206 (Smith, Bateman/Andrzejczak, McKeon, Spencer, Pintor Marin, Dancer, Vainieri Huttle) – Implements 2014 constitutional dedication of CBT revenues for certain environmental purposes; revises State’s open space, farmland, and historic preservation programs

S-3416/A-4808 (Lesniak, Sarlo/Eustace, Gusciora) – Prohibits possession, transport, import, export, processing, sale, or shipment of parts and products of certain animal species threatened with extinction

A-2586/S-1796 (DeAngelo, Quijano, Benson/Greenstein) – Establishes “Energy Infrastructure Study Commission”

A-4384/S-3145 (DeAngelo, Pintor Marin, Danielsen, Schaer, Johnson/Whelan) – Requires BPU to render decision on case within 12 months of final public hearing or hold another public hearing prior to deciding case

A-4763/SS for SCS for S-2973 (McKeon, Spencer, Pinkin/Smith, Bateman, Greenstein, Codey) – Revises “Electronic Waste Management Act”

A-4773/S-3146 (Eustace, Garcia, Gusciora/Lesniak) – Prohibits possession and transport of parts and products of certain animals at PANYNJ airports and port facilities







Recent blog posts: 


Lame-duck energy, enviro bills signed, vetoed by Christie Read More »

NJ energy and environment bills up for votes today


Posted for votes this afternoon in the New Jersey Assembly are the following bills:

A-1305  Dancer, R.S. (R-12); Wilson, G.L. (D-5); Riley, C.M. (D-3)
Establishes certain requirements for a State entity planting vegetation in certain circumstances; provides for NJ businesses providing such vegetation.

A-2405  Cryan, J. (D-20); Eustace, T.J. (D-38); Benson, D.R. (D-14)
Concerns low emission and gas emission vehicles; establishes Clean Vehicle Task Force. Related Bill: S-1414
     
 A-2514  McKeon, J.F. (D-27)
Allows installation of solar arrays by municipalities on preserved open space in certain circumstances.  Related Bill: S-1138
     
 **Click on any highlighted bill number to read the full content of the legislation** 

A-2579  Mukherji, R. (D-33); Pintor Marin, E. (D-29); Eustace, T.J. (D-38)
Authorizes municipalities to facilitate private financing of water conservation, storm shelter construction, and flood and hurricane resistance projects through use of voluntary special assessments.   Related Bill: S-1510
     
 A-2903  Andrzejczak, B. (D-1); DiMaio, J. (R-23)
Establishes licensing program in Department of Agriculture for farmed deer and other cervids. Related Bill: S-1842
      
 A-2961  Andrzejczak, B. (D-1); Gusciora, R. (D-15); Spencer, L.G. (D-29)
Establishes penalty for failure to include bittering agent in antifreeze.
Related Bill: S-1341
      
 A-3125  Caride, M. (D-36); Eustace, T.J. (D-38); Kean, S.T. (R-30); Dancer, R.S. (R-12)
Prohibits sale or planting of certain invasive plant species.
     
 A-3397  Giblin, T.P. (D-34)
Abolishes Landscape Irrigation Contractors Examining Board in the Department of Environmental Protection and transfers regulation of landscape irrigation contractors to Department of Community Affairs.  Related Bill: S-2234
    
 S-1138  Codey, R.J. (D-27)
Allows installation of solar arrays by municipalities on preserved open space in certain circumstances.  Related Bill: A-2514
    
 S-1341  Van Drew, J. (D-1); Madden, F.H. (D-4)
Establishes penalty for failure to include bittering agent in antifreeze.
Related Bill: A-2961
   
 S-1414  Smith, B. (D-17); Bateman, C. (R-16)
Concerns low emission and zero emission vehicles; establishes Clean Vehicle Task Force.
Related Bill: A-2405
     
 S-2234  Thompson, S.D. (R-12); Van Drew, J. (D-1)
Abolishes Landscape Irrigation Contractors Examining Board in the Department of Environmental Protection and transfers regulation of landscape irrigation contractors to Department of Community Affairs.  Related Bill: A-3397
  

important graphic

  
   Was this post of value to you? Click here for free updates 
 

NJ energy and environment bills up for votes today Read More »

NY awards $1.4M in grants to nonprofit land trusts


New York State conservation officials announced Thursday they have awarded
$1.4 million in grants to 50 nonprofit land trusts around the state.
The Associated Press reports that the Environmental Protection Fund grants are expected to generate $1.1 million in matching private and local funds to protect farmland, conserve open space and improve public access and recreation. Projects include urban trails and community gardens in New York City, Kingston and Buffalo.
**Like what you’re reading? Click here for free updates**   

Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Joe Martens said the DEC’s partnerships with land trusts "are crucial to achieving our conservation goals."

The state’s Conservation Partnership Program, which began in 2002, has awarded more than 570 grants for $9.5 million to 85 land trust organizations, leveraging about $11 million more from local communities and private donors.

NY awards $1.4M in grants to nonprofit land trusts Read More »

Pennsylvania neighbors bicker over forced gas drilling

fracking - pressconnects photo

An energy company is dusting off an old, unused state law that can force property owners to accept oil and gas drilling under their land, pitting neighbor against neighbor in a Pennsylvania community and raising the possibility that lawmakers will have to take sides, the Associated Press reports.

Houston-based Hilcorp seeks to use a 1961 Pennsylvania law to drill under the property of four holdout landowners in New Bedford, near the Ohio border an hour north of Pittsburgh.

The concept, known as "forced pooling," means that people who don’t sign leases get bundled in with those who do, to make drilling more efficient and compensate all the landowners.

The stakes are high. Property owners can reap royalties totaling hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars from drilling in the Utica Shale formation, which lies below the better-known Marcellus Shale.

Full story at: New Jersey Herald – Neighbors bicker in Pa. over forced gas drilling 

**Like what you’re reading? Click here to get free blog updates**    

Recent posts:
Plan calls for $10B artificial islands to protect NJ coast 
New Jersey legislation seeks to plug holes in solar roofs 
Port Authority Chairman David Samson resigns  
Shell closer to decision on ethane cracker plant in Pa 
In New Jersey, playing that ole RGGI song once more    

Pennsylvania neighbors bicker over forced gas drilling Read More »

Verified by MonsterInsights