In a U.S. Senate policy briefing held on July 28, 2012, 2 democratic and 2 republican senators announced plans to re-launch the bipartisan Senate Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Caucus. The caucus will promote the continued development and commercialization of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies in the United States.
The event follows US Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu's statement of support towards hydrogen and fuel cell technology; which was made public in June, 2012. Read the full story on EV World.
On July 24, 2012, Ocean Renewable Power Company held a ceremony to dedicate, and dunk, the first grid-tied tidal-power generator in North America. The gorlov turbine system was lowered into Cobscook Bay, off Eastport, Maine with the intention of having it become operational to supply grid-compatible power by September 1, 2012.
On July 23, 2012, Congressman Michaud announced that three projects in Maine will receive funding through the US Department of Transportation (USDOT) Federal Transit Administration (FTA). The projects being funded are: $180,000 to Waldo Community Action Partners for vehicle replacements, $735,160 to Aroostook Transportation System, Inc. for vehicle replacements and maintenance garage roof replacement and $388,000 to Western Maine Transportation Services, Inc. for vehicle replacements.
On July 12, 2012, the Maine Supreme Judicial Court agreed with a 19-person group that complained the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) did not thoroughly consider the health and privacy impacts of smart meters before approving Central Maine Power's plan to install 165,000 of them on homes and businesses. No immediate action by the PUC or CMP is forseen at this time.
The Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority reports that the Amtrak "Downeaster" train from Boston to Portland has broken records for both passenger numbers and revenue for the seventh straight year in fiscal year 2012, exceeding last year's figues by over 4%. The train service is due to expand its service to reach Freeport and Brunswick later in 2012.
