Major New York energy provider signals pivot to renewables

By Kristoffer Tigue Inside Climate News

One of New York City’s largest power suppliers is ditching its plan to refurbish a fossil fuel “peaker” plant in Brooklyn and is proposing to build 350 megawatts of carbon-free battery storage in its place. It’s a bold pivot for an industry that has been reluctant to take the state’s climate law seriously, surprising even some environmentalists who have been fighting the peaker plant plan—and other fossil fuel projects in the state—for years. Today’s Climate breaks down what could be a watershed moment for the state’s fight against climate change.

Eastern Generation, which generates nearly 18 percent of New York City’s electricity and is an affiliate company of ArcLight Capital, announced last week that it was withdrawing its proposal to convert an aging oil-and-gas-fired power plant into a brand new gas-fired one. The company also announced it would retire two of the plant’s oil-fired units as soon as November of next year, six months ahead of schedule, citing the state’s climate law for the changes in its plans. The company said that it is “well positioned to assist in the transition to a carbon free future.”

So-called “peaker” plants only operate during times of high demand, such as particularly hot or cold days. In New York, environmental justice groups have targeted such facilities, saying they play an outsized role in polluting low-income neighborhoods and communities of color and contribute to climate change.

Related energy and environment news:
EASTERN GENERATION SCRAPS PLANS FOR GOWANUS POWER PLANT

But the reneged plan isn’t an isolated victory for environmental activists, who have long hoped that New York’s climate law would prevent the spread of new fossil fuel infrastructure across the state. In fact, Eastern Generation’s announcement may mark the first time a company has withdrawn a proposal in anticipation that it would conflict with New York’s climate mandates, which include transitioning the state’s power sector to net-zero emissions by 2040 and reducing overall greenhouse gas emissions 85 percent below 1990 levels by 2050.

Read the full story

If you liked this post you’ll love our daily newsletter, EnviroPolitics. It’s packed with the latest news, commentary, and legislative updates from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, Delaware…and beyond. Don’t take our word for it, try it free for an entire month. No obligation.

Major New York energy provider signals pivot to renewables Read More »

Recycle Act clears Congress and is sent to President Biden

By Hannah Zuckerman, Scrap News

Late on Friday, Nov. 5, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the bipartisan INVEST in America Act by a 228–206 vote. Supported by 13 Republicans and all but six Democrats, the legislation goes to President Joe Biden to sign into law.

The $1 trillion infrastructure bill, which the Senate passed in August, focuses on improving the nation’s roads and bridges, freight and passenger rail, and communications systems, and investing in environmentally sustainable energy. “The INVEST Act represents a rare opportunity to greatly improve our nation’s physical infrastructure that will lead to lasting improvements as well as help ease the supply chain shortages,” comments Billy Johnson, ISRI’s chief lobbyist.

Several important components for the recycling industry lie within the infrastructure bill’s 2,700 pages: the $75 million Recycling Enhancements to Collection and Yield through Consumer Learning and Education (RECYCLE) Act, $150 million for critical mineral and battery recycling, and $100 million for the Environmental Protection Agency’s pollution-prevention program.

The bipartisan and bicameral RECYCLE Act “provides public awareness, education, and much needed clarity for residential recycling programs in the United States,” Johnson says. It authorizes a $15 million annual EPA grants program to help educate consumers about residential and community recycling. Its goal is to decrease contamination in the recycling stream and support recycling infrastructure.

ISRI was instrumental in developing the RECYCLE Act and collaborating with the measure’s sponsor, Sen. Rob Portman of Ohio. He introduced the bill in 2019 and it was introduced to the 117th Congress on March 23. “The idea is to fix the problem before it happens,” Johnson explains. “If the recycler receives good material at the start, then it’s easier to get a higher value and better commodity.”

Click to read the full story

If you liked this post you’ll love our daily newsletter, EnviroPolitics. It’s packed with the latest news, commentary, and legislative updates from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, Delaware…and beyond. Don’t take our word for it, try it free for an entire month. No obligation.

Recycle Act clears Congress and is sent to President Biden Read More »

The winter solstice arrives in New Jersey on Dec. 21. The Ursid meteor shower is likely to peak the morning of Dec. 22.

(Shutterstock)

Sarah Salvadore's profile picture
By Sarah Salvadore, Patch Staff

NEW JERSEY — The darkest day of the year is upon us, which means the winter solstice is just days away in New Jersey.

The celestial holiday celebrated through the ages as the beginning of light arrives in the Garden State on Dec. 21 at 7:18 a.m. EST. If you’re not a fan of daylight, you’re in luck — we’ll see only nine hours and 18 minutes of sunlight on the first day of winter.

Whether you’re a fan or not, there’s plenty New Jersey residents can do to embrace the winter season. For example, Morristown is having a Winter Solstice Celebration on Dec. 21 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. There’s going to be a bonfire, with s’mores, hot chocolate, apple cider, and more. Get details here .

For anyone hoping to stretch their winter solstice revelry into the evening hours — or into the next day, perhaps — here’s a bonus: The Ursid meteor shower is likely to peak the morning of Dec. 22.

The annual Ursid meteor shower, which runs from Dec. 17-26 each year, is a minor meteor shower with only five to 10 shooting stars an hour. Still, a nearly moonless sky translates into excellent viewing conditions in New Jersey, depending on the weather.

Click to read the full story

The winter solstice arrives in New Jersey on Dec. 21. The Ursid meteor shower is likely to peak the morning of Dec. 22. Read More »

Maryland Governor Larry Hogan tests positive for covid-19

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan

Gov. Larry Hogan, who is fully vaccinated and received a booster, has tested positive for the coronavirus, he announced Monday.

Hogan said he received a positive rapid test on Monday as part of his regular testing routine. He said he was “feeling fine at the moment.

“As the Omicron variant becomes dominant, I want to urge you to get vaccinated or get your booster as soon as possible,” Hogan tweeted.

Hogan’s positive test comes as hospitalizations are surging and as the state remains in the dark over its case count. More than two weeks ago the state health department was attacked. The state has not provided any information on when the cases rates and positivity rates, which indicate the spread of the virus, will be available.

Related news:
NJ Senater Cory Booker tests positive for COVID-19
3 Democratic lawmakers announce positive Covid-19 tests

Maryland Governor Larry Hogan tests positive for covid-19 Read More »

NJ Senater Cory Booker tests positive for COVID-19

Cory Booker, Democrat
U.S. Senator Cory Booker

By Christopher Doyle Press of Atlantic City

U.S. Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) announced Sunday that he had tested positive for COVID-19.

Booker said he had first began feeling sick Saturday, and that his symptoms were mild. The junior senator from New Jersey said he had received the initial two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine and had recently received a booster dose.

“I learned today that I tested positive for COVID-19 after first feeling symptoms on Saturday. Fortunately, my symptoms are relatively mild,” Booker said in a statement issued Sunday night. “I’m beyond grateful to have received two doses of vaccine and, more recently, a booster — I’m certain that without them I would be doing much worse. I encourage everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated and boosted.”

3 Democratic lawmakers announce positive Covid-19 tests

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends, due to new coronavirus variants and waning immunity, that everyone 16 years old or older who has received their second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccines at least six months ago get a booster shot. The CDC also recommends that anyone who received a dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least two months ago get a booster shot of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine.

Public health agencies and infectious-disease experts have said that the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are effective at preventing illness from COVID-19, particularly when one receives a booster shot. They are more effective still at preventing hospitalization and death.

If you liked this post you’ll love our daily newsletter, EnviroPolitics. It’s packed with the latest news, commentary, and legislative updates from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, Delaware…and beyond. Don’t take our word for it, try it free for an entire month. No obligation.

NJ Senater Cory Booker tests positive for COVID-19 Read More »