10 Local Chambers Call on MA Lawmakers to Boost Commitment to Renewable Energy—Citing Economic Benefits

Rick Kidder of the SouthCoast Chamber

Ten local chamber leaders recently called on state lawmakers to increase the Commonwealth's commitment to clean energy--saying it will send a positive market signal for investments. And their message is being heard in the media.

Read more in The Worcester Telegram

Read more in The Herald News

In a letter to MA House Speaker Robert DeLeo and Senate President Harriette Chandler, chamber leaders wrote:

"Not only will an increase in renewable energy diversify our energy mix which will help make our businesses more resilient to extreme weather and less vulnerable to electricity price hikes, but it will also send the right market signal to clean energy industries, such as solar, energy storage, and offshore wind, that the Commonwealth is the place to invest."

The Senate unanimously passed a bill on June 14 to increase renewable energy in the Commonwealth--putting it on a path to 100% renewable energy by 2047, creating a long-term incentive for solar, and bringing more offshore wind and energy storage capacity to MA. The House also recently advanced four clean energy bills. With the legislative session set to end later this month, it is not yet clear if one or more of these bills will make it to Conference Committee and be sent to Gov. Baker to sign. CICE will keep you posted.

The chamber letter to state lawmakers was signed by Jeannie Hebert of the Blackstone Valley Chamber, Kimberly Coroa Moniz of the Bristol County Chamber, Ken Riehl of the Cape Ann Chamber, Wendy Northcross of the Cape Cod Chamber, Marie Oliva of the Cape Cod Canal Region Chamber, Chris Cooney of the Metro South Chamber, Thomas O'Rourke of the Neponset Valley Chamber, Noelle Pina of the Orleans Chamber, Rick Kidder of the SouthCoast Chamber, and Jack Lank of the United Regional Chamber.