On Wednesday, May 14, the energy committee in the Massachusetts legislature will hold a hearing on bills related to electric transportation – including four bills that would push back or remove altogether the deadline to phase out new gas-powered cars in Massachusetts and weaken the primary tool we have to facilitate this transition. Massachusetts residents, we need you to testify and/or send in written comments in opposition.
Clean car regulations are under attack federally and here in Massachusetts. We wrote about these attacks on April 25, held a webinar on May 1, and submitted joint letter signed by 70 organizations to Governor Maura Healey on May 2. All along the way, we’ve tried to dispel misinformation and disinformation about these key regulations. Last week, the Massachusetts State Auto Dealer Association made a claim in a Boston Globe article about the subject that incorrectly frames how these regulations work. As part of our Truth to Power campaign, we want to set the record straight.
About a week ago, we began hearing rumors that Governor Healey was being pressured by the auto industry to delay implementation of the Advanced Clean Cars (ACC2) rule. ACC2 would, starting with model year 2026, require automakers to gradually increase the percentage of new cars sold in the Bay State that are electric. The Department of Environmental Protection adopted the regulations after an open public process way back in 2023, so it’s disheartening to know that this issue is on the table at all. The transportation sector is the leading cause of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Massachusetts, and ACC2 is, by far, the most important policy for reducing those emissions.
This year, our top legislative priority in Rhode Island is the Building Decarbonization Act (H5493/S91), because the Ocean State is not currently on track to achieve the emissions reductions required by the Act on Climate. This is especially true in the building sector, which makes up over 35% of the state’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Automakers and the fossil fuel lobby have been campaigning across the country to undermine, delay, or destroy key regulations to reduce pollution from vehicles. In the next few days, it’s critical we all take action to defend these regulations to protect public health and fight climate change. We don't mean two weeks from now. We mean now.
In this blog, we’ll cover how to take two actions (each will only take 3 minutes!) and then provide more context on what’s going on below. If you take action, email us at drivegreen@greenenergyconsumers.org to let us know!
A coalition of twelve environmental and clean energy organizations1, including Rewiring America, Acadia Center, Green Energy Consumers Alliance, Sierra Club, and Environmental Defense Fund, recently submitted a letter strongly supporting the Department of Public Utilities' (DPU) draft policy to end gas line extension allowances (LEAs)—subsidies that have long encouraged new gas service connections and expansion.
Carrie Katan
,
Ben Butterworth
andAmanda Sachs
Back in the late 1990s, Massachusetts decided to allow companies, called third-party suppliers, to sell electricity directly to consumers. The theory was that free-market competition would drive down electricity rates as well-informed consumers efficiently made decisions. After a quarter century of allowing these third-party electric suppliers to sell electricity in Massachusetts, we know this hasn’t worked as planned for residential customers.
We're thrilled to share our 2024 Annual Report, a testament to the power of community and unwavering commitment to a zero-carbon world. Amidst challenging national headwinds, our supporters and donors have been essential to our continued success.
It’s no secret that the Trump administration poses a significant challenge to the offshore wind industry in the United States. On the first day of his second term, Trump issued an Executive Order halting all permitting and lease sales for the technology. Nonetheless, offshore wind remains imperative to not only meeting our climate goals, but ensuring energy independence, jobs, and local economic growth. Rhode Island and Massachusetts have been at the forefront of the US offshore wind industry, and as the federal government presents new challenges, it is now more important than ever that our states continue to lead and do everything they can to support this vital resource.
We are excited to launch the Consumers for Climate Podcast, now available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music! This podcast reflects our mission to empower consumers and communities to make energy choices that speed a just transition to a zero-carbon world.
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