Northeast States Push for Carbon Neutrality and Energy Efficiency with New Initiatives and Federal Funding Support.

The city council of Providence, Rhode Island, is considering a requiring all municipal buildings to be carbon neutral by 2050, with earlier milestone goals along the way. Connecticut is receiving a $2 million federal grant to support energy efficiency initiatives in the manufacturing sector. Maine plans to direct $6.5 million in federal funds for rural electrical grid upgrades that benefit energy-intensive small businesses. New Jersey officials seek public comment as the state reconsiders if the Tennessee Gas Pipeline’s expansion project should be considered a regulation-exempt routine upgrade. Maine’s climate council meets to revise its climate action plan to ensure the state hits its 2045 carbon neutrality goal, while Maine’s bill seeks to reduce the contract length that water bottling companies can sign.