PRESIDENT TRUMP’S WITHDRAWAL from the Paris climate agreement, and the reactions to that retreat, are more theater than substance. Whether the United States is in or out does little to prevent the rise of clean energy at the expense of coal, nuclear, and other traditional sources of electric power. There are two reasons. One is […]
Environment
Posted inEnvironment, Opinion
Baker all talk on regional carbon limits
AS PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP moves forward with his efforts to dismantle the Clean Power Plan and accelerate the extraction of coal, oil, and gas on federal lands, it’s worth taking a look at our own record here in Massachusetts. While state officials speak the language of “climate leadership,” their actions have often fallen short. Case […]
Posted inEnvironment
Seven suburbs blast Eversource solar proposal
SEVEN WESTERN SUBURBS of Boston are crying foul about an Eversource proposal that would cut the amount of money they receive for selling solar energy to the power grid, resulting in a $1.6 million loss of revenue annually. The proposal, contained in a massive $96 million rate request filed by Eversource in January, would cut […]
Posted inEnvironment
In shift, Eversource backs W. Mass. rate relief
EVERSOURCE IS PROPOSING significant changes to a $96 million rate hike request that would have the effect of lowering bills for customers in western Massachusetts and raising them for customers in eastern Massachusetts. The utility hasn’t detailed the changes yet, but the company has told state regulators it wants to alter the way it would […]
Posted inEnvironment, Opinion
Brayton Pt closing ups need for gas
AS BADLY AS ALL OF US in Massachusetts have been needing improved access to natural gas, Wednesday at midnight our need–and the challenge to our economy and energy security–grow even more critical. The reason? Wednesday at midnight is when the giant, coal-powered Brayton Point electric generating station in Somerset, Massachusetts, shuts down for good. For […]
Posted inEnvironment, State House News Service
Baker backs Paris climate accord
STATE HOUSE NEWS SERVICE Students had prepared Wednesday to attempt to persuade Gov. Charlie Baker to speak out in support of the Paris climate change agreement. Instead, they ended up visiting his office to thank him for his support. Representatives from youth climate groups had announced plans on Tuesday to visit the State House to […]
Posted inEconomy, Education, Environment, Opinion
Smart buildings need smart workers
BOSTON IS SEEING fast growth and, with that, an increase in green buildings and sustainable design. Boston ranks fifth nationally in total LEED-certified space, outranking many of the greenest big cities. All of that is good news for jobs in this emerging field, with growing demand for technicians to run and maintain buildings specifically designed […]
Posted inEnvironment
Boston seizes clean energy opportunity
IT’S BEEN A sobering few months for clean energy advocates. Despite the Trump administration’s disdain for programs and policies intended to lower the carbon emissions that threaten the safety and well-being of the nation, Boston and like-minded cities are surging ahead to take advantage of the economic, health and other benefits inherent in a carbon-free […]
Posted inEnvironment, Opinion
The downside of renewables
MUCH HAS BEEN WRITTEN about New England’s electricity markets and the distortions caused by policy makers. There are many lessons that elected officials and bureaucrats can learn by looking overseas at several countries that are going “all in” on renewable power. The results are not good, at least if you are a major employer, manufacturer, […]
Posted inEnvironment
Vineyard Wind brings in a big player
A BIG INTERNATIONAL ENERGY PLAYER is jumping into the competition for offshore wind power contracts with Massachusetts. Through a company in which it is the major shareholder, Iberdrola S.A., a Spain-based energy giant, is buying a 50 percent stake in Vineyard Wind, one of three companies likely to bid on the Bay State’s offshore wind […]