New Massachusetts bill undermines state progress towards clean energy
The Massachusetts House Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy released passed a bill this week that would undermine the state’s 25 year track record of moving us away from our reliance on dirty and unsafe energy towards a goal of 100% renewable, clean, safe, and eventually cheaper energy sources like solar and wind.
The bill, H4744, “An Act relative to energy affordability, clean power, and economic competitiveness” is currently before the House Ways and Means Committee where we are encouraging them to make significant changes to the bill to embrace our transition to clean energy not derail it.
Provisions in H4744 that we oppose, because they threaten to slow or reverse our progress toward clean energy:
- Cuts and restrictions to MASS Save. MASS Save, as you know, is a program funded by ratepayers that helps households and businesses reduce their energy use through weatherization, energy-efficient products and tools, and the purchase and installation of clean energy appliances like electric heat pumps. According to the Acadia Center, since 2012, MASS Save programs have delivered over $55 billion in total lifetime benefits to households and businesses across the state, providing $3.40 in benefits for every $1.00 invested in the programs. The bill cuts the program by $500 million dollars and caps it at its 2022-2024 level. Additionally the bill limits access to MASS Save for the municipalities pursuing fossil-free building codes, which is an effort we should be promoting, not penalizing.
To read the full article from MassPIRG, click here.