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

Why We Support the Fair Share Amendment

Posted by Anna Vanderspek on Monday, October 17, 2022 @ 12:34 PM

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. 

Read More

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.

Read More

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).

Read More

Tags: Energy policy & advocacy, Electricity and the grid

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.

Read More

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!

Read More

Tags: Energy policy & advocacy, Electric vehicles/Transportation, Electricity and the grid, Energy efficiency, Climate change, Phasing out fossil fuels

No New Gas Cars After 2035?

Posted by Anna Vanderspek on Friday, September 09, 2022 @ 09:30 AM

Read More

Tags: Energy policy & advocacy, Massachusetts, Electric vehicles/Transportation, Rhode Island

The New Federal Tax Credit for EVs

Posted by Anna Vanderspek on Monday, August 22, 2022 @ 02:50 PM

Read More

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?

Read More

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. 

Read More

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.

Read More

Tags: Energy policy & advocacy, Electric vehicles/Transportation