States, Cities and Counties
Here's a look at documents covering state government, cities and counties
Featured Stories
Shapiro Administration Takes Steps to Add More Energy Generation and Battery Storage to the Grid, Protect Pennsylvanians From High Energy Costs
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, April 4 -- The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection issued the following news on April 3, 2026:
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Shapiro Administration Takes Steps to Add More Energy Generation and Battery Storage to the Grid, Protect Pennsylvanians from High Energy Costs
DEP seeks submissions for new energy generation or storage projects to continue to build Pennsylvania's energy independence and lower energy costs for Pennsylvanians
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The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) published a Request for Information for new energy generation and storage projects
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HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, April 4 -- The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection issued the following news on April 3, 2026:
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Shapiro Administration Takes Steps to Add More Energy Generation and Battery Storage to the Grid, Protect Pennsylvanians from High Energy Costs
DEP seeks submissions for new energy generation or storage projects to continue to build Pennsylvania's energy independence and lower energy costs for Pennsylvanians
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The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) published a Request for Information for new energy generation and storage projectsin Pennsylvania that will be eligible to quickly enter service, rapidly adding more power to the electric grid and preventing higher energy costs for Pennsylvanians.
"Today, our region faces significant energy challenges. Our goal is to ensure an affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy supply for all Commonwealth residents," said DEP Secretary Jessica Shirley. "As a national and regional leader in the energy sector, Pennsylvania is the first state to undertake this proactive information gathering that will inform our work to lower energy costs for consumers and reduce reliability risks to our power grid."
In compliance with the Statement of Principles that Governor Josh Shapiro co-signed with twelve PJM governors and the Secretaries of Energy and the Interior in January, PJM, which operates the electric grid for Pennsylvania and 12 neighboring states, aims to open an Expedited Interconnection Track (EIT) process by August 2026. This EIT aims to enable up to ten eligible large projects per year, sponsored by the state in which they are located, to secure Generator Interconnection Agreements within ten months of application - significantly faster than PJM's typical process for connecting projects to the grid. In a Request for Information (RFI) published in the PA Bulletin on Saturday, March 28, 2016, DEP announced a new search for projects that could qualify for PJM's fast-track process in Pennsylvania.
Over the next decade, new and significant sources of electricity load, driven by advances in sophisticated data centers, electrification, and advanced manufacturing, are expected to create significant additional demand for electricity in the PJM region and across the United States. Without additional energy supply, consumers in Pennsylvania will face higher energy costs and increased reliability risks to our power grid.
The Commonwealth stands ready to sponsor eligible Pennsylvania-based projects in the EIT to continue Pennsylvania's legacy of energy leadership. Examples of energy generation and storage projects that may be eligible include a wide spectrum of all-of-the-above opportunities for new generation, including, but not limited to, solar power plants; wind generation plants; advanced thermal generating units; hybrid facilities; and battery energy storage systems.
DEP is also seeking information from large-scale energy generation or storage projects that have determined they do not meet PJM's proposed requirements to better understand why and what opportunities might be available for future projects, as well as feedback on the potential use of loans or loan guarantees to support energy project deployment and infrastructure investments in Pennsylvania through the United States Department of Energy's Energy Dominance Financing Program.
The full RFI is available to view in the PA Bulletin (https://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pabull?file=/secure/pabulletin/data/vol56/56-13/450.html). DEP encourages potential developers to submit a written response to ra-epenergy@pa.gov by Friday, June 5, 2026. Submissions will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Developers may also ask pre-submittal questions at the same email address. Please include "DEP RFI Energy Projects" in the email subject line.
Governor Shapiro has led the fight to stop rising electricity costs from being passed on to consumers and get more power onto the grid faster for years. Throughout 2024, the Governor repeatedly urged PJM to modernize its rules, cut red tape, speed up its stalled interconnection queue, reform its capacity market, and improve reliability during extreme weather. When PJM continued to delay new generation while driving up prices, Governor Shapiro sued PJM, warning that its flawed auction design would saddle consumers with billions in unnecessary costs. That lawsuit led to a landmark settlement in January 2025 - later approved by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission - that significantly lowered PJM's capacity price cap.
Earlier this year, PJM Interconnection announced that it will extend its existing price cap for another two years - until 2030 - a major win for consumers following the Governor's legal action and efforts to stop billions in unnecessary electricity rate hikes.
Governor Shapiro also remains committed to building new, clean, reliable, and affordable energy projects in the Commonwealth. Through his Lightning Plan and PA Permit Fast Track Program, the Governor is cutting permitting delays, getting new energy projects online quickly, and positioning Pennsylvania -- the nation's second largest energy producer and exporter -- to build more power faster while keeping costs down.
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Original text here: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dep/newsroom/2026-04-03-shapiro-administration-takes-steps-to-add-more-energy-generation-storage-projects
N.J. A.G. Davenport Co-Leads Amicus Brief Against Trump Administration's Targeting of Law Firms
TRENTON, New Jersey, April 4 -- New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport issued the following news release on April 3, 2026:
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Attorney General Davenport Co-Leads Amicus Brief Against Trump Administration's Targeting of Law Firms
Multistate Coalition Asks Court of Appeals to Defend Rule of Law
View Amicus Brief (https://www.njoag.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2026-0403_As-Filed-Multistate-Brief-Law-Firm-EO-Appeals.pdf)
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Attorney General Jennifer Davenport co-led a coalition of 21 attorneys general in an amicus brief filed today in the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals supporting four
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TRENTON, New Jersey, April 4 -- New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport issued the following news release on April 3, 2026:
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Attorney General Davenport Co-Leads Amicus Brief Against Trump Administration's Targeting of Law Firms
Multistate Coalition Asks Court of Appeals to Defend Rule of Law
View Amicus Brief (https://www.njoag.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2026-0403_As-Filed-Multistate-Brief-Law-Firm-EO-Appeals.pdf)
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Attorney General Jennifer Davenport co-led a coalition of 21 attorneys general in an amicus brief filed today in the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals supporting fourlaw firms that were targeted by President Trump in a series of unprecedented, unconstitutional executive orders in 2025.
The law firms -- Jenner & Block LLP, Perkins Coie LLP, Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale LLP, and Susman Godfrey LLP -- are challenging these unconstitutional executive orders, which imposed severe sanctions on the firms in direct retaliation for their work on causes disfavored by the Trump Administration.
"It is darkly ironic, frankly, that during America's 250th anniversary, President Trump is continuing his crusade to rip apart the very foundations of the rule of law embedded in the Constitution," said Attorney General Davenport. "The legal profession depends on attorneys being able to represent clients independent of political pressure. If this isn't true, and law firms can't practice without fear of being punished by the President, what remains of the rule of law? We must fight back."
In March and April 2025, President Trump issued executive orders retaliating against law firms whose advocacy, clients, and personnel he dislikes, for purely political reasons. These orders required federal officials to suspend any active security clearances held by individuals at the law firms, to refuse to engage with or hire employees of these firms, and to deny the law firms' personnel entry to federal buildings. The orders also directed federal contractors to disclose any business they do with the law firms so that agencies can terminate any contract with the firms.
Four different district judges have recognized that these executive orders are unconstitutional in several respects, including because they are retaliatory and viewpoint discriminatory in violation of the First Amendment. In particular, the orders seek to punish the law firms for purportedly supporting the President's political opponents, for defending the integrity of the 2020 election, for their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and for their expression of other disfavored viewpoints.
As the amici states write, the willingness of lawyers to represent such causes without fear of reprisal is vital for the rule of law, our system of justice, and our democracy. The executive orders threaten this foundational principle, and the Court of Appeals must affirm the district court orders, the brief states.
If the orders are allowed to stand, states and their residents will suffer harm by making it more difficult for many potential clients--especially those who currently rely on pro bono representation--to obtain legal services and vindicate their rights in court. The brief notes several instances where this is already happening.
The amicus brief argues that the administration's unconstitutional actions are a gross abuse of authority and that they threaten the rule of law. A fair and functioning judicial system depends on lawyers being willing to work on controversial cases or represent unpopular clients without fearing retribution by the federal government.
The coalition was led by Attorney General Davenport, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul, Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell, and Washington Attorney General Nick Brown. Joining them are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and the District of Columbia.
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Original text here: https://www.njoag.gov/attorney-general-davenport-co-leads-amicus-brief-against-trump-administrations-targeting-of-law-firms/
N.H. Gov. Ayotte Joins Groundbreaking Celebration for New Housing in Raymond
CONCORD, New Hampshire, April 4 -- Gov. Kelly Ayotte, R-New Hampshire, issued the following news release on April 3, 2026:
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Governor Ayotte Joins Groundbreaking Celebration for New Housing in Raymond
Governor Kelly Ayotte today joined local leaders, developers, and community partners for the groundbreaking of Woodside Village, a new 60-unit apartment development that will expand housing opportunities in Raymond and support continued growth across the region.
Over the past year, Governor Ayotte signed the most ambitious set of housing reforms in state history to increase housing supply,
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CONCORD, New Hampshire, April 4 -- Gov. Kelly Ayotte, R-New Hampshire, issued the following news release on April 3, 2026:
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Governor Ayotte Joins Groundbreaking Celebration for New Housing in Raymond
Governor Kelly Ayotte today joined local leaders, developers, and community partners for the groundbreaking of Woodside Village, a new 60-unit apartment development that will expand housing opportunities in Raymond and support continued growth across the region.
Over the past year, Governor Ayotte signed the most ambitious set of housing reforms in state history to increase housing supply,speed up construction, and reduce barriers to development.
These efforts included:
* Cutting outdated regulations
* Streamlining the State permitting process to ensure state government does not unnecessarily delay construction
* Expanding opportunities for accessory dwelling units
* Enabling the conversion of underutilized commercial properties into housing
* Directing state agencies to review land owned by the State that is no longer needed and determine whether it can be responsibly used for housing
Data recently released (https://www.nheconomy.com/news-press/new-hampshire-housing-production-reaches-20-year-h) by the Department of Business and Economic Affairs showed housing construction reached its highest level in 20 years.
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Original text here: https://www.governor.nh.gov/news/governor-ayotte-joins-groundbreaking-celebration-new-housing-raymond
Mo. Department of Natural Resources Awards $2.4 Million to Fisk
JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri, April 4 -- The Missouri Department of Natural Resources issued the following news release on April 3, 2026:
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Department of Natural Resources awards $2.4 million to Fisk
City will make drinking water system improvements
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The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has awarded $2.4 million in financial assistance to the city of Fisk for upgrades to the city's drinking water distribution, storage and supply systems. The city expects the project to be completed by Spring 2026.
The project includes replacement of all 175 of the city's meters and equipping them
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JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri, April 4 -- The Missouri Department of Natural Resources issued the following news release on April 3, 2026:
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Department of Natural Resources awards $2.4 million to Fisk
City will make drinking water system improvements
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The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has awarded $2.4 million in financial assistance to the city of Fisk for upgrades to the city's drinking water distribution, storage and supply systems. The city expects the project to be completed by Spring 2026.
The project includes replacement of all 175 of the city's meters and equipping themwith a cellular automatic meter read system, upgrades to existing treatment facilities and replacing the two existing wells with two new shallow sand wells. With these improvements, the city will be able to offer its citizens safe drinking water for years to come with a modern and well-functioning treatment system.
Project funding consists of a $1.8 million grant and a $603,000 loan, both from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. The department estimates its funding will save the city's ratepayers more than $1.8 million in principal and approximately $225,000 in interest over the loan's 20-year term.
"Financial assistance packages like this really help our communities provide safe drinking water to Missourians," said Kurt Schaefer, director of the Department of Natural Resources.
The department's Drinking Water State Revolving Fund finances improvements to water treatment plants, distribution systems and water storage and supply facilities. The fund also finances system interconnection and consolidation projects. Communities that borrow from the fund benefit from the below-market interest rate and from assistance a project manager provides throughout the project.
The department is committed to assisting Missouri communities with water and wastewater infrastructure improvement projects. Through its Financial Assistance Center, the department provides funding opportunities for qualified communities with water quality, wastewater and drinking water infrastructure needs. This project will be funded wholly or in part with monies received from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
For more information on wastewater and drinking water funding opportunities, visit dnr.mo.gov/water/what-were-doing/state-revolving-fund-srf.
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Original text here: https://dnr.mo.gov/communications/news/department-natural-resources-awards-24-million-fisk
Maine State Sen. Tepler Bill Establishing a Pilot Program for Utility Demand Management Gains Initial Support in the Maine Legislature
AUGUSTA, Maine, April 4 -- The Maine Senate Democrats issued the following news on behalf of Maine State Sen. Denise Tepler, D-Topsham:
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Sen. Tepler bill establishing a pilot program for utility demand management gains initial support in the Maine Legislature
This week, the Maine Senate and House voted to advance a bill introduced by Sen. Denise Tepler, D-Topsham. The bill, LD 2140, "Resolve, to Establish a Demand Response Program to Lower Electric Bills and Improve Grid Reliability," would establish a demand response program designed to help low-income Mainers reduce their utility bills.
"Too
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AUGUSTA, Maine, April 4 -- The Maine Senate Democrats issued the following news on behalf of Maine State Sen. Denise Tepler, D-Topsham:
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Sen. Tepler bill establishing a pilot program for utility demand management gains initial support in the Maine Legislature
This week, the Maine Senate and House voted to advance a bill introduced by Sen. Denise Tepler, D-Topsham. The bill, LD 2140, "Resolve, to Establish a Demand Response Program to Lower Electric Bills and Improve Grid Reliability," would establish a demand response program designed to help low-income Mainers reduce their utility bills.
"Toomany Mainers are burdened with high energy costs right now," said Sen. Tepler. "This bill would establish a program that will help Mainers save money on their utility bills when electricity demand and rates are at some of their highest points throughout the year. I am thankful to Efficiency Maine's director, Michael Stoddard, for working with me on finding the best solution to assist Mainers who are struggling to afford everyday costs, and to my colleagues in the Senate for joining me in supporting this legislation."
LD 2140 outlines a plan for Efficiency Maine to establish a program for utility customers that would assist them in reducing certain energy usage during peak demand hours. This in turn would reduce monthly utility bill costs. This is anticipated to be particularly effective during summer days when there is high strain on the grid. The program would be opt-in only.
The bill requires Efficiency Maine to prioritize outreach and education for low-income electricity customers. Additionally, the trust must assess the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of the program and submit a report with their findings to the Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee by February 28, 2028. The committee will then decide whether to establish the program permanently.
LD 2140 faces further votes in the Maine House of Representatives and Senate.
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Original text here: https://www.mainesenate.org/sen-tepler-bill-establishing-a-pilot-program-for-utility-demand-management-gains-initial-support-in-the-maine-legislature/
House Backs Maine State Rep. Stover Bill to Increase Support for Survivors of Sex Trafficking
AUGUSTA, Maine, April 4 -- The Maine House Democrats issued the following news release on April 3, 2026:
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House backs Stover bill to increase support for survivors of sex trafficking
The Maine House voted Thursday to advance a bill from Rep. Holly B. Stover, D-Boothbay, to increase support for survivors of human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation. The measure earned initial approval "under the hammer," or by unanimous consent.
LD 2168 would require individuals convicted of certain sex crimes to pay additional fees to the state's existing Victims' Compensation Fund. These funds
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AUGUSTA, Maine, April 4 -- The Maine House Democrats issued the following news release on April 3, 2026:
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House backs Stover bill to increase support for survivors of sex trafficking
The Maine House voted Thursday to advance a bill from Rep. Holly B. Stover, D-Boothbay, to increase support for survivors of human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation. The measure earned initial approval "under the hammer," or by unanimous consent.
LD 2168 would require individuals convicted of certain sex crimes to pay additional fees to the state's existing Victims' Compensation Fund. These fundshelp survivors of crimes pay for counseling, lost wages and other related expenses. The bill also extends the circumstances under which victims of certain sex crimes are eligible to receive support from the Victims' Compensation Fund.
"Over three decades of working alongside survivors, advocates and frontline service providers, I have seen what it takes to begin to heal. I have also seen what it looks like when we, as a state, don't do enough," said Stover. "LD 2168 sends a clear message: Maine sees survivors, Maine believes them, and Maine will hold their exploiters accountable."
Human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation have gained ongoing national attention due to the high-profile crimes of Jeffrey Epstein. At a public hearing on the proposal earlier this year, Stover told members of the Legislature's Judiciary Committee that public awareness of these crimes is at an all-time high.
"This proposal ensures that accountability is meaningfully tied to survivor support," said Assistant House Majority Leader Lori K. Gramlich, D-Old Orchard Beach, a cosponsor of the bill and longtime social worker. "From my experience working with survivors, as well as my own lived experiences as a survivor, I know that access to supportive services can be the difference between stability and continued crisis."
LD 2168 faces additional votes in the House and Senate.
Stover is serving her fourth term in the Maine House and represents Boothbay, Boothbay Harbor, Edgecomb, South Bristol, Southport and Westport Island. She is a member of the Legislature's budget-writing Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee.
Gramlich is serving her fourth term in the Maine House and represents Old Orchard Beach.
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Original text here: https://www.maine.gov/housedems/news/house-backs-stover-bill-increase-support-survivors-sex-trafficking
Gov. Polis and Colorado Parks and Wildlife Announce First Investments From SB24-230 for Wildlife and Land Protection Funds
DENVER, Colorado, April 4 -- The Colorado Department of Natural Resources Division of Parks and Wildlife issued the following news release on April 3, 2026:
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Governor Polis and Colorado Parks and Wildlife announce first investments from SB24-230 for Wildlife and Land Protection Funds
Today, Governor Polis and Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) announced the first round of wildlife and habitat projects funded through Senate Bill 24-230, which created new production fees on oil and gas development to mitigate the adverse impacts of oil and gas operations on wildlife and habitats.
CPW's initial
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DENVER, Colorado, April 4 -- The Colorado Department of Natural Resources Division of Parks and Wildlife issued the following news release on April 3, 2026:
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Governor Polis and Colorado Parks and Wildlife announce first investments from SB24-230 for Wildlife and Land Protection Funds
Today, Governor Polis and Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) announced the first round of wildlife and habitat projects funded through Senate Bill 24-230, which created new production fees on oil and gas development to mitigate the adverse impacts of oil and gas operations on wildlife and habitats.
CPW's initialallocation of SB24-230 revenue will fund seven wildlife and habitat initiatives designed to address the impacts of habitat fragmentation, climate change and ecosystem degradation.
"Colorado is known for our iconic outdoor spaces, recreation, and wildlife viewing. Greenhouse gas emissions have a direct impact on our environment and all who call Colorado home. By investing in protecting habitats for Colorado's wildlife, we are decreasing our carbon footprint, protecting native species, and keeping Colorado beautiful for generations to come," said Governor Polis.
"SB24-230 provides an important new tool to invest directly in the health of Colorado's wildlife and habitat," said CPW Director Laura Clellan. "These initial projects demonstrate how funding generated from oil and gas operations can help restore habitat, improve ecosystem resilience and support wildlife across the state."
Senate Bill 24-230 established two fees on oil and gas production in Colorado. One fee is administered by the Clean Transit Enterprise, and the other by Colorado Parks and Wildlife to support wildlife and land remediation.
The legislation recognizes that oil and gas development is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions and habitat degradation, and it directs new investments toward mitigating those impacts and strengthening wildlife and ecosystem resilience.
Under the law, the CPW Director is authorized to set production fees within statutory ranges based on quarterly oil and gas spot prices published by the Colorado Energy and Carbon Management Commission.
The initial CPW production fee was established in October 2025 and generated $5,477,765 in revenue from oil and gas production between July 1 and Sept. 30, 2025.
To put the new revenue to work immediately in order to mitigate the impacts of oil and gas operations, CPW's Executive Management Team identified seven projects and programs for early investment during fiscal year 2026.
The first round of funding will support:
* Barr Lake State Park Habitat Enhancements ($1,500,000)
* Beaver Restoration Program Implementation - Initial Phase ($1,174,111)
* Operating Increase for Park Pollinator Gardens ($300,000)
* Operating Increase for Wildlife Movement Coordination ($100,000)
* Wildlife TRACKER Hosting and Maintenance ($125,000)
* Columbian Sharp-tailed Grouse Translocation ($85,000)
* Budget Increase for Water Acquisitions ($600,000)
Together, these projects provide remediation services, including habitat restoration, wildlife monitoring, species conservation and strategic land and water protection efforts across Colorado.
CPW will continue to work closely with industry partners, conservation organizations and local communities to ensure that funds generated through SB24-230 are invested in projects that deliver measurable remediation services that mitigate the impacts of oil and gas operations.
"As Coloradans, we all value the outdoors and the wildlife that makes our state so special. When responsible oil and natural gas production can help support these kinds of projects, protecting the wildlife and habitat we all care about, that's a huge win for all of Colorado," said Dan Haley, Executive Director, Coloradans for Responsible Energy Development.
"The science is clear that climate change is negatively impacting Colorado's wildlife and the ecosystems on which they rely," said Tarn Udall, senior attorney at Western Resource Advocates. "That's why the state created the oil and gas production fee in 2024, requiring the industry to partially cover the cost of its emissions and impacts through habitat protection and restoration. It's rewarding to see Colorado Parks and Wildlife put the first tranche of those dollars to good use, and the agency is just getting started."
Additional projects funded through the program will be evaluated and announced as future revenue is collected.
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Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is an enterprise agency, relying primarily on license sales, state parks fees and registration fees to support its operations, including: 43 state parks and more than 350 wildlife areas covering approximately 900,000 acres, management of fishing and hunting, wildlife watching, camping, motorized and non-motorized trails, boating and outdoor education. CPW's work contributes approximately $6 billion in total economic impact annually throughout Colorado.
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Original text here: https://cpw.state.co.us/news/04032026/governor-polis-and-colorado-parks-and-wildlife-announce-first-investments-sb24-230
