New report: 100% renewable energy is doable

Environment Massachusetts

Boston – Massachusetts can transition to a future powered entirely by clean and renewable energy, according to a report released today by Environment Massachusetts.

“The message of this report could not be any clearer: 100% renewable energy is doable for Massachusetts,” said Peter Schneider, Clean Energy Organizer for Environment Massachusetts and one of the authors of the report. “A cleaner, healthier, and safer future is within reach, if legislators take action before the session ends on July 31.”

The report, 100% Renewable is Doable, describes the resources, technologies, and ideas that will help power Massachusetts with 100% renewable energy. Some of the key facts featured in the report include:

• Rooftop solar panels could provide up to 47% of Massachusetts’ electricity, and the potential to generate electricity from ground-mounted solar installations is even greater.
• Offshore wind could generate 19 times as much electricity as Massachusetts uses each year.
• We can reduce energy consumption by about 50% nationwide by 2050 through energy efficiency and conservation.
• Electric vehicles, air source heat pumps, and other clean transportation and heating technologies have become much more efficient, affordable, and commonplace.

The report comes as legislative leaders consider whether to pass the 100% Renewable Energy Act (H.2836), filed by Rep. Marjorie Decker and Rep. Sean Garballey. This bill would transition Massachusetts to 100% renewable electricity by 2035 and 100% renewable energy for heating and transportation by 2045.

A majority of members of the House of Representatives have endorsed the Decker/Garballey 100% Renewable Energy Act. The Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy must make a decision on the bill by July 22, and the legislative session is scheduled to end on July 31.

A broad coalition supports the Decker/Garballey 100% Renewable Energy Act, including:

• More than 50 environmental and civic organizations
• More than 150 city and town officials
• Health professionals
• Clean energy industry leaders
• Mass Power Forward, a statewide coalition of environmental and environmental justice organizations

As described in the report, 13 states and territories have committed to 100% renewable or carbon-free electricity so far, along with 179 cities and counties. Many of these jurisdictions are also taking a close look at how to power heating and transportation with 100% renewable energy.

“We can power our lives without polluting our air and water,” said Ben Hellerstein, State Director for Environment Massachusetts and one of the authors of the report. “We’re asking Speaker Bob DeLeo to be a 100% renewable energy hero by bringing this bill up for a vote.”