CRES applauds Governor Charlie Baker for his consistent leadership in advancing bipartisan energy and conservation policies that protect our environment and strengthen the Massachusetts economy. In his first term alone, Governor Baker has built an impressive record of leadership on key energy efficiency initiatives.
As a co-signer of the Governor’s Accord for a New Energy Future, Governor Baker worked with a bipartisan group of 17 governors to promote clean energy reforms that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy waste. In April, Governor Baker signed a bipartisan bill, An Act Relative to Solar Energy, to create a long-term plan for sustainable solar development, expand the Commonwealth’s solar industry, and make progress to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the state.
On signing the solar legislation Governor Baker said, “This legislation builds upon the continued success of the Commonwealth’s solar industry and ensures a viable, sustainable and affordable solar market at a lower cost to ratepayers. As our administration continues its balanced approach to diversifying Massachusetts’ energy portfolio, solar development will be an integral component of our state’s clean energy future and we look forward to collaborating with the legislature on an omnibus energy bill that includes cost-effective, hydropower generation.”
Just last week, Governor Baker signed legislation that requires utilities to solicit long-term contracts from offshore wind farm developers to bring at least 1,600 megawatts of wind energy to Massachusetts in the next 10 years into law. Watch the press conference here.
Governor Baker should be commended for his strong and consistent leadership on legislation that is delivering market-based clean energy solutions that are good for both the economy and the environment in Massachusetts. His decisive action on initiatives that support clean energy and conservation should serve as an example for policymakers across America.