Bold action is underway in New England. States throughout the region have begun weighing options for meeting clean energy goals, and everything is on the table. The goal: signing long-term contracts for renewable energy generation that will fundamentally transform where and how New England gets its power.
So far, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut are considering 51 new proposals that would contribute up to 600 megawatts of power to the region. The projects will provide cleaner power, but will also contribute beneficial side effects for local communities. New infrastructure, maintenance, and operations jobs will need to be filled, providing stable, well paying jobs for residents. Construction expenses will also pour millions of dollars into cities, and are expected to boost local economies.
Climate solutions are being implemented at every level of government, and the actions by leaders in New England illustrate how collaboration is a key to success. By developing bold action plans, city, regional and state officials can make measurable progress on climate, and simultaneously benefit their communities. Find out how you can lead in your community by checking out Path to Positive Communities!
Clean energy effort moves forward with New England proposals
By David Sharp | Associated Press via MySanAntonio | January 29, 2016
Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut have dozens of proposals to consider as they look for enough additional electricity for tens of thousands of homes to meet their clean energy goals.
All told, 51 proposals need to be vetted in coming months as the three states look to sign long-term contracts for electricity from wind turbines, dams and solar projects, said Matthew Beaton, secretary of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs.
"There's a lot of competition out there and that's exactly what we were trying to accomplish," Beaton said. "It's a very encouraging sign to see such interest."
The three states are seeking up to 600 megawatts of power, roughly the amount of electricity once produced by the now-defunct Vermont Yankee Power.
