We have the makings for a better energy mix

Thank you to Rick Holmes for detailed coverage of the present energy debate in Massachusetts [Oct. 4 Daily News]. Our state is debating critical policies that will shape our communities, our health and our local economy. We need to act swiftly to advance a diverse clean energy mix, filling peak demand needs created by the imminent closure of ailing coal and nuclear plants in our region while also fulfilling our mandate to act on climate change and offer affordable, reliable energy service.

Current limitations on solar power are one example of a destructive stalemate: legal caps on solar are stalling projects that would serve low-income housing developments and renters. Far from a cost burden on consumers, solar is helping low-income communities power forward with clean energy. This point was echoed by Congressman Niki Tsongas and state Sen. Linda Dorcena Forry at a recent 30th anniversary event for Boston Community Capital, which helps finance solar projects like the installation on the Greater Boston Food Bank.

Governor Baker has spoken of an energy "combo platter," conjuring power diversity while pushing for ratepayer-funded subsidies for new shale gas pipelines. We agree with the inclination toward diversity, but disagree that increased dependence on gas imports, which we already use for close to 60 percent of our electric generation, advances diversity, stability or cost reductions. Key officials have also called for energy justice while simultaneously advancing policies to discount the value of solar payments to municipalities and low-income projects. Attacking low-income solar is, we believe, in poor taste.

Subsidizing new gas pipelines adds a particularly foul flavor to the mix. Proposed pipelines would, to give just a few examples, run through New Entry Sustainable Farming Project's training farm in Dracut and the Ipswich River Watershed, a critical resource for the North Shore. Canadian press is already reporting that LNG export projects are waiting on New England pipelines –– why are we subsidizing exports? The gas, at its source, comes from fracking and, on our end, new gas pipelines will push us further from climate goals outlined in state law.

We need a combo platter that doesn't spoil the meal. Fortunately, we have plenty of choices. Enhancing efficiency, fixing local gas leaks, elevating our solar goals, contracting for offshore wind and some hydropower, and making best use of the infrastructure we do have would give New England a more balanced diet.

In order to engage in the debate, over 100 environmental, faith, low-income housing, and public health groups have gathered with business stakeholders to launch Mass Power Forward. Beginning with events across the state this fall, the campaign is calling for public officials to choose the right path at this energy crossroads, advance clean energy over pipeline subsidies, and support communities in their transition from the fossil fuel economy.

Fundamentally, we need an energy policy that protects people. As utility companies with financial interest in infrastructure expansion pull back their energy efficiency targets, restrain community solar projects, and lobby for pipeline subsidies, we need the Governor and state legislature to guide our state in a different direction. For too long, residents of Massachusetts have borne the burden of polluting industries’ profit motive and sent billions out of our economy to import fuels.

Along with allies across the commonwealth, we are proposing a legislative package that would remove barriers to clean energy, mandate transparency to ensure equity in state energy programs, end subsidies for lost gas and new pipelines, incubate the offshore wind industry and finance limited, carefully-sited transmission for hydropower imports. As far as combo platters go, this one tastes better and will leave us with a stronger commonwealth. We’ve left out the ingredients that have spoiled, and asked a few cooks to stay out of the kitchen.

Joel Wool is Advocate for Energy and Environment with Clean Water Action.