Access to electricity in our homes is a modern marvel. As recently as the 1950s, many parts of rural America lacked access to electricity. Today, with the flick of a switch we can illuminate a dinner table, cool our living spaces, pump water, turn our living rooms into entertainment centers, and much more. But, this ready access to electricity comes at a cost. Much of the electricity we use in our homes comes from energy sources that harm our health and our environment.
Over the coming weeks, as a select group of Massachusetts legislators considers and reconciles components of the House and Senate versions of energy affordability bills that passed this session (H.5175/S.3166), I hope that they pay special attention to four key provisions that promise to advance clean, safe and renewable energy, thereby protecting our environment and improving the health of Bay State residents and beyond.
Increase solar power
As technology has improved, today solar panels can harness the rays of the sun more efficiently and effectively than ever before. One particularly valuable place to site solar panels is on rooftops, where they help reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, ease the strain on the grid during periods of high demand, increase our resilience to threats like extreme weather, and limit the amount of land we need to commit to clean energy. Senators are considering important elements including — smart solar permitting, remote inspections, and streamlining utility-interconnection of rooftop solar — that if implemented promise to make it easier, faster and cheaper for families that want to put solar panels on the roof of their home to do so.
Value energy efficiency
When it comes to the energy we use to power our lives, no one wants to pay more than they have to. We want to be able to turn on a light, adjust the thermostat and scramble our eggs over a just-the-right-heat stove. We don’t want to pay an arm and a leg for the privilege, either.
But are there things we should be willing to pay more for? Should we pay more for programs that promote energy conservation, energy efficiency and renewable energy? Even if we don’t benefit directly or immediately? I believe the answer to that question is yes, because a cleaner environment, a healthier quality of life and a better world for our children and grandchildren are worth it.
As the different aspects of the energy bills get considered, lawmakers may revisit a proposal to cut $1 billion from MASS Save, the ratepayer funded program that helps households and businesses reduce energy use through weatherization, energy-efficient products and tools, and the purchase and installation of clean energy appliances like electric heat pumps. Especially given the energy challenges expected this winter with skyrocketing home heating oil costs, Massachusetts should commit to energy efficiency not shortchange it.
Phase out ineffective, unsafe and wasteful energy programs
While it makes sense to invest in programs that improve our lives, it definitely doesn’t make sense to spend money creating a future that harms our health and the environment. Unfortunately, that’s happening right now in the Bay State. Today, gas utility customers fund the Massachusetts’ Gas System Enhancement Program (GSEP). This program was launched in 2014 under the guise of improving safety by incentivizing gas companies to address leaking “at-risk” pipes. Not only has the program misallocated resources and undermined public safety, its very existence is unnecessary and counterproductive in the sense that it locks Massachusetts into paying for polluting fossil fuel infrastructure far into the future. That runs contrary to the imperative to transition to safer, cleaner energy to heat our homes. Lawmakers should phase out the GSEP program by 2030.
Don’t ease the way for nuclear power
In recent years, the public conversation on the role of nuclear power has reopened. From my perspective, we should slam it back shut because there are cleaner, safer and cheaper options to power our lives than nuclear. In 1982, Massachusetts voters overwhelmingly approved a ballot initiative that gives voters the right to approve building new nuclear power stations or radioactive waste facilities in the state. Lawmakers should not roll back that law. Massachusetts has no business promoting nuclear power when the state is flush with energy options that are better for people and the planet.
Our legislators have until the end of the year to work out a compromise and pass a final energy bill. As they work through that process, I hope they embrace the opportunity to advance clean, safe, renewable energy and build a greener healthier world where nature and people can thrive.
Johanna Neumann of Amherst has spent the past two decades working to protect our air, water and open spaces, defend consumers in the marketplace and advance a more sustainable economy and democratic society. She can be reached at columnists@gazettenet.com.