The Energy Consumer's Bulletin- a New England energy news blog

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Energy policy & advocacy

Massachusetts Senate To Vote On Energy This Wednesday: You Can Help!

On Wednesday, July 1, the Massachusetts State Senate is scheduled to vote on a major energy bill, Senate 3143. We are as deeply engaged in this matter as we can be. Your help is needed to make it the best possible law.

Here are some points we think you should know.

Mass. Senate Energy Bill – Not Perfect But Very Good!

The Massachusetts State Senate is taking steps towards passing a very comprehensive energy bill before the holiday. As you remember, the House passed its energy bill back in February. The Senate Ways and Means Committee drafted the bill, and it is expected to be voted on by the full Senate on July 1. Overall, the bill is excellent insofar as it would make energy more affordable without backsliding on clean energy programs. There will be amendments filed to alter the committee's draft, but the starting point is solid. We do not endorse every provision in the bill, but there are major provisions that we enthusiastically support.

Coming Soon: Massachusetts Senate Energy Bill

Readers of our blog know that we are actively engaged in lobbying for a pro-consumer, pro-environment energy bill this legislative session in Massachusetts. We reported on the House’s version back in February. The State Senate has been working on the bill since then. Here’s a very brief update with an appeal for you to contact your senator.

Picture of Larry Chretien Larry Chretien

Budget & Benchmarking: Where Rhode Island Stands As Session Nears End

This 2026 Rhode Island legislative session will likely wrap up on June 12th. The House amended budget was released last Friday, and both chambers are working to pass it quickly. We have been tracking two important pieces of legislation all session: The Fiscal Year 2027 Budget and building decarbonization legislation. Both are critical for the state to maintain and potentially hasten our current trajectory of emissions reductions to meet the mandates in the Act on Climate.

Picture of Tina Munter Tina Munter

Earth Day Victory: The Courts Side with Clean Energy

On this Earth Day, we’re proud to be celebrating a legal victory that will help secure a clean energy future.

On April 21, Judge Denise Casper of the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts granted a preliminary injunction in favor of a national coalition of wind and solar organizations, including Green Energy Consumers Alliance.

Picture of Amanda Barker Amanda Barker

Who Pays For The Everett Marine Liquified Natural Gas Terminal?

Liquified natural gas (LNG) terminals are large pieces of infrastructure that can either turn pipeline natural gas into a liquid to move onto ships or turn liquified natural gas into a gas to put into a pipeline. They have recently made national headlines because the buildout of LNG export terminals has allowed the US to export more natural gas to the rest of the world, which in turn has led to higher domestic natural gas prices.

Uniquely for the mainland United States, New England’s LNG facilities are primarily used to import, not export, natural gas. This is because the region’s position at the end of the national gas pipeline system means that pipeline gas alone cannot meet the region’s demand during cold snaps. That is where the Everett Marine Terminal (EMT) comes in.

Picture of Carrie Katan Carrie Katan

How Renewable Energy Lowers the Price of Electricity on the Wholesale Market

Renewable energy offers several benefits, from public health to energy independence. One of the most powerful advantages, however, is its ability to lower the price of electricity on the wholesale market. This effect is called price suppression, and it’s why renewable energy is key to energy affordability.

Picture of Becca Miller Becca Miller