What’s in the Legislature’s energy/climate change legislation?

"THE LEGISLATURE suspended its rules and whisked through a climate change bill on Thursday that seeks to make Massachusetts the “Saudi Arabia of wind,” promotes the adoption of zero emission vehicles, and allows 10 communities to bar fossil fuel infrastructure in new construction.

The precise contents of the bill were not available and the funding for various initiatives will be worked out separately, but the House and Senate passed the measure swiftly – the House by a 143-9 vote and the Senate by a tally of 38-2."

Continue reading the CommonWealth Magazine article ->

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/energy/heres-whats-in-the-legislatures-energy-climate-change-legislation/

 

You can find the full text PDF of the legislation here

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/H5060

or here -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1y-6KotOLjCgNTtFdMJFw6em4EElWcwsd/view?usp=sharing

The compromise bill blends two very different pieces of legislation

Conference Committee reaches agreement on climate bill

Statement of State Rep. Jeff Roy and State Senator Mike Barrett 

State Rep. Jeff Roy and State Senator Mike Barrett, chairs for their respective branches of a conference committee appointed to resolve differences between House and Senate versions of a new climate bill, announced today that a compromise has been reached. 

An Act Driving Clean Energy and Offshore Wind preserves the central ideas of bills that each branch had passed separately.  The compromise is expected to be filed tonight and to come before each legislative branch for final approval as soon as tomorrow, after which it will go to the Governor for his consideration. 

The chairs issued the following joint statement: 

“Massachusetts needs to open up huge new sources of green electric power if it’s to stay on course for reducing emissions. Today’s compromise aims to ramp up clean power, especially offshore wind but also solar, storage and networked geothermal, and run it through cars, trucks, buses, and buildings, the biggest sources of emissions in the state.  

“We thank President Biden for issuing a call to action to the entire country today,” the two continued. “Massachusetts legislators hear him, and we’re going all out.”

 

Deepwater Wind's turbines off Block Island, R.I., as seen in 2019.RODRIQUE NGOWI/ASSOCIATED PRESS

The Hill: "No miracle tech needed: How to switch to renewables now and lower costs doing it"

"The world is experiencing unprecedented fuel price increases, energy blackmail between countries, up to 7 million air pollution deaths per year worldwide and one climate-related disaster after another. Critics contend that a switch to renewable energy to solve these problems will create unstable electricity grids and drive prices up further. However, a new study from my research group at Stanford University concludes that these problems can be solved in each of the 145 countries we examined — without blackouts and at low cost using almost all existing technologies."

Continue reading the article on the report released

https://thehill.com/opinion/energy-environment/3539703-no-miracle-tech-needed-how-to-switch-to-renewables-now-and-lower-costs-doing-it/ 

From the Opening of the report:

"Global warming, air pollution, and energy insecurity are three of the greatest problems facing humanity. Roadmaps are developed and grid analyses are performed here for 145 countries to address these problems. The roadmaps call for a 100% transition of all-purpose business-as-usual (BAU) energy to wind-water-solar (WWS) energy, efficiency, and storage, ideally by 2035, but by no later than 2050, with at least 80% by 2030. Grid stability analyses find that the countries, grouped into 24 regions, can exactly match demand with 100% WWS supply and storage, from 2050–2052. Worldwide, WWS reduces enduse energy by 56.4%, private annual energy costs by 62.7% (from $17.8 to $6.6 trillion per year), and social (private plus health plus climate) annual energy costs by 92.0% (from $83.2 to $6.6 trillion per year) at a present-value cost of B$61.5 trillion. The mean payback times of the capital cost due to energy- and social-cost savings are 5.5 and 0.8 years, respectively. "

Download and read the full report ->

https://web.stanford.edu/group/efmh/jacobson/Articles/I/145Country/22-145Countries.pdf

No miracle tech needed: How to switch to renewables now and lower costs doing it

Franklin's municipal aggregation saves $$ on your NationalGrid electric bill

"Massachusetts cities and towns with municipal aggregation are saving big $ and many have much more renewable energy than Eversource or National Grid."

Franklin residents can benefit from Municipal Aggregation with electricity from NationalGrid. It provides us a wind power generated electricity at a cheaper rate than NationalGrid provides.

Municipal Aggregation is easy. Unless you opted out, you likely already have it. For NationalGrid customers already with a provider contract or solar panels, opting out makes sense. For all others, being part of municipal aggregation saves money for no hassle.

Franklin's municipal aggregation

Shared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/LarryChretien/status/1528910470484217857

Town of Franklin's municipal aggregation info

https://www.franklinma.gov/administrator/pages/municipal-aggregation

mass.gov info on competitive electric supply  https://www.mass.gov/service-details/what-do-i-need-to-know-about-my-electric-supply-options-in-massachusetts

NationalGrid rate table -> https://www.nationalgridus.com/MA-Home/Rates/Supply-Costs 

CommonWealth Magazine: "Pricing announced for latest offshore wind farms"

"BAKER ADMINISTRATION officials say the two latest offshore wind procurements are in compliance with the state’s price cap even though their electricity will probably end up costing more.

Under the cap, the price of electricity with each successive procurement must come in lower than the previous one. The cap has become somewhat controversial of late, with those wanting offshore wind companies to spend more on economic development initiatives advocating for elimination of the cap.  Gov. Charlie Baker and House leaders are in favor of eliminating the cap, but Senate leaders have expressed reservations about doing that."

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/energy/pricing-announced-for-latest-offshore-wind-farms/ 

CommonWealth Magazine: "Pricing announced for latest offshore wind farms"

Ted helps Steve make sense of climate - part 4 - 03/03/22 (audio)

FM #747 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 747 in the series.

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Ted McIntyre, Franklin resident and climate activist. We recorded this via the Zoom conference bridge Mar 3, 2022.  

This is part 4 of a series on Making Sense of Climate. We talk of the weather variations, the recent MA House legislation touting wind power, the Ukraine situation, and how it ties to climate, as well recent news articles. 

Ted helps me “make sense of climate” and we hope this helps with your understanding as well. 

If you have climate questions or Franklin specific climate questions, send them in and we’ll try to answer them in a future session 

The recording runs about 38 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Ted McIntyre as he helps me “make sense of climate.” Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-747-ted-mcintyre-making-sense-of-climate-03-03-22

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Links that are our talking points for this episode

Webinar for Complete Neighborhoods Initiative -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/03/webinar-scheduled-for-mar-10-complete.html 

DOER Stretch goals (deadline extended to March 18 to submit input)

• Link to read the details ->  https://www.mass.gov/info-details/stretch-energy-code-development-2022 

• Email to provide feedback  stretchcode@mass.gov 

Net zero proposal

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/energy/2-senators-say-proposed-building-code-comes-up-short/

 

Brayton Point

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/02/17/business/site-shuttered-south-coast-coal-plant-will-become-wind-industry-factory/?event=event25

 

Baker stalling on EJ committee

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/02/25/science/massachusetts-roadmap-bill-created-an-environmental-justice-advisory-council-where-is-it/?event=event25

Wind legislation editorial by Rep Jeff Roy and House Speaker Mariano

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/03/02/opinion/offshore-wind-is-future-massachusetts/

 

Link to IPCC report page 

https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/wg2/ 

Bill McKibben article

https://billmckibben.substack.com/p/heat-pumps-for-peace-and-freedom 

Article on IPCC report in Globe

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/02/28/science/impacts-climate-change-are-worse-than-we-thought-an-unflinching-new-un-report-finds/ 

The Guardian article on the IPCC report

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/feb/28/ipcc-issues-bleakest-warning-yet-impacts-climate-breakdown

 

Court case could limit EPA

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/02/28/opinion/supreme-court-case-that-could-limit-epas-power-fight-climate-change/

 

Implication of Supreme Court EPA possible decision beyond climate….

https://www.eenews.net/articles/hill-takes-notice-as-supreme-court-mulls-epa-climate-powers/

If you have a question to raise, you can use this form -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/02/ask-franklin-matters-you-ask-question.html

 

Original Climate link

The 13 point article we talk to -> From WBUR -> “What you need to know about the new MASS Climate law” https://www.wbur.org/news/2021/03/26/new-mass-climate-law-faq

 

Mass Climate Action Network -> https://www.massclimateaction.org/recs 

 

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

 

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Deepwater Wind's turbines off Block Island, R.I., as seen in 2019.RODRIQUE NGOWI/ASSOCIATED PRESS

Massachusetts House Passes Legislation To Boost Offshore Wind Development, Reduce Carbon Emissions

In an effort to meet the Commonwealth’s climate goals of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, the House of Representatives today (03/03/2022) passed legislation to further develop the offshore wind industry in Massachusetts. The legislation will also modernize Massachusetts’ electrical grid and energy storage infrastructure, and create thousands of new jobs. 

“I’m immensely proud of the steps that the House took today to ensure Massachusetts remains at the forefront of renewable energy development,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “Not only will this legislation help us reduce our carbon emissions and combat climate change, it will also spur economic development, modernize our energy infrastructure, and create thousands of new jobs in the process. I want to thank Chairman Roy for his hard work in advancing this legislation, as its passage today was undoubtedly a critical step in the right direction.” 

“I am thrilled that today the House passed legislation crucial to the development of a strong offshore wind industry in Massachusetts,” said Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin), House Chair of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy. “Massachusetts waters have the greatest offshore wind potential out of the contiguous U.S., and this legislation will ensure that the Commonwealth is prepared to harness that energy while also creating a just and robust local economy, educational opportunities for our residents, and critical upgrades to our energy infrastructure without causing undue harm to our coastal habitats or maritime industries.”  

“An Act advancing offshore wind and clean energy” (H.4515):  (https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/H4515)

• Makes the Massachusetts offshore wind bidding process more competitive by removing a current price cap that requires bids to be less expensive than previous procurements that has deterred companies from participating in the procurement process. Future procurements would now include economic development, employment, and environmental and fisheries mitigation benefits. 
• Invests hundreds of millions of dollars over the next decade in infrastructure, innovation, job training, supply chain capacity, and transmission upgrades. The legislation consists of tax incentives, grants, loans, and other investments.  
• Requires utility companies to proactively upgrade the transmission and distribution grid to improve reliability and resilience and accommodate the anticipated significant shift to renewable forms of energy. 
• Invests in long-term energy storage to help the Commonwealth’s transition to renewable energy.
• Provides thousands of good-paying jobs with a focus on ensuring access and opportunity for everyone.  
• Creates a DESE high school offshore wind credential training pilot program through which DESE would reimburse school districts for each student that obtains the credential.

The legislation creates parity between electric and natural gas, imposing a charge for natural gas consumers to support renewable energy, similar to the charge electric customers currently pay. At a little over $1 a month for the average customer, this is estimated to collect $23 million a year over the next 10 years to support the Commonwealth’s transition to clean energy. By diversifying Massachusetts’ energy portfolio, Massachusetts will become more energy independent and less reliant on imported natural gas that is susceptible to volatile price spikes, thereby helping to stabilize ratepayer bills in the long term. 

“An Act advancing offshore wind and clean energy” (H.4515) passed the House of Representatives 144-12. It now goes to the Senate for their consideration.  

Link to the legislation -> https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/H4515

Links to coverage of this legislation:

• https://commonwealthmagazine.org/energy/offshore-wind-bill-sails-through-house/
• https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/03/02/opinion/offshore-wind-is-future-massachusetts/
• https://www.wgbh.org/news/politics/2022/03/03/house-pushes-for-massachusetts-to-become-the-center-of-u-s-wind-production
• https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/03/02/business/race-offshore-wind-jobs-mass-is-falling-behind-so-now-what/

Massachusetts House Passes Legislation To Boost Offshore Wind Development, Reduce Carbon Emissions

"The benefits of this investment will not be confined to just offshore wind"

From the Boston Globe - an editorial written by: Ronald J. Mariano, who represents the Third Norfolk District, is speaker of the Massachusetts House of Representatives. Jeffrey N. Roy represents the 10th Norfolk District and is House chair of the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy. 

"In November, voters in Maine approved a ballot measure that blocks plans to develop a transmission line to deliver hydroelectric power from Canada to Massachusetts and the rest of the region. 

Two months after that vote, Massachusetts was hit by a powerful “bomb cyclone” that brought 70-mile-per-hour gusts, more than 30 inches of snow, mass power outages, and school and business closures. It ranked among the top 10 storms with the highest snowfalls to hit the Boston area since the National Weather Service began keeping such records in the late 1800s — seven of which have occurred just within the last two decades. 

These two events, occurring in short succession, demonstrate both the perils of climate change and just how fragile that state’s existing plans are to combat it."

Continue reading the editorial online (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/03/02/opinion/offshore-wind-is-future-massachusetts/ 

Deepwater Wind's turbines off Block Island, R.I., as seen in 2019.RODRIQUE NGOWI/ASSOCIATED PRESS

CommonWealth Magazine: "New offshore wind bill drops electric bill charges"

"HOUSE LEADERS on Tuesday abandoned a proposal to hike electric ratepayer bills as they pulled together the votes needed to pass legislation offering significant financial incentives to the offshore wind industry to put down roots in Massachusetts.

“There will be other opportunities to put more money in this. We want to keep the debate about building an industry,” said House Speaker Ron Mariano. “We didn’t want this bill to get killed because of an argument over consumer electric bills.”

An earlier draft of the bill approved by the Legislature’s Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy Committee called for tripling the existing 30-cent monthly charge on electric bills to promote renewable energy and using the extra 60 cents to help fund an offshore wind investment fund. The bill also called for a new charge on natural gas bills to raise $1.50 a month to seed money to the same fund. "

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/energy/new-offshore-wind-bill-drops-new-electric-bill-charges/
 

CommonWealth Magazine: "New offshore wind bill drops electric bill charges"

Offshore wind policy draws sides and maybe progress

"A LONG-BREWING fight over state energy policy moved into the spotlight on Tuesday as key players laid out their positions in what promises to be an interesting debate over the best way to propel the state’s offshore wind industry into the future. 

The starting point is a bill filed by Gov. Charlie Baker that would steer $750 million in American Rescue Plan Act money into a fund that would invest in new energy technologies, train a new energy workforce, and change the way offshore wind procurements are run in the future."

Continue reading the article online
https://commonwealthmagazine.org/energy/offshore-wind-policy-fight-takes-center-stage/

"Governor Charlie Baker and secretary of energy and environmental affairs Kathleen Theoharides on Tuesday urged the Legislature to pass a plan to make the state more competitive in the offshore wind industry. 

The hourslong hearing before the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy was contentious: 90 witnesses, including many supporters and some naysayers, signed on."

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/01/11/science/baker-urges-state-pass-offshore-wind-investment-help-meet-climate-goals/

"THE LEGISLATURE’S energy committee approved a bill Wednesday evening that would give the state’s Clean Energy Center a major role in the development of the offshore wind industry and tap consumer electricity and natural gas bills to pay for tax credits, grants, and investments to make it happen. 

Rep. Jeffrey Roy of Franklin, the House chair of the Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy Committee, maneuvered the bill through the panel with 10 House members and one Senate member voting in support, one senator voting no, and four senators and one House member reserving their rights. Sen. Bruce Tarr of Gloucester, a Republican, was the lone no vote."

Continue reading the article online 
https://commonwealthmagazine.org/energy/sweeping-offshore-wind-bill-headed-toward-house/ 

Sen. Michael Barrett of Lexington (left) and Rep. Jeffrey Roy of Franklin, the chairs of Legislature's Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy Committee.

Conversation with Franklin's State Representative Jeff Roy - 11/23/21 (audio)

FM #669 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 669 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with our State Representative Jeffrey Roy. We had our conversation virtually via the Zoom conference bridge on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving.

We talked about: 

• Thanksgiving, time for thanks

• Wind power and renewable energy efforts

• Genocide bill, legislative terms (engrossment, enactment)

• Recycling event pilot now going state-wide

• Critical conversations on mental health substance abuse

• Civil and civic conversations for government discussions

Links to the key references are included in the show notes. The recording runs about 59 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Jeff Roy.

*** Audio file => https://player.captivate.fm/episode/e615231a-39f6-4f26-82c0-d37cd261a70c

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Wind power ground breaking event https://twitter.com/jeffroy/status/1461667359865942017

 

Commonwealth Magazine article: https://commonwealthmagazine.org/the-download/a-first-step-on-offshore-wind-2/

 

Genocide legislation text  https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/S2557

 

Genocide bill articles: Public officials, faith leaders denounce antisemitism at Holocaust memorial menorah lighting, Boston Globe (11/30/21); A bill heading to Governor Charlie Baker’s desk would require Mass. school districts to teach about genocides, Boston Globe (11/27/21); Massachusetts mandates genocide education, Armenian Weekly (11/16/21); Beacon Hill eyeing tradeoffs on offshore wind, Commonwealth Magazine (10/18/21)

 

Green Team webpage https://www.gogreenteamjunk.com/  event listing (not showing future events at this time)  https://www.gogreenteamjunk.com/events

 

Mass Save web page (sign up for energy audits, etc.)  https://www.masssave.com/

 

SAFE Coalition presentation as mentioned in the discussion (Town Council meeting of 9/15/21) ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/09/franklin-ma-town-council-meeting.html

SAFE Coalition web page -> https://www.safecoalitionma.org/home

Get Help Now! For Help Call the SAFE Support Hotline: 508-488-8105

You can listen to Danielle Allen on an episode of "More Perfect Union" https://player.captivate.fm/episode/5230abc8-a5e5-4ec6-89b3-2f1e1beeaa11

--------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

 

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

State Representative Jeff Roy