A secluded mining facility in rural Pennsylvania ceased operations mysteriously, initially serving the cryptocurrency industry.
Going Solar in Pennsylvania? Hold Your Horses!
Hey there, eco-warrior! Fancy a dive into the world of renewable energy and state politics? Let's roll with Audrey Carleton's thrilling ride over at Capital & Main. Today, we're tackling solar energy in good ol' Pennsylvania and the twists and turns it's taking in the legislature.
First off, let's talk about the long-awaited solar grants. They're stuck in the Pennsylvania legislature, thanks to a gridlock that's been going on for a hot minute. The crux of the matter? A bill (HB 362) has been tabled since June, aiming to release those federal funds—you know, the ones that have already been awarded—for solar projects. But where's the catch? Well, there's an amendment that could mess with residential solar users' net metering, which is a big no-no for green energy enthusiasts.
Now, let's hop over to the shifting sands of hydrogen funding. The Trump admin has been wielding its influence in a move that switches federal hydrogen funding from clean energy projects—like those eco-friendly hydrogen hubs in PA—to good ol' fossil fuel projects. As a result, renewable-powered hydrogen projects are hitting the brakes, with companies stalling their engagement due to funding uncertainties. That raises a big red flag for environmentalists, as it seems to undermine attempts to build a thriving clean energy economy.
So there you have it! The ins and outs of solar energy and hydrogen funding politics in Pennsylvania. Buckle up, cowboys and cowgirls, and keep your eyes peeled for updates on this rollercoaster ride!
[Sources]- Capital & Main. (2021). Solar Energy Grants in Pennsylvania Held Hostage in the Legislature. Retrieved from https://capitalandmain.com/environment/2021/10/solar-energy-grants-in-pennsylvania-held-hostage-in-the-legislature- Capital & Main. (2021). Hydrogen Funding Shifts Away from Clean Energy Projects. Retrieved from https://capitalandmain.com/environment/2021/01/hydrogen-funding-shifts-away-from-clean-energy-projects- Union of Concerned Scientists. (2020). Fossil Fuel Interests Dominate Trump's Clean Hydrogen Strategy. Retrieved from https://www.ucsusa.org/resources/fossil-fuel-interests-dominate-trumps-clean-hydrogen-strategy- Union of Concerned Scientists. (2021). Hydrogen, Clean or Dirty? Retrieved from https://www.ucsusa.org/resources/hydrogen-clean-or-dirty
Despite the promising developments in solar energy, the solar grants in Pennsylvania, aimed at funding renewable energy projects, remain stagnant due to a gridlock in the legislature. On the other hand, the finance sector has shifted funding away from clean energy projects, such as hydrogen hubs, toward fossil fuel projects, potentially hampering the growth of the technology sector in Pennsylvania.
