Volume 21 | December 20, 2019

Intergovernmental Offshore Wind Renewable Energy Task Force
The Northeast has the highest offshore wind capacity in the country. An estimated 8,000 MW of offshore wind could be developed by 2030 ranging from Maine to Maryland. The U.S. offshore wind market is estimated to have $70 billion in the pipeline by 2030.
White House and House Democrats Reach Consensus on US Mexico Canada Trade Agreement
The Congress and Administration have reached a deal on the US Mexico Canada Trade Agreement (USMCA). This bipartisan agreement is generally an update to the North American Free Trade Agreement, formerly adopted in 1994 among the three nations.

T he Democrats fought for stronger labor enforcement rules and pressured the administration to beef up rules on protecting the environment.
TCI Releases Draft MOU

The Transportation Climate Initiative has released its long awaited draft Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) this week. After a year of workshops, webinars, and conference calls with over 500 stakeholders involved; the participating 12 Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states have developed a comprehensive plan that is open for public input through February 28 th . With the adoption of TCI’s proposed cap and investment program plan the multi-region partnership could benefit significantly with three times more emission coverage than the current Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) program.
Update from the 2019 Conference of NEG/ECP

After the cancellation of the 2019 New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers Conference, set to be held in St. John, New Brunswick, senior officials put forward a final statement encapsulating the drafted resolutions and a Transportation and Air Quality Report for approval by the governors and premiers. The omnibus statement recognizes the dedicated
NEG/ECP's Ecological Connectivity Working Group Develops New Website

The NEG/ECP’s Ecological Connectivity Working Group has developed a website that showcases current connectivity projects and data throughout the region and organizations are welcome to contribute.

The participating members of the Ecological Connectivity Working Group are represented by the following jurisdictions:
You can visit the website at: https://ecologicalconnectivity.com /
We are pleased to announce that the next NEG/ECP Conference will be held in Connecticut on September 20-22, 2020.

Please check back for more information or visit NEGECP.org for all conference details.
News from the States
 Connecticut
Governor’s Council on Climate Change (GC3) Meeting on December 11, 2019

Capitol Report: Mark Davis one-on-one with Governor Lamont, transportation plan and ‘trucks only tolls’ (WTNH)

Ma ine
Mills takes aim at economic growth with 10-year plan (Mainebiz)

Local legislators: Coming together for climate action (Press Herald)

Massachusetts
Baker-Polito Administration Announces Massachusetts Income Tax Rate Dropping to 5% on January 1, 2020

Gov. Baker signs supplemental budget , officially closes FY19 (WWLP.com)

New Hampshire
Offshore Wind Task Force Meeting Draws Crowd; N.H. Gov. Pushes For Quick Development (The Public’s Radio)

Governor Chris Sununu Signs Executive Order Preparing New Hampshire for Future Offshore Wind Development
New York
Governor Cuomo announces 2020 State of the State (WETM - MyTwinTiers.com)

Governor Cuomo Announces Administration Appointments
 
Rhode Island
RIDOT Celebrates Early Completion of Oxford Street Bridge Replacement in Providence

Raimondo, Grebien Announce Largest Economic Development Project in Pawtucket's History

Vermont
Governor Scott Announces the Launch of State's Electric Vehicle Incentive Program

Statement from Gov. Phil Scott on path forward for United States-Mexico-Canada agreement (VT Digger)
Regional and Federal Updates
FERC curbs renewable, nuclear power in largest U.S. power market (Politico Pro)

US has only one offshore wind energy farm, but a $70 billion market is on the way (CNBC)

Winter holidays in the Northeast haven’t been as cold as they used to be (Press Herald)
 
The bipartisan Northeast and Mid-Atlantic jurisdictions that make up the Transportation and Climate Initiative releases draft memorandum of understanding
 
Here’s how other New England states are navigating the highway exit re-numbering mandate (Boston.com)
Season's Greetings!

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

Jay Lucey

Lana Bluege

Tom Critzer

Elaine Murchison
Did You Know

$70 billion: market projection for offshore wind industry in the US by 2030




Please note that CONEG has moved our DC office effective December 1, 2019. We're still located at 400 North Capitol St., but the new suite number is 370. We appreciate you updating your mailing records! Thank you.