Ben Hellerstein
Former State Director, Environment Massachusetts
Leaders should embrace clean energy future, reject fossil fuels
Media Contacts
Environment Massachusetts
Boston – Clean energy supporters gathered at a State House hearing today urging officials to embrace solar, offshore wind, and energy efficiency, and reject proposals to build new fossil fuel infrastructure.
The hearing before the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy considered a wide range of bills related to Massachusetts’ energy future. Ben Hellerstein, State Director for Environment Massachusetts, issued the following statement in response:
“Massachusetts has long been a leader in the fight against global warming. As severe weather events like last winter’s snow storms become more frequent, and as we fast approach the point where global warming could tip towards catastrophe, Massachusetts must continue to lead the way towards solutions.
“The good news is that these solutions are at our fingertips. Solar, wind, and energy efficiency are already helping to reduce our carbon emissions, and they are growing rapidly. With the right policies in place, we can meet a large portion of Massachusetts’ energy needs from clean, renewable sources within the next few years.
“Unfortunately, some of the ideas on the table today would take us in the completely wrong direction. Governor Baker’s solar bill would slash the state’s most important solar program and make it harder for many to access clean energy — including low-income families, renters, and homeowners who can’t install solar panels on their roofs. And proposals to spend billions of dollars on new or expanded gas pipelines would keep Massachusetts hooked on fossil fuels for decades to come.
“The smartest energy strategy is to take advantage of the clean, renewable resources at our fingertips. Let’s charge ahead towards a 100 percent clean energy future, instead of clinging to the outdated dirty technologies of the past.”
Click here to view the testimony Environment Massachusetts delivered at the hearing.
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Environment Massachusetts is a statewide, citizen-funded environmental advocacy organization working to protect clean air, clean water, and open space.
