Mass. Legislature Holds the Line on State’s Clean Energy Leadership

Statement by Ken Kimmell, president of the Union of Concerned Scientists

Published Jul 31, 2018

Cambridge, Mass. (July 31, 2018)—In the final hours of the 2017-2018 legislative session, the Massachusetts House and Senate approved a clean energy bill that will result in as much as 35 percent of the state’s electricity coming from new wind, solar, and other renewable sources by 2030. According to the Cambridge-based Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS), the bill will increase renewable energy procurement statewide and strengthen Massachusetts trailblazing offshore wind and energy efficiency initiatives.

Below is a statement by UCS President Ken Kimmell.

“Massachusetts scored with the energy bill passed today, but this game is far from over. The bill will increase our use of new renewable energy sources by 2030 from the track we were on—a quarter of our electricity supply—to more than a third.  It also authorizes a doubling down on offshore wind, where Massachusetts is leading.

“Given the state’s strong push for offshore wind and renewable energy’s falling costs and increased performance, however, 35 percent renewable energy by 2030 is too modest a goal. After all, the Bay State established the first statewide renewable standard target, and that was two decades ago. We should reclaim that leadership with stronger requirements, such as a goal of 50 percent new renewables by 2030, to keep pace with states that have surpassed us. And although the bill updates efficiency programs—taking into account new technologies that enable our homes and businesses do more with less energy—the legislature missed an opportunity to knock down barriers to solar power, including those that hinder low-income residents.

 “We look forward to working with the legislature next year to build upon this solid effort.”