State Legislature to Consider Energy Bills this Spring
Solar is Working — The State Legislature will take up several bills concerning energy, net metering caps on solar and other issues related to state policy on energy. To support bills that promote lifting net metering caps on solar and other renewable issues sign on at (http://org.salsalabs.com/o/2155/p/dia/action3/common/public/?action_KEY=17565). For more information on Net Metering caps and specific bills see MassSolar SD1616-H2852 presentation, 4.1.15 1. Also see for talking points April2015-Phone script for solar power-2.
See Events for upcoming regional events. Also see Actions to Take for latest on DPU hearings in Boston on proposed precedent agreements between gas companies and the proposed Kinder Morgan/TGP NED project.
No Need for New Infrastructure such as Pipelines — Recently Ken Berthiaume from Orange, who is part of a team researching issues related to the proposed Kinder Morgan/TGP 36″ pipeline, shared some of his research findings with Montague residents at an NQPA public event. Much of the information is taken from ISO-New England. See The Grid, Renewables & Jobs, Leaks and More_4.23.15
Take Action now –Sign the new petition to Governor Baker now (see Actions to Take) calling for a Clean Energy future which means supporting energy efficiency and conservation, working toward 20% of electricity generation from solar sources by 2025 and mandating full implementation of the Global Warming Solutions Act. People can also continue writing to state legislators voicing your opinion and telling them to uphold Article 97 regarding protected land. See Research and Resources for more information
Note: Members of the core North Quabbin Energy group are currently working on many projects, including town energy committees, pipeline resistance, local food, and winsert-making workshops. The group is not currently meeting as a whole, but we’re working on keeping this website up to date with new developments and information. Keep an eye on new posts here if you’re interested in finding out more about any of the above issues and projects in north-central Massachusetts!