Governor Deval Patrick joined Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rick Sullivan and others to celebrate the five year anniversary of four key energy and environment initiatives in the Commonwealth.
“I am proud of the work we have done together to make Massachusetts a leader in the clean energy revolution,” said Governor Patrick. “But we understand that now more than ever we cannot leave our future to chance. We will continue this work because it is our responsibility to leave a cleaner and healthier Commonwealth for the next generation.”
Governor Patrick highlighted key successes from the Green Communities Act (GCA), the Global Warming Solutions Act (GWSA), the Green Jobs Act (GJA) and the Massachusetts Oceans Act over the last five years, ranging from 11 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions to an 11 percent increase in clean energy jobs from 2011 to 2012.
“Governor Patrick’s leadership has made the Commonwealth a national leader in clean energy,” said Secretary Sullivan. “Today, we are more energy independent, our natural resources are better protected and we have fostered a thriving, innovative clean energy economy in the Commonwealth.”
In 2012, Massachusetts installed more solar and wind energy systems than every other year combined. The Commonwealth now has 281 megawatts of solar capacity installed, surpassing the Patrick Administration’s goal of 250 MW by 2017 – four years ahead of schedule.
Massachusetts now invests more in energy efficiency than any other state in the nation, earning the Commonwealth the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy’s No. 1 ranking two years running.
Many of these investments are happening at the local level, as municipalities, businesses and individuals adopt energy efficiency and renewable energy solutions to reduce energy costs. Today, the Commonwealth is home to 110 cities and towns who have risen to the challenge and met five clean energy criteria – earning them the Green Communities Designation.
The Commonwealth is also poised to be home to the nation’s first offshore wind farm – Cape Wind. The Patrick Administration has invested in infrastructure, like the New Bedford Marine Terminal, to make Massachusetts a hub for this emerging industry.
Governor Patrick highlighted that, while Massachusetts leads the nation in several areas of clean energy and energy efficiency, there is still more work to do to protect environment for this generation and the next. The Patrick Administration will continue to work to make gains in solar energy, water innovation and climate change adaptation. The Department of Energy Resources (DOER) is currently developing policies to reach the Governor’s new goal of 1,600 Megawatts of solar electricity capacity by 2020. In addition, a new Solar Carve-Out Program will provide economic support to maintain and expand solar installations and policy mechanisms that control ratepayers’ costs.
Press release, July 25, 2013; Image: devalpatrick