Join us at RE+ Northeast & Renewables Policy Updates

We're excited to be attending RE+ Northeast in Boston next Tuesday and co-hosting an invite-only cocktail reception with Colliers Engineering & Design on Wednesday February 12th. Reply to this email or book a slot if you’re attending — we’d love to say hello and extend an invite to the reception!

At last year's conference, we met the Colliers team, who became pioneers in using AI for energy infrastructure development. We’re returning this year to announce new features that can cut site diligence and permitting research time significantly.

See below for some recent industry updates.

Team Spark

📰 Market & Policy Updates

Illinois

Chicago and Illinois Remain Committed to Achieving Climate Goals Despite Threats to Federal Funding
February 1, 2025: Despite facing uncertainty around the future of federal climate funding due to potential policy changes under former President Trump's orders, Chicago officials remain committed to reaching its carbon reduction goals through local efforts and funding clean energy projects.

Maryland

Public Meeting on 4.0 MW Solar Plant in Montgomery County
February 4, 2025: A public hearing will be held on February 4, 2025, regarding a proposed 4.0 MW community solar project by Chaberton Solar Sugarloaf I, LLC, in Montgomery County. This project d will occupy approximately 16 acres of a 53-acre parcel in Dickerson.
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Public Comment Hearing for 5.0 MW Solar Plant in Prince George's County
February 3, 2025: A public comment hearing was held on February 3, 2025, regarding a proposed 5.0 MW solar plant by Croom Road Solar, LLC in Prince George's County. This hearing follows an application for a CPCN submitted to the Maryland Public Service Commission. The project will occupy a portion of a 40-acre site that was previously an unpermitted sand and gravel mine. Public comments are open until February 7.

New York

Environmental groups launch coalition to pressure Hochul on cap-and-invest
January 30, 2025: A coalition of environmental groups is urging Gov. Kathy Hochul to move forward with New York's cap-and-invest program, which would limit greenhouse gas emissions by major companies and fund climate resiliency projects through the sale of emission allowances. Although Hochul did not provide detailed plans for the program during her recent address, activists are pressing for immediate action.

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania governor rolls out plan to fast-track and subsidize power plants, hydrogen projects
January 30, 2025: Governor Josh Shapiro announced plans to fast-track the construction of large-scale energy projects, including solar, to address the state's energy challenges . His proposal includes offering tax breaks for projects that generate clean power and streamlining permitting processes through the creation of a new energy board. Details on the program have not yet been finalized.

Virginia

Fate of solar bill remains unclear after Senate debate, vote reversal
February 3, 2025: The fate of Virginia's SB 1190 remains uncertain after a heated Senate debate and a late reversal of an earlier vote to kill it. The bill would offer technical assistance to localities for large solar projects while ensuring local governments maintain decision-making authority. The bill will be reconsidered Tuesday, the last day before crossover in the General Assembly.

Ohio

Ohio Chamber of Commerce emerges as unexpected ally for solar projects
February 4, 2025: The Ohio Chamber of Commerce has increasingly supported solar projects in the state, siding with solar developers in legal appeals and advocating for policies that foster development. While some Republican lawmakers continue to favor fossil fuels, the Chamber's support could help drive future clean-energy investments in Ohio and challenge local restrictions.

Georgia

Georgia Power Files 2025 IRP Plan to Meet Energy Needs
On January 31, Georgia Power filed plans for its 2025 Integrated Resource Plan, including a new solar plus storage program for residential and small commercial customers.