Green Energy Consumers is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, which means we cannot support or endorse a candidate running for public office in an election. However, we can – and do – support policy proposals, including ones being decided via a ballot question in an election. This fall, we urge you to VOTE YES on Question 1, the Fair Share Amendment. We see it as an important tool in the toolbox in the race to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Here’s why.
Why We Support the Fair Share Amendment
Posted by Anna Vanderspek on Monday, October 17, 2022 @ 12:34 PM
Tags: Energy policy & advocacy, Massachusetts, Electric vehicles/Transportation, Action Alert
Take Action on Massachusetts’ 2050 Climate Plan
Posted by Larry Chretien & Anna Vanderspek on Saturday, October 15, 2022 @ 10:00 AM
Once again, Massachusetts is working on a clean energy and climate plan – this time for 2050 – and your input is needed by October 21.
Tags: Energy policy & advocacy, Massachusetts, Climate change, Action Alert
Why We Need Building Performance Standards in Massachusetts & Rhode Island
Posted by Larry Chretien on Tuesday, September 27, 2022 @ 01:26 PM
Background
Recently, we posted a blog on one policy, the Clean Heat Standard, to decarbonize the building sector. Consider it one tool in the tool chest and understand that it’s usually not possible to make anything with just one tool. With this blog, we will explore a complimentary policy – Building Performance Standards (BPS).
Why We Need a (Good) Clean Heat Standard – a message for Massachusetts & Rhode Island
Posted by Larry Chretien on Thursday, September 15, 2022 @ 11:43 AM
Energy standards have changed our electricity and auto industries for the better. Now it’s time to bring the same idea to how we heat our buildings.
Tags: Energy policy & advocacy, Energy efficiency, Home heating
What the Inflation Reduction Act Means for Massachusetts & Rhode Island
Posted by Anna Vanderspek on Monday, September 12, 2022 @ 12:53 PM
On August 16, President Biden signed into law the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), the largest investment in fighting climate change on the national level this country has ever seen. The IRA is a huge deal and fundamentally changes the game for our work here at the state level. On August 31, we held a webinar to discuss the IRA and its impact on three levels: on individual consumers who want to go green, on towns and cities, and on the state. Here is the webinar recording, as well as a summary and clips of each individual section. Enjoy!
Tags: Energy policy & advocacy, Electric vehicles/Transportation, Electricity and the grid, Energy efficiency, Climate change, Phasing out fossil fuels
Tags: Energy policy & advocacy, Massachusetts, Electric vehicles/Transportation, Rhode Island
Tags: Energy policy & advocacy, Electric vehicles/Transportation
What Candidates for RI Governor Think about Phasing Out Gasoline
Posted by Mal Skowron on Friday, August 12, 2022 @ 08:15 AM
Last week, the Environment Council of Rhode Island (ECRI) hosted a forum for candidates running RI Governor to discuss their plans for the environment if elected. The forum covered several of Rhode Island’s most pressing environmental issues, including environmental justice and implementation of the Act On Climate. But one question stood out.
Moderator Ed Fitzpatrick of the Boston Globe asked: To reduce greenhouse gas emissions, should Rhode Island set an end date for the last sales of new gasoline-powered automobiles like some other states?
Tags: Energy policy & advocacy, Electric vehicles/Transportation, Rhode Island
We Like the Massachusetts Climate Bill. The Governor Must Sign It.
Posted by Larry Chretien & Anna Vanderspek on Friday, July 22, 2022 @ 07:00 AM
On Thursday, the Massachusetts House and Senate both passed a major new climate bill, An Act Driving Clean Energy and Offshore Wind. The legislation now goes to Governor Baker for signature. The bill is basically what we expected: a combination of the House’s emphasis on offshore wind, the Senate’s emphasis on electric transportation, and some new policies in other areas. Overall, we are very pleased with the 96-page bill. Here are our views on some of the key provisions – and what you can do to get this over the finish line.
Tags: Renewable energy, Energy policy & advocacy, Massachusetts, Electric vehicles/Transportation, Electricity and the grid, Energy efficiency, Home heating, Climate change
A murky future for RI's electric vehicle programs
Posted by Mal Skowron on Wednesday, July 20, 2022 @ 09:25 AM
Rhode Island is in good shape to reduce emissions from the power sector after a successful 2022 legislation session. But it’s slow-going on policy to support vehicle electrification, which is an absolute necessity to displace gasoline use and meet 2030 climate goals.
Tags: Energy policy & advocacy, Electric vehicles/Transportation