Massachusetts Energy Reform

Establishing a clean, secure and affordable energy system is a top priority for Massachusetts. Governor Patrick listed this at the top of his agenda when his term began in 2007. Environmental and consumer advocates, lawmakers and other stakeholders are working to identify and advance policies that will help the state reach its GHG emissions targets while strengthening the economy.

Background

Energy advocacy in Massachusetts is of critical importance, not only to the Commonwealth but to the region as a whole. ENE is engaged in intensive efforts to develop a policy for the state that includes increased investments in energy efficiency and clean generation and improved stakeholder input in the planning and procurement system. ENE helped pull together and coordinate a coalition of environmental advocates and utility and business representatives to develop a common energy platform. The priorities of this platform were included in HB 4373/SB 2468, which has passed the House and Senate. ENE also fought hard to defeat measures that would jeopardize the environmental and economic benefits of the bill, such as the proposal to make coal gasification eligible for subsidies as an “alternative energy” source. ENE is involved in complementary advocacy efforts, including participating in a DPU proceeding that would decouple utility revenues from sales and advancing the Global Warming Solutions Act and new biofuels legislation. These efforts reflect many of the recommendations identified as top priorities for energy sector reform in our Roadmap, and they will deliver strong environmental and economic benefits for Massachusetts.