Key developments
Judge keeps Hawaii climate lawsuit alive
U.S. District Judge Helen Gillmor dismissed the Trump administration's bid to block Hawaii from suing major fossil fuel companies over alleged climate harms. The court said the federal government's claimed injury was too speculative because it depended on multiple uncertain future events, and the dismissal was with prejudice. Hawaii's case against BP, Exxon Mobil, Shell and others can proceed for now, though the administration may appeal.
Why it matters
The ruling preserves a major state climate-liability case and limits the federal government's ability to shut it down in district court.
Sources & driving stories
INSIDE CLIMATE NEWS · Marianne Lavelle
Inside Climate News coverageMedway battery becomes New England's largest
A 250-megawatt battery in Medway, Massachusetts, reached full operation on Feb. 25 and has overtaken Maine's 175-megawatt Cross Town battery as the biggest in New England. The project was developed by VC Renewables, a Vitol subsidiary, while Jupiter Power is building a 700-megawatt battery in Everett expected to come online in 2028 or 2029. The article says Massachusetts' Clean Peak Standard, faster permitting and a 5-gigawatt storage target for 2035 are driving the buildout.
Why it matters
It marks another scale-up in grid battery deployment, a key piece of the region's clean-power transition.
Sources & driving stories
FRANKLIN OBSERVER · Julian Spector
Franklin Observer coverageWorth noting
WORTH NOTING
Svalbard bears are getting fatter
New research suggests some polar bears are exploiting coastal prey and alternative foods, but scientists say this looks more like a fallback than a climate-proof adaptation.
Still unclear
OPEN QUESTION
Will Hawaii's case survive appeal?
The Trump administration can challenge the dismissal, and the appellate outcome will shape whether Hawaii's climate-liability suit moves forward without federal interference.
OPEN QUESTION
Can Massachusetts reach 5 GW of storage?
The Medway milestone shows momentum, but the state's 2035 goal still depends on project economics, permitting speed and regional power prices.