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BOSTON, Massachusetts, US, August 23, 2006
(Refocus Weekly)
Governor Mitt Romney of Massachusetts has
outlined a long-term energy plan that will manage the energy needs
of the state.
“If we do nothing, the high cost of energy will go even higher
and residents and businesses will have to pay more,” he says. “By
taking control of our energy future, we’ll save hundreds of millions
of dollars and continue growing our economy.”
Four steps are necessary to avoid billions of dollars in new
federally-mandated energy surcharges, potential issues with energy
reliability during times of temperature extremes, and a “small and
slow-growing renewable energy sector.”
Romney wants to diversify and increase the supply of energy from
biomass, hydro and wind power developments, as well as the use of
biofuels in state vehicles and buildings. A second step is to become
more energy efficient by the creation of new electricity energy
efficiency programs, as well as new rates that encourage energy
efficiency at peak times.
He will issue directives that require energy efficiency measures for
current and future state buildings, and says he supports state tax
incentives for the purchase of fuel efficient vehicles, a measure
that currently is pending in the legislature.
Doyle also proposes a reduction of utility rates on companies that
install their own on-site clean power generation capabilities, and
will make a decision this fall on proposals to expand the supply of
natural gas to address infrastructure needs. The fourth step is to
expand the emerging energy technology sector and energy research in
state research universities, and the governor wants to create new
partnerships between business and universities to speed
commercialization of these technologies to make Massachusetts a
world leader in energy technology.
“We have estimated that these four steps will save Massachusetts’
residents and businesses more than $575 million over the next ten
years,” says Romney. “The choice is clear - we can sit back and
watch costs continue to rise or we can put in place a plan that
makes Massachusetts a model for energy usage.”
He has instructed several agencies, including economic development
and environmental affairs, to immediately begin implementing the
four steps.
“The cost and reliability of energy is a major issue of economic
competitiveness for employers and impacts the state’s ability to
attract and retain employers and create jobs,” explains Christopher
Anderson of the Massachusetts High Technology Council. “The governor
has put forth a plan that has concrete actions to address our energy
needs for today and the future.”
“Massachusetts has the combination of world class research
universities, high tech innovators and entrepreneurs to develop
clean energy technologies,” adds Susan Hockfield, president of MIT.
“Businesses and consumers are taking advantage of rebates to install
solar and wind power that result in significant economic and
environmental benefits,” says Warren Leon of the Massachusetts
Renewable Energy Trust.
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