2010.04.23-GovMonitor-New Report Finds MA U.S. Clean Energy Leader Press

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New Report Finds Massachusetts U.S. Clean Energy Leader

Source: Governor of Massachusetts Posted on: 23rd April 2010

Clean Energy Report: Massachusetts Tops in the East, Second in the Nation

As part of the A123 announcement and in celebration of the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, Governor Patrick also highlighted a new study released today finding that Massachusetts is the leading clean energy state on the East Coast and second in the nation.

The report, A Future of Innovation and Growth: Advancing Massachusetts’ Clean-Energy Leadership, prepared by Clean Edge Inc. for MassCEC, compares Massachusetts with other leading clean-energy states by a variety of quantitative and qualitative measures. In judging each state’s regulatory incentives, financial incentives, knowledge capital, and economic/workforce development, Massachusetts ranked second nationally, following California, and ahead of Oregon, Colorado, New Jersey and ten other top clean-energy states.

“This report shows the progress we’ve made making Massachusetts reach its potential as a national leader in clean energy,” said Governor Patrick. “Massachusetts has the right stuff to drive the next industrial revolution.”

“Under Governor Patrick, and in partnership with the Legislature, Massachusetts has leapfrogged over our East Coast competitors in clean energy, and California better watch out,” said Secretary Bowles. “The nation’s clean energy future will come with a label saying, ‘Made in Massachusetts.’”

World-class academic and innovation resources, strong government policies and leadership, active venture capital community, highly educated workforce, and deep commitment to energy efficiency are a few of the assets that give Massachusetts a leg up in clean energy technologies, products, and services, the report notes. Energy efficiency, solar power, and advanced energy storage are three clean energy sectors where Massachusetts shows particular strength, with potential for further growth and innovation in the future, according to the report.

“By a range of different measures, Massachusetts stands out as a clean-energy leader among states in the U.S.,” states the report, which was prepared by a nationally known clean-tech research and publishing firm. “It has made the growth of clean energy a clear legislative and economic development priority in the state, with strong results to date in leading-edge policies, industry expansion, job creation, and increased investment and deployment.”

“Governor Patrick has done more to advance clean energy in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts than many would have thought possible,” said Nick d’Arbeloff, President of the New England Clean Energy Council. “In just a few short years under the Governor’s leadership, we have moved from the middle of the pack to number two in the nation, and now stand ready to become a major supplier of clean energy solutions to the global marketplace.”

“I applaud the Patrick-Murray Administration’s efforts in growing the Commonwealth’s green economy to be one of the top in the world and making our environment a healthier place to live. I look forward to continuing to work cooperatively to promote clean energy, energy efficiency, green technologies, and lowering our carbon footprint in Massachusetts. This is the pathway to our economic strength and our success as a planet,” said Representative Frank Smizik, Chairman of the House Committee on Global Warming and Climate Change.

2020 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Target Hearings Set

Today, Secretary Bowles also announced upcoming hearings on the 2020 greenhouse gas emissions reduction target that the Secretary must set by January 1.

The Global Warming Solutions Act of 2008 requires the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions across the Massachusetts economy by 80 percent from 1990 levels by 2050.

For 2020, the Act requires the Secretary to set an emissions-reduction mandate between 10 and 25 percent below 1990 levels. Analysis released in January showed that state and federal policies now in place or anticipated have Massachusetts on track toward emissions reduction of 18 percent by 2020 – far below what any other state has announced it will achieve.

In hearings to be held around the state, Secretary Bowles will take public comment on a 2020 reduction target between 18 percent and 25 percent. He will also call for testimony on measures to achieve the target that show potential for energy cost savings and job growth. A schedule of hearings will be announced soon.

“Reducing greenhouse gas emissions means accelerating our transition to a clean energy economy – already a comparative advantage for Massachusetts,” said Secretary Bowles. “How much we can reduce our fossil fuel use, save on energy costs, and create clean energy jobs will guide me in setting the 2020 emissions target. To go further than the 18 percent reduction our current policies will get us, I’ve asked our agencies, advisory board, and the public to focus on measures that save money for consumers and business by reducing energy use.”

“With its remarkable wealth of intellectual capital and a long tradition of technology innovation, Massachusetts has a civic responsibility to be a national leader in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. We possess a strong combination of talent and determination to succeed, and that should encourage all of us to aim high, because all of us will benefit—consumers, businesses, the Commonwealth, and the Nation. Prosperity and job creation will flow naturally from our efforts to build a green economy based on clean energy technologies,” said Susan Avery, president and CEO of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and co-chair of the Climate Protection and Green Economy Advisory Committee created by the Global Warming Solutions Act.

“The state’s commitment to reduce  the impact of  greenhouse gas emissions aims to secure the future for our children and grandchildren. In addition to being a responsibility, there is also incredible opportunity for Massachusetts consumers and the business community not only in terms of financial savings, but also economic growth. Tomorrow’s leaders are no doubt those consumers and businesses already focused on energy efficiency and reducing  dependency on GHG intensive energy sources,” said Martin Madaus, Advisory Committee co-chair and CEO of Millipore Corp.

“To realize our vision for a clean energy future in New England, state leaders must have the courage to set aggressive yet achievable targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and engage all stakeholders in meeting them,” said John Kassel, president, Conservation Law Foundation. “Massachusetts clearly is at the vanguard of meeting this challenge by developing and implementing innovative programs and solutions that will fuel clean, green economic growth in our region and show the country how it’s done.”

“It is critical that Massachusetts continues to build on its foundation of exceptional climate policy,” said Dan Sosland, Executive Director of ENE (Environment Northeast). “The Commonwealth’s environmental and economic health depends on our taking action to reduce carbon emissions today. Through solutions like investing in energy efficiency, we can continue to demonstrate that achieving ambitious climate goals can create jobs and put money in consumers’ pockets.”

“Setting strong pollution reduction targets challenges companies to innovate, and innovation creates jobs and economic growth,” said Fred Krupp, President of Environmental Defense Fund. “The leadership of states like Massachusetts is a model for Washington and a driver for national action.”