Academics, experts say Massachusetts should move to 100 percent renewable energy

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Ben Hellerstein

Former State Director, Environment Massachusetts

Environment Massachusetts

Boston – Experts from universities and businesses delivered a letter to state officials today urging them to pass legislation that would commit Massachusetts to achieve 100 percent renewable energy by mid-century.

“We’re proud to stand with these experts in calling for ambitious action to address climate change and protect our families’ health from dangerous pollution,” said Ben Hellerstein, State Director for Environment Massachusetts. “Powering Massachusetts with 100 percent renewable energy is as feasible as it is necessary.”

The Legislature’s Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy held a hearing this afternoon to consider the 100% Renewable Energy Act (S.1849, H.3395), filed by Senator Jamie Eldridge (D-Acton), Representative Sean Garballey (D-Arlington), and Representative Marjorie Decker (D-Cambridge).

The 100% Renewable Energy Act would set Massachusetts on a path to obtain 100 percent of its electricity from renewable resources like solar and wind by 2035, and power other sectors, including heating and transportation, entirely with renewable energy by 2050. So far, 58 legislators have cosponsored the bill.

According to the letter, “the 100% Renewable Energy Act sets out a clear pathway towards 100 percent renewable energy, on a timeline that is achievable with support from state leaders and continued innovation in the private and public sectors.” The letter urges officials to pass the bill in order to “avoid the worst impacts of climate change, while building stronger, healthier, and more prosperous communities.”

As the letter notes, more than 40 U.S. cities and 100 global companies have committed to 100 percent renewable energy goals. Hawaii has adopted a requirement for 100 percent renewable electricity by 2045, with the state’s largest utility planning to meet that requirement five years early.

The letter is signed by 30 experts from institutions including Northeastern University, Boston University, MIT, and the University of Massachusetts.

At the hearing, Environment Massachusetts also delivered a separate letter signed by 37 environmental, civic, faith, and health organizations urging the committee’s members to report favorably on the 100% Renewable Energy Act.

Environment Massachusetts, Sierra Club, and other organizations rallied outside the State House prior to the hearing in support of the 100% Renewable Energy Act and other legislation to accelerate clean energy growth.

“Renewable energy has already made our communities stronger, healthier, and cleaner,” said Hellerstein. “It’s time to double down on our progress and commit to powering Massachusetts entirely with renewable energy.”

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Environment Massachusetts is the statewide, citizen-funded advocacy group working for a cleaner, greener, healthier future.