Johanna Neumann
Senior Director, Campaign for 100% Renewable Energy, Environment America
Senior Director, Campaign for 100% Renewable Energy, Environment America
BOSTON — There were reports that lawmakers reached an agreement on Thursday to advance a clean energy bill that has been stalled since July. The bill promises to streamline the siting process for clean energy projects, promote energy storage and allow for longer-term contracts for offshore wind. The bill would also improve electric vehicle charging stations and redefine gas utilities to allow them to deliver geothermal power.
Massachusetts has a goal of reaching 40% renewable electricity by 2030. As of 2023, the state was getting 12% of its electricity from renewable energy sources. Massachusetts has the technical potential to meet all its energy needs with renewable energy sources like the sun and the wind.
Reports also suggest that the bill would subsidize fusion if it is ever developed, and redefine clean energy to include nuclear generated from nuclear power plants in Connecticut.
Johanna Neumann, acting director of Environment Massachusetts, issued the following statement:
“To reach its clean energy goals, Massachusetts needs to pick up the pace and this bill promises to do that. We are energized by this progress and what it could mean for local clean energy growth. This bill, if passed, would help Massachusetts realize its enormous renewable energy potential and propel us towards a cleaner and greener future. We’re grateful to Chairman Roy and Chairman Barrett for keeping their nose to the grindstone and finding a path forward to grow renewable energy in the commonwealth.
“Based on today’s news, this overall bill would be a promising step forward and would speed up the state’s transition to renewable energy.
“It is disheartening that the bill redefines dirty and dangerous nuclear energy as “clean”. Nuclear energy leaves behind radioactive waste that remains deadly for tens of thousands of years, and mining uranium desecrates landscapes. Given the Bay State’s and the region’s vast renewable potential, policy makers should steer clear of any actions that prolong our dependence on unnecessary and risky energy sources such as nuclear.”