Climate deniers may have taken control of the White House, but here in Massachusetts - and states across the country - residents are pushing for clean power. The Mass Power Forward coalition, which Clean Water Action helps convene, recently held a lobby day to push for clean energy like wind and solar, promote environmental justice, push back against fracked gas pipeline expansion and secure just transition at shutting power plants like Pilgrim Nuclear.
The overwhelming turnout for a January day of action just shows how eager communities are to promote a responsible, renewable energy future. With wind in the depth of winter, solar in the heat of summer and battery storage to make renewable power last in the evening and when the wind is still, renewable power can cover our power needs. Localizing our power expenditures keeps energy dollars in this region and reduces the need for large, disruptive transmission lines. Preventing an overbuild of gas infrastructure upholds our commitment to cut climate pollution - and it also protects consumers by avoiding wasteful projects like Access Northeast.
The fossil free future really can't come soon enough: just days ago, the federal government approved a key certificate for Atlantic Bridge, another Spectra Energy fracked gas infrastructure project with dangerous potential impact to public health and safety on Massachusetts' South Shore. Local activists from groups like FRRACS, member to the Mass Power Forward coalition, fought back immediately, calling on Governor Baker to use his political influence - and decision-making power over another crucial permit at the office of Coastal Zone Management - to oppose the project. Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey also weighed in at the federal level to urge reconsideration of the project.
We will continue fighting for a clean energy future - on Beacon Hill, Capitol Hill, and in the streets. Stay tuned for updates on our legislative progress, and contact our office by phone (617-338-8131) or email if you want to join our work to advance clean energy!
