Volume 32 | February 12, 2021
Governors Deliver State of the States
The CONEG Governors have delivered their 2021 State of the State addresses.

Highlights of the speeches are provided below including a word cloud illustrating the commonalities among the states.
Governor Raimondo Nominated for U.S. Commerce
Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo appeared before the Senate Commerce Committee on January 26 as President Biden’s nominee for U.S. Secretary of Commerce. Below are some highlights from the confirmation hearing.

Raimondo stressed at the outset that during this time of overlapping crisis, the Commerce Department must be a partner to businesses and their workers to help them innovate and grow. 
Martin Walsh for Labor Secretary

Boston’s Mayor Marty Walsh was nominated to become Secretary of Labor and appeared before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions on February 4, 2021.

Dr. Miguel Cardona as Secretary of Education

Connecticut Education Commissioner Dr. Miguel Cardona was nominated to become the next U.S. Secretary of Education. Dr. Cardona appeared before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions on February 3, 2021. 
News from the States
Connecticut
 
Governor Lamont will file legislation to expand the role of the state’s Green Bank to include loans for climate resilience and adaptation (CT Mirror)
Maine
Mills administration lays out plan for PPP tax conformity in effort to provide relief to Maine businesses (News Center Maine)
 
Mills calls for investigation of CMP solar problems (Press Herald)

Massachusetts
Baker takes more conciliatory tone on climate change bill (Commonwealth Magazine)

Gov. Baker sees potential in regional approach to wind energy (The Herald News)
 
New Hampshire
Governor Sununu calls for tax cuts and student debt assistance in budget address (NHPR)
 
NH State Government Energy Management Efforts Avoid Over $45 Million in Energy Costs
New York
Governor Cuomo, Chair Of NGA, Responds To Biden Administration's Decision To Provide States With More Vaccine & Better Communicate Future Allotments
 
Initial report from NY PSC reveals New York grid can integrate 9GW of offshore wind (ReNEWS)

Rhode Island
As Commerce Secretary, Raimondo to play key role in offshore wind (Providence Journal)
 
RI Legislator calls for a statewide infrastructure plan for electric vehicle charging stations

Vermont
Agency of Transportation Receives Federal Relief Funds for Public Transportation

Governor Scott delivers annual budget address
Regional and Federal Updates

U.S. greenhouse gas emissions decreased from 2018 to 2019 by 1.7% according to EPA's draft annual greenhouse gas inventory
 
Battery power is becoming part of New England’s electric grid (Concord Monitor)
 
President Biden’s first 100 days - Vaccine developments, immigration overhaul, budget priorities (Government Executive)
 
Did you know?
Nearly 5.4 million hybrid electric vehicles and over 1.4 million plug-in electric vehicles have sold since they came on the market in 1999 and 2010, respectively.

Source: USA Facts