As the new home of MASSPIRG's environmental work, Environment Massachusetts can be contacted regarding this news release.
Statement of MASSPIRG Energy Advocate Frank Gorke
This
is an important step for climate protection, and a bold move by the
governor. It’s certainly good news for the environment that he is
rejoining this regional plan to start cutting global warming pollution
from power plants. And it’s good news for consumers that he appears to
be getting the details right. It’s crucial that we prevent windfall
profits for power plant owners by requiring them to pay for their
pollution permits. That is the only fair way to operate a system like
this, and it should lower energy bills by expanding conservation
programs across the state.
Scientists
are saying we need 75-85% pollution reductions by the middle of this
century if we hope to avoid the worst impacts. This regional plan for
power plants, one of the biggest pollution sources in the region, is an
important first step. We’re glad it looks like we’re going to get this
step behind us, so we can start down the path toward a climate-friendly
future.
