As energy bills climb, Northeast states are rethinking climate goals. (NYT)
In NY, Gov. Kathy Hochul has called the state’s ambitious emissions target (40% cut by 2030) “unattainable” and wants a new 2040 goal. The RI governor wants to push the state’s 100% renewable electricity deadline from 2033 to 2050. MA has delayed a clean heat standard and is considering cuts to a program that funds heat pumps and efficiency upgrades through utility bill charges.
Why the switch-up? The region bet heavily on offshore wind, but pandemic-era supply chain disruptions, rising interest rates, and White House hostility stalled the buildout. Meanwhile, recent nuclear plant closures erased a big chunk of carbon-free power, and limited gas pipeline capacity contributes to high rates (which are roughly double those in the Midwest or South.)
The pivot: All six New England governors recently voiced support for expanding nuclear power, and several have expressed openness to new gas pipelines.