http://www.environmentmassachusetts.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news http://www.environmentmassachusetts.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/anti-coal-postcards-delivered-to-massachusetts-legislature Boston, MA – Today EnvironmentMassachusetts advocates delivered more than 1500 postcards from residentsacross the Commonwealth to several state Representatives. The postcards call on the legislature to takeincentives for coal out of the energy bill currently being debated. Incentives for energy generation from coal have been acontentious part of the energy bill since the House passed the Green Communities Act lastNovember. In January, the Senate passed An Act to Generate Renewable Energy and EfficiencyNow, which also includes public incentives for coal technologies. The Senate version, however, requires eligiblecoal technologies to meet the same carbon emissions rate of a new, natural gas-firedpower plant, whereas the House version does not. “Coal represents our energy past,” said Diana Connett,energy associate with Environment Massachusetts. “We should not use ratepayer money to promoteenergy generation from coal but should instead invest in clean, homegrownresources, like wind and solar power, which will propel Massachusetts into the 21st century clean energy economy.” The House and Senate-passed energy bills are now beingdebated in Conference Committee, where delegates appointed by Speaker DiMasiand Senate President Murray will finalize a single energy bill. The bill is expected to be released in thecoming weeks. “Both the House and Senate bills stand to revolutionize theway we produce and use energy in Massachusettsby putting energy efficiency and renewable power at the heart of new energypolicy,” added Connett. “While we areexcited to see a visionary energy bill finalized, we don’t want to see specialinterests carve out a demand for coal into the future of our state. We are calling on all members of thelegislature to make sure that valuable ratepayer incentives don’t go to powersources, like coal technologies, that increase net global warming pollution.” Massachusetts hasseen similar outcry to today’s anti-coal postcard delivery this month. Last week, SouthCoast residents held a public hearingto protest a recent state decision allowing one of Massachusetts’last coal fired power plants, NRG’s Somerset Station in Fall River, MA,to employ experimental coal plasma gasification technology, despite a previouspermit agreement that committed the plant to either cleaning up its emissionsor shutting down. “Our legislators have put Massachusetts on the path to a new energyfuture with the energy bills passed in the House and Senate. But the give-aways to coal power withoutsufficient emissions standards threaten to detract from the gains we’ve made inaddressing global warming and the potential gains in efficiency and renewablepower set forth in the energy bills,” concluded Connett. XXX http://www.environmentmassachusetts.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/anti-coal-postcards-delivered-to-massachusetts-legislature Tue, 19 Feb 2008 11:37:01 -0600 http://www.environmentmassachusetts.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/final-public-hearing-on-cape-wind-in-boston http://www.environmentmassachusetts.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/final-public-hearing-on-cape-wind-in-boston Fri, 14 Mar 2008 09:56:39 -0500 http://www.environmentmassachusetts.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/statement-of-environment-massachusetts-director-frank-gorke-on-the-new-massachusetts-energy-bill For additional information, please contact: Frank Gorke Environment Massachusetts 617.620.9869 (cell) 617.747.4322 (ass’t) http://www.environmentmassachusetts.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/statement-of-environment-massachusetts-director-frank-gorke-on-the-new-massachusetts-energy-bill Fri, 25 Jan 2008 16:24:58 -0600 http://www.environmentmassachusetts.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/a-call-for-solutions-to-our-energy-problems2 Boston, MA – Organizations from around the state have http://www.environmentmassachusetts.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/a-call-for-solutions-to-our-energy-problems2 Fri, 25 Jan 2008 16:23:47 -0600 http://www.environmentmassachusetts.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/massachusetts-house-passes-strong-energy-policy Massachusetts House Passes Strong Energy Policy http://www.environmentmassachusetts.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/massachusetts-house-passes-strong-energy-policy Fri, 25 Jan 2008 16:26:46 -0600 http://www.environmentmassachusetts.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/massachusetts-lauded-for-leadership-on-clean-energy Environment Massachusetts Says State http://www.environmentmassachusetts.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/massachusetts-lauded-for-leadership-on-clean-energy Fri, 25 Jan 2008 16:25:57 -0600 http://www.environmentmassachusetts.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/a-call-for-solutions-to-our-energy-problems http://www.environmentmassachusetts.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/a-call-for-solutions-to-our-energy-problems Wed, 07 Nov 2007 09:31:11 -0600 http://www.environmentmassachusetts.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/statement-of-diana-connett-of-environment-massachusetts-on-proposed-amendments-to-state-energy-bill Statement of Diana Connett of Environment Massachusetts on Proposed Amendments to State Energy Bill http://www.environmentmassachusetts.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/statement-of-diana-connett-of-environment-massachusetts-on-proposed-amendments-to-state-energy-bill Fri, 25 Jan 2008 16:27:34 -0600 http://www.environmentmassachusetts.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/state-of-energy-policy-in-2008 Before we look ahead to what Congress and the President can do in 2008 to put America on a clean energy path, it is important that we look back at the progress made last year and the work that lies before us. With oil prices continuing to break records, the effects of global warming showing up in our backyards, and our continued dependence on unstable sources of energy, America needs a new energy future. Last year Congress and the President took a great step forward by establishing stronger fuel economy standards for the first time in decades. This action, taken with a renewable fuels standard and important energy efficiency policies will make great strides in reducing America’s dependence on oil and saving energy in our homes and businesses. Here in Massachusetts state leaders are poised to once again make Massachusetts a leader in innovative energy policy by passing legislation to encourage energy efficiency and new renewable energy. To fully address our energy problems, however, the president and congress should follow Massachusetts' lead and shift toward cleaner more renewable sources of energy to light our homes and power our businesses. Unfortunately, two crucial sets of renewable energy policies at the federal level– the renewable electricity standard and the clean energy tax incentives – were stymied by White House opposition and filibusters in the Senate last year. The negative reaction of many Senate Republicans and the White House to these critical policies is baffling. Twenty-five states, including Massachusetts, have enacted renewable electricity standards. As a governor, President Bush signed into law a wildly successful standard that has made Texas the nation’s leader in wind energy development. It has been passed three times by the U.S. Senate, and twice by the House. The RES has been endorsed by labor unions, farmers, venture capitalists, and the faith community. In the end the tax incentives, which failed by one vote, fell victim to opposition from the record profit-making oil industry and their allies in the White House. The first action Congress and the President should take on energy policy in 2008 is to include these clean energy tax incentives in the economic stimulus package. These investments would not only stimulate the economy in the short-term, but also would help solve global warming and promote long-term development and growth of the clean energy technology industry. This industry is one of the fastest growing industries in the U.S. and promises a multitude of economic benefits such as new jobs, lower energy bills, and enhanced economic development. Unfortunately many of the tax incentives that encourage this rapid growth have expired or are scheduled to expire at the end of this year. A disruption in these incentives could have dramatic effects on the industry. Renewable energy is the shining light of an otherwise lackluster American economic outlook. Congress should do everything in its power to make sure this bright light is not extinguished. Take the wind industry as an example. Investments in the wind industry just last year totaled approximately $9 billion dollars. Around 30% of new energy generation came from wind energy last year. But without a timely renewal of the production tax credit, the American Wind Energy Association predicts a dramatic decline in investment and the loss of approximately 75,000 jobs. We urge Congress and the President to enact these incentives as quickly as possible to avoid layoffs and declining investment. To fully realize the potential of our country’s vast renewable energy resources, we must establish a national renewable electricity standard. A 20 percent by 2020 standard would create hundreds of thousands of jobs, substantially reduce global warming pollution, and revitalize rural economies. 25 states have already enacted this common sense policy. We will continue to work with our allies on Capitol Hill to build on the progress we have made over the past year. Finally, the Bush administration must also uphold the goals of the recently signed Energy Independence and Security Act. We will monitor the Bush Administration’s implementation of the fuel economy increases and the renewable fuels standard to make sure that America realizes the full potential of these policies to reduce global warming pollution and our dependence on oil. http://www.environmentmassachusetts.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/state-of-energy-policy-in-2008 Tue, 29 Jan 2008 16:14:10 -0600 http://www.environmentmassachusetts.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/federal-agency-releases-cape-wind-review No http://www.environmentmassachusetts.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/federal-agency-releases-cape-wind-review Fri, 25 Jan 2008 16:29:02 -0600 http://www.environmentmassachusetts.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/massachusetts-senate-passes-visionary-energy-bill Boston, MA – Yesterday the Massachusetts Senate passed An Act to http://www.environmentmassachusetts.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/massachusetts-senate-passes-visionary-energy-bill Fri, 25 Jan 2008 16:28:15 -0600 http://www.environmentmassachusetts.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/congress-can-help-clean-energy-remain-bright-spot-in-bleak-economy Environment America Urges the U.S. House of Representatives to Pass Clean Energy Tax Credits Washington, DC – With the Senate passing its energy tax package last night and the House of Representatives taking up its own package today, now is the time for Congress to renew the federal clean energy tax credits, according to Environment America. “Clean energy is one of the few bright spots in an otherwise gloomy economic forecast. On top of putting Americans to work in good jobs and giving the economy a much needed boost, energy efficiency and renewable energy helps end our dependence on oil; stop global warming ; prevent destructive mining and drilling in our special places; and clean up our air ,” said Environment America Executive Director Margie Alt. “Before adjourning this week, Congress must help keep the lights on in the renewable energy industry by renewing the clean energy tax credit extensions.” Environment America is urging the Congress to pass a package that supports investments in wind, solar, and geothermal energy generation, energy efficiency for homes and businesses, and brand new incentives for ultra efficient plug in hybrid vehicles. “While all these burgeoning clean energy industries need a boost, the investment in plug-in electric vehicles is new and especially exciting,” said Alt. “Plug-in hybrid vehicles are the next phase in vehicle technology and the most meaningful step we can take to cut our dependence on oil. These vehicles can achieve up to 100 miles per gallon and will save the average driver more than $1500 dollars a year at the pump.” The Senate package contained an Environment America - supported package of clean energy incentives, but also had added subsidies for liquid coal, tar sands and oil shale. The group opposes subsidies for those dirty fuels and technologies because they generate more global warming pollution than gasoline, use scarce water resources in the arid west, and despoil acres of our precious environment in the process. The House bill does not contain the dirty subsidies. “Clean energy investments are the kind of progress Americans will benefit from today and that future generations and our planet can thrive on long into the future,” continued Alt “Unfortunately as we’ve seen in the mortgage industry and elsewhere, not every investment is a good one. We applaud the House for rejecting dirty technologies that might sound good but in fact will take us backwards and down the wrong path.” This summer, Environment America conducted a national campaign to focus attention on the benefits of clean energy and opportunities it provides to help solve America’s energy problems. The group released a series of reports showing the enormous potential for concentrating solar power to meet America’s energy needs, the benefits of high performance energy efficient buildings and case studies of cutting edge clean energy projects already helping curb global warming pollution. Earlier this month, Environment America released a report prepared for the Center for American Progress showing that investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency create nearly four times as many jobs - and three times as many good jobs paying at least $16 dollars an hour - than spending the same amount of money within the oil industry. In addition, Environment America and its state affiliates conducted a public outreach campaign talking directly to more than 750,000 people across the country about the benefits of clean energy. Environment America is urging the Senate to similarly pass a clean energy tax package with no subsidies for dirty energy before it adjourns.“The time is now for real investment in our new energy future. We can’t afford to wait for the next president or next Congress to right our course—too many important energy projects and good jobs are on the line and too much is at risk from the effects of global warming and other impacts on our environment and our health,” concluded Alt. http://www.environmentmassachusetts.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/congress-can-help-clean-energy-remain-bright-spot-in-bleak-economy Thu, 25 Sep 2008 13:08:14 -0500 http://www.environmentmassachusetts.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/green-investment-will-yield-two-million-jobs-in-two-years New Report Outlines Rapid Green Economic Recovery Plan; California http://www.environmentmassachusetts.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/green-investment-will-yield-two-million-jobs-in-two-years Thu, 25 Sep 2008 13:40:09 -0500 http://www.environmentmassachusetts.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/stronger-building-energy-codes-and-incentives-could-lead-to-dramatic-energy-savings-in-buildings According to a new white paper released today by Environment America the country's energy consumption could be cut by 11 percent by 2020 through simple building efficiency measures. “Building an Energy-Efficient America: Zero Energy and High Efficiency Buildings” describes the many opportunities for increasing energy efficiency in buildings and makes recommendations for what local, state and federal officials can do to secure huge energy savings in new and existing buildings. “An enormous amount of energy is wasted in buildings, and capturing this energy is vital in order to set America on a new path to a cleaner, smarter energy future” said Environment America Energy Associate Siena Kaplan. “With global warming looming and energy prices soaring, we need to be doing all we can to save energy.” Nearly half of the energy we use in the United States—10 percent of the energy in the world—is consumed powering the buildings in which we live and work and much, if not most of that energy is wasted. “Building an Energy-Efficient America” describes policy steps that states and the federal government can take to significantly cut that waste and realize our technological potential for energy efficiency: * Building energy codes should be improved and enforced. National model codes should be 30 percent more efficient by 2010 and state codes should match or exceed the model codes. * Federal, state, and local governments should adopt policies that encourage building far beyond code and retrofitting existing buildings for increased efficiency. * Policies should be designed to encourage on-site renewable power. * Political leaders should set the goal for all new buildings to be zero net energy by 2030. "Building efficiency enhances housing affordability and lowers business costs, since utility savings more than pay for the efficiency measures. And when you invest in efficiency you're enhancing the value and equity in your home or business," said Austin Mayor Will Wynn. "So you have to ask yourself, which would you rather do -- make investments that will create positive cash flow and increase the value of your assets, or send your money to the utility and watch it go up a smokestack?" Edward Mazria, founder and executive director of Architecture 2030, said, “The policies called for in this paper fully support the energy reduction targets of the 2030 Challenge. We encourage everyone to put its recommendations into practice.” The energy savings that can be achieved through these cost-effective policies cannot be understated. Key findings in the paper include: * By 2020 we could reduce annual United States energy consumption by 11 percent through simple building efficiency measures such as more efficient lighting, water heating, and appliances, and by designing new buildings to be more energy efficient. * Strong energy codes alone, adopted nationally and adequately enforced would reduce national energy consumption by 2 percent by 2030. * One quad of energy, roughly 1% of our nation’s total consumption, gained through building efficiency would cost $42.1 billion. This much energy would cost three times as much gained through new coal plants, and, at least five times as much through new nuclear plants. In September a major opportunity will present itself, when officials from towns and cities across the country come together to update the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) – the national model code most states use to shape how new homes are constructed. The officials could vote to improve the model code to require new homes to be 30 percent more energy efficient. “‘The 30% Solution’ was developed by the broad-based Energy Efficient Codes Coalition – which includes Environment America, utilities, government, academia, business and other energy efficiency advocates – to reduce the enormous amount of energy that is wasted in our homes” said EECC Director William Fay. “What’s amazing about not expending this energy by building more energy efficient homes is that the homeowner actually receives positive cash flow from the investment.” “This little known process represents one of the most important energy votes of the year,” said Kaplan. “Mayors who send their officials to vote for the 30% Solution won’t just be saving their citizens money, they’ll be setting the stage for the entire nation to dramatically reduce the energy we waste and global warming emissions,” she added. Congress is currently sitting on two decisions that could have a profound impact on our clean energy economy by helping to fund energy efficient building projects: * Production and investment tax credits that have helped fuel America’s clean energy boom, including investments in energy efficiency, are set to expire at the end of this year. The clean energy incentives have passed the U.S. House numerous times, but have continually been blocked by Senate Republicans. * The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program was established by the “Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007”, but Congress has yet to allocate the $2 billion per year to fund the program. The program was designed to help America’s local governments increase their energy independence by reducing the amount of energy they use and could be used to assist communities to promote high performance, energy efficient buildings. Many states are already leading the way with building codes, incentives, and rules that set strong minimum standards for efficient building and encourage efficiency far beyond the minimum and renewable energy. * Maine recently passed its first statewide residential building energy code, which requires that the state continually incorporate each update to the model code as its energy efficiency increases. * Oregon enacted tax credits for energy-efficient building practices in 2007, which can amount to thousands of dollars and large percentages of the incremental costs. * California, as part of its ground-breaking Million Solar Roofs legislation, mandates that solar panels become a standard option for all new houses by 2011. Environment America called on decision makers to make a commitment to do everything it will take to move our country forward, past the old, inefficient and wasteful, and put ourselves on track to make all new buildings zero-energy by 2030. In the short term, this means passing the 30 Percent Solution, renewing the energy tax credits, and allocating the funding for the EECGB Program. “Gas and electricity bills could be obsolete by the middle of this century, and we can start by taking advantage of the large savings that are already at our fingertips,” said Kaplan. “We need to make a commitment and work towards that vision of clean, efficient, homegrown energy by making the most of the opportunities in front of us right now.” Read the report. ### Environment America is a federation of state-based environment groups across the country http://www.environmentmassachusetts.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/stronger-building-energy-codes-and-incentives-could-lead-to-dramatic-energy-savings-in-buildings Thu, 25 Sep 2008 14:27:45 -0500 http://www.environmentmassachusetts.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/massachusetts-legislature-passes-comprehensive-energy-bill2 Environmentalists http://www.environmentmassachusetts.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/massachusetts-legislature-passes-comprehensive-energy-bill2 Sun, 29 Jun 2008 14:22:44 -0500 http://www.environmentmassachusetts.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/massachusetts-legislature-passes-comprehensive-energy-bill3 Boston, MA – Today Governor Deval Patrick sign into law AN Act Relative to http://www.environmentmassachusetts.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/massachusetts-legislature-passes-comprehensive-energy-bill3 Tue, 01 Jul 2008 10:03:45 -0500 http://www.environmentmassachusetts.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/massachusetts-legislature-passes-comprehensive-energy-bill Environmentalists http://www.environmentmassachusetts.org/newsroom/energy/energy-program-news/massachusetts-legislature-passes-comprehensive-energy-bill Sun, 29 Jun 2008 14:17:49 -0500