Town’s Solar Growing Pains

Landfill photo by Diane Lederman, Republican staff.

Former Amherst Landfill Solar Project Raises Concerns
Republican Newspaper/Masslive.com
By Diane Lederman

Commentary

As most people know, Amherst, Massachusetts is a fairly unique town in many ways. Known as a very progressive town, with no lack of engaged, opinionated residents, Amherst is one of those rare towns that actually votes its own, non-binding, opinions on state and national issues, such as war and health care. It is also a community that takes to heart green and sustainable sensibilities.

The idea to use otherwise unusable land for an array of photovoltaics is not new, but it is enlightened. I have often looked at old landfills, such as the large one that can be seen driving south on Interstate 91 toward Hartford, and thought to myself, solar panels could be installed there and produce a lot of power for the city.

Having said that, the number one priority at all times is the safety of the residents of the community. The residents who have expressed concerns are right to do so. If the landfill cap were to be disturbed or damaged, any benefit to the environment made by the use of solar would be completely dwarfed by the harm done by contamination leaking out from the site.

It is wise to take an optimistic, but thorough and measured approach here and I think the town has got it right. They are investigating the impact and will alter their plan accordingly.

It would be fantastic to see other cities and towns move in this ‘outside the box thinking’ direction. Even in these difficult budgetary times, a slow and steady move toward more green and sustainable practices by our governments would benefit us all in the long run.

- Jason Burkins

Green Guide to the Massachusetts Governor’s Race

As I did prior to the Special United States Senate election in Massachusetts in January, I have put together a green election guide to the candidates for Massachusetts Governor, based on statements they have made on the issues of energy and the environment. The four candidates running are incumbent Democrat Governor Deval Patrick, Republican Charles Baker, Democrat turned-independent State Treasurer Tim Cahill and Green-Rainbow Party candidate Jill Stein. I have a personal preference in this race but I will not be endorsing any of the candidates in this space. I wanted to provide a source of information on where the candidates stand on issues surrounding Green and Sustainable principles. The information I used for this guide is from the candidates’ websites, news articles and campaign literature. Each candidate’s website is hyperlinked and you can be directed to the sites by clicking on each candidate’s name. As we all know, there is a lot at stake in this election, here in Massachusetts, and nationally, so whomever you choose to vote for, please don’t forget to vote on Tuesday, November 2!

Charles Baker, Republican For Governor

Charlie Baker “believes we have a responsibility to protect and preserve our natural resources for future generations” and believes Massachusetts “can and must be a leader in promoting strong environmental policies.”

Baker, who says he is concerned about the effects of climate change, would take a deliberate, measured approach to investing in renewable energy sources. His would be a two-pronged approach, that first focuses on getting the state’s fiscal health in order and then investing in new green technology jobs and working to reduce energy costs.

“I believe that renewable energy is an important investment in our future. Massachusetts is uniquely poised to take advantage of alternative energy sources, which have the potential to save taxpayers and businesses money on their electric bills and will reduce our dependence on foreign oil. Cutting energy costs is another way to make Massachusetts more affordable for families and businesses.”, Baker states on his website.  Baker points out that the cost of electricity in Massachusetts is double the national average. Because of the higher cost to ratepayers and businesses, Baker cautions against moving too quickly toward more costly alternatives, but sees a measured strategy where wise investments in wind, biomass, and solar power alternatives will steadily slow the reliance on fossil fuels. “The price of these energy sources can not make Massachusetts’ already uncompetitive energy picture even worse.”, Baker states.

Baker also says he is committed to strong public support for aggressive energy efficiency advocacy and Green technology. He does oppose the wind farm project off of Nantucket known as Cape Wind that has the support of incumbent Governor Patrick.

Summing up his message on the topic, Baker states, “We need a balanced approach to energy policy that includes a reliable, cost-effective portfolio of conventional and renewable energy sources. We must do whatever we can to reduce our dependence on foreign oil, and to reduce our reliance on non-renewable energy sources.”

Timothy Cahill, Independent For Governor State Treasurer Tim Cahill believes that the “green” sector of the economy could help Massachusetts move past these tough economic times, but he cautions that too much government activism in support of costly alternative solutions should lead the citizens to ask the question, “how much will it cost?” Cahill believes that market driven growth of renewable energy and government support for a diverse portfolio of alternative options is the way to go. Cahill criticizes the 2008 “Green Communities Act” filed by Governor Patrick because he believes Massachusetts taxpayers are already overburdened enough and that the Green Communities Act has tacked on hidden increases in consumers’ utility bills. He points out the significant added cost of renewable energy and claims that currently energy companies are allowed to hide the extra cost on utility bills. Cahill, referring to that extra cost to consumers, as a “Green Tax”, believes that it will cost consumers in the several millions of dollars over the next few years and continue to skyrocket in the years to come. Calling it Governor Patrick’s, “pet project”, Cahill labels the Cape Wind project a perfect example of an “irresponsible approach” to renewable energy investment. Cahill points to the estimated $2 billion to construct the project and the cost to transmit the power from the wind farm to the consumers and concludes that it will likely cost consumers close to $5 billion over what they would pay without Cape Wind.  ”The contract between National Grid and Cape Wind ultimately leaves the ratepayers footing the bill for a project that simply can’t compete with conventional energy.”, Cahill states.  He also said, “We must strive to seek common sense solutions to answer questions involving renewable energy diversification. The focus must be placed on maximizing return on investment rather than pursuing pet projects. Each taxpayer investment must be undertaken with a keen eye on total cost and total return. We should not tolerate wastefulness.” Cahill says he supports an approach that focuses on natural gas and nuclear power as alternatives to fossil fuels and says he supports the relicensing of the Pilgrim Nuclear plant in Plymouth. He accuses the Patrick Administration of dragging its feet on renewing the license while pursuing costly alternatives to nuclear power. Cahill states, “Economic and geopolitical realities suggest that nuclear energy and natural gas must be integrated into our renewable energy portfolio. We must strive to seek out solutions that provide the state with both clean and cheap energy. We cannot afford to settle for one without the other.” Deval Patrick, Incumbent Democrat Governor Governor Patrick has used his focus on energy policy and the environment as a highlight of his campaign and a way to distinguish himself from his opponents.  He points to several accomplishments, including the successful passage of the Cape Wind project. Patrick is the only candidate to support Cape Wind, which might not have won passage without the support and assistance of the governor. “We ought to drive toward a new industry in Massachusetts to become a global center around alternative and renewable energy. The technologies and the products and services, I believe if we get that right, the whole world will be our customer. We have all the capability here in terms of the concentration of brain power and venture capital and that whole innovative tradition and it is one of the reasons why I do support the wind farm in Nantucket sound.”, Patrick has said. Patrick points to exponential increases in the usage of solar and wind power in Massachusetts and his Administration’s advocacy on behalf of those alternative energy sources as an accomplishment of his first term and vows to continue to foster a friendly environment for the growth of those sources. ”Solar power is a key component of our clean energy future.” The project is, “an innovative new model to bring renewable energy–and the jobs that come with it–across the state at the lowest cost possible.” Patrick’s website states that Massachusetts has become the national leader in clean energy policy and touts the nation’s strongest laws to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Governor also claims that his energy efficiency programs will invest $2 billion over three years, and provide $6.5 billion in savings for consumers. Governor Patrick also points out his commitment to preserving the Commonwealth’s open space. In 2008, he signed an environmental bond bill that allocated over $100 million per year for the next decade toward state forests and created the largest land conservation program in the history of Massachusetts, protecting 75,000 acres of open space. Jill Stein, Green/Rainbow for Governor Dr. Jill Stein says she favors solar, wind and hydropower energy and some forms of geothermal and ocean energy as alternatives to fossil fuels. She supports wind based energy solutions in theory but says she opposes the Cape Wind project off of Nantucket Sound because of the size and cost of the project. On her website, Dr. Stein focuses a great deal on her opposition to existing and proposed bio-mass power plants, stating, “logging wood for electricity is neither clean, nor green,” and further states, “Biomass energy is not carbon neutral, contrary to the claims stemming from faulty accounting. And claims of its climate benefits have not considered the extremely short time period in which we must reduce atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations to avert climate catastrophe. The period is too short to permit forest regrowth to restore neutrality after a forest is burned.” Dr. Stein has been campaigning on a platform that includes a call to foster an attitude that promotes the economy and the environment by creating green jobs. “A jobs bonanza is there for the taking in new jobs in weatherization, conservation, energy efficiency, renewable energy, sustainable local food production, and recycling  - among other areas. And as we reduce energy costs to families and businesses, a multiplier effect takes hold,  because our dollars start circulating within the local economy rather than being sent abroad to import oil.”, Stein said. In a campaign brochure, Stein charges the Patrick Administration with promoting sham solutions for climate action and states that the Patrick climate bill, “has no firm targets or teeth.” and criticizes Patrick for initiating harmful biomass, clean coal, incineration, and sprawl projects in his first term as governor.

Bail Out Fact Fit To Boil Your Blood.

Quick Infuriating Fact to Consider:

The $85 billion that the U.S. government has spent bailing out Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac would be enough to purchase nearly 500,000 homes at the U.S. median price.

Thanks to Skip Foley of Concierge Realty Partners, LLC for passing this along from the 2010 National Association of Realtors Conference.

U.S. Senate Candidates on The Environment & Energy Policy

On Tuesday, December 8, Massachusetts voters will decide the nominees for the January 19, 2010 Special Election to succeed Senator Edward M. Kennedy. While there are many issues to consider in this election, this blog has a primary focus on real estate and Green and Sustainable living issues. Therefore I have compiled a primer on energy and the environment issues from the major candidates for the Democrat and Republican nominees.

Scott Brown (R), Wrentham, State Senator      website

I support common-sense environment policy that will help to reduce pollution and preserve our precious open spaces. I realize that without action now, future generations will be left to clean up the mess we leave. In order to reduce our dependence on foreign oil, I support reasonable and appropriate development of alternative energy sources such as wind, solar, nuclear, geothermal and improved hydroelectric facilities. I oppose a national cap and trade program because of the higher costs that families and businesses would incur.

Michael Capuano (D), Somerville, U.S. Congressman      website

Mike Capuano strongly believes that we must address climate change before it is too late. He supported the Climate Stewardship Act to create a cap and trade system and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. He supported the SAFE Climate Act, to freeze 2010 emissions at 2009 levels, gradually lowering the targets to reduce emissions below 1990 levels. Every year that we fail to take action only makes the changes required to stop global warming that much more drastic. Mike is hopeful that this year we will finally see real progress on this serious issue. The House recently passed a bill to freeze emissions at 17% below 2005 levels by 2020 and slowly reduce them to 83% of 2005 emissions by 2050. He fought to strengthen the bill by:

• Advocating for strong building code provisions so that new homes and commercial buildings are energy efficient,
• Pushing for a strong renewable electricity standard to require that a certain percentage of a power company’s portfolio came from renewable sources,
• Calling for more funding to be dedicated to green jobs.

Mike is a proponent of green jobs. Massachusetts, with its perfect mix of technology, education, and research centers stands to uniquely benefit and be a national leader in the rapidly expanding green economy. Clean technology jobs are already one of the largest sources of employment in Massachusetts and also one of its fastest growing sectors. Mike supported authorizing $125 million per year for green jobs training in the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 and joined with his colleagues in the House asking that the authorized green jobs training program be fully funded in fiscal year 2009. Mike and his colleagues succeeded in getting $500 million for green jobs training in the stimulus bill, and billions more for energy and environmental research that will directly create thousands of new green jobs.

Mike supports increasing Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) Standards. Mike believes that we must increase our efforts to produce alternative fuels, including wind energy. Because of this, he supports projects like Cape Wind. Mike has long advocated for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), fighting every year for adequate funding. This advocacy finally paid off when Congress approved $5.1 billion for the LIHEAP program in fiscal year 2009, $2 billion more than the Fiscal Year 2006 appropriation, which itself was a record amount of funding.

Martha Coakley (D), Medford, Massachusetts Attorney General     website

Martha recognizes that climate change is one of the most pressing moral issues of our time. Our planet is in trouble. Martha believes protecting our environment must be a priority, not only for today but for future generations.

As Attorney General, Martha enforced the state’s environmental laws, helped spur the clean up and redevelopment of contaminated brownfields throughout the state, and led the way nationally on landmark environmental cases.

In Washington, Martha will support policies that reduce carbon dioxide emissions and other pollution that causes climate change. She will fight to halt global warming, support legislation that creates a national market-based program to reduce global warming pollution, and promote investments in clean energy.

As Attorney General, Martha led the way nationally in challenging Bush administration policies that prevented states from proactively reducing global warming. In Massachusetts v. EPA, the Attorney General’s Office and others challenged the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s refusal to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from motor vehicles pursuant to the federal Clean Air Act. In a victory, the Supreme Court ruled that it was the responsibility of the EPA to regulate greenhouse gas emissions.

Martha also worked with the Obama administration to overturn a Bush administration regulatory action to the Endangered Species Act, which sought to relieve federal agencies and applicants for federal permits from having to consider the effects of increased greenhouse gas emissions on species and habitats under the federal Endangered Species Act.

In Washington, Martha will continue her commitment to combat global warming by supporting the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009, as well as the more recent Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act that Senator Kerry introduced. These comprehensive bills will make the United States a leader in the fight against global warming.

Martha knows that pollution from electric utilities, oil companies, large industrial sources and other entities, is responsible for most of the global warming emissions in this country. As Attorney General, Martha participated in the implementation of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). Martha supports a national cap-and-trade program that will utilize a market-based approach to control pollution. Martha believes that by providing economic incentives to industries for achieving emissions reductions, we can achieve superior environmental protection and give businesses both the flexibility and direct financial incentives they need to find faster, cheaper and more innovative ways to reduce pollution.

In Washington, Martha will support the national Global Warming Pollution Reduction Program, proposed in the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009.  Martha knows that the key to both our economic security and protecting our environment is a commitment to invest in clean energy technologies.

Martha knows that investments in cost effective energy efficiency represent the quickest and least expensive way to address the country’s growing energy demand. Energy efficiency can avoid some investment in infrastructure, can potentially lower the price of electricity in wholesale markets, can help reduce emissions of harmful gases and can offer lower total bills for those who participate in programs. As Attorney General, Martha supported the expansion of cost effective energy efficiency programs. As a member of the Commonwealth’s Energy Efficiency Advisory Council, Martha worked on groundbreaking policies aimed at saving ratepayers billions of dollars.

Martha reached a Settlement with NSTAR, the Union of Concerned Scientists and the Conservation Law Foundation for Long-Term Wind Contracts and Green Power that anchored the development of two 30 MW wind farms and provided an option for NSTAR’s customers to purchase renewable power for a portion or all of the energy portion of their bill.

Martha reached a Settlement with Western Massachusetts Electric Company for the development of the Commonwealth’s first utility grade solar project in the state that will result in the development of 6MW of solar power, developed at the least cost, in Western Massachusetts.

Alan Khazei (D), Brookline, Non Profit Executive   website

Alan Khazei’s Plan to Create Clean Energy Jobs & Stop Climate Change

Confront the crisis. Seize the opportunity. Create Jobs.

Solving the crisis of climate change provides an opportunity for a new clean energy jobs revolution. America’s dependence on fossil fuels poisons our environment, weakens our economy, and undermines our national security, but also presents opportunities to create new businesses through clean energy solutions, which have the potential to create millions of jobs for Americans. Massachusetts is a pioneer in cutting-edge science and technology, and we can create high-skill, high-paying jobs that help preserve our environment while growing our economy.

A Summary of Alan’s 6-Point Plan:

1. CREATE CLEAN ENERGY JOBS: Pass clean energy legislation now, put a price on carbon pollution, commit to a reduction in C02 emissions, create clean energy jobs and promote energy efficiency.

2. INVEST IN RENEWABLES: Support the development of clean renewable energy technologies, including Cape Wind and technology neutral biofuels.

3. TRIPLE R&D: Triple US investment in energy research to $15 billion a year and allow citizens to invest in Clean Energy Independence Bonds.

4. CLOSE THE COMMERCIALIZATION GAP: Create a Clean Energy Institute to accelerate the commercialization of new energy technologies from the research lab to new industries, businesses and jobs.

5. IMPROVE EFFICIENCY: Promote and reward energy efficiency through education, incentives and public-private partnerships.

6. END BIG OIL SUBSIDIES: Pay for these investments to retake America’s lead in the clean energy revolution through reducing fossil fuel subsidies, rebalancing federal R&D spending, carbon permit revenues and returns from clean energy co-investments.

Steve Pagliuca (D), Weston, Venture Capitalist/part owner of Boston Celtics   website

We must continue to invest in clean, renewable energy and set an example to the rest of the world. Right now, the US is second only to China in greenhouse gas emissions – this has to change. I am proud of our efforts in Massachusetts to make us a more energy responsible state, and I support Governor Patrick’s programs such as the Green Communities Act.

Massachusetts: A Leader in Energy Policy

Massachusetts is a leader in energy policy. We rank 48th in per capita energy consumption and derive 30% of our energy from renewable and alternative sources like hydro, nuclear and wind.

In addition, Massachusetts is also an industry leader in clean technologies. We need to continue to invest in clean technology in order to protect our environment, reduce our dependence on foreign oil, and spur growth in our economy.

Investing in Clean Technology

I strongly believe that our continued investment in clean energy technologies will create jobs in Massachusetts, help reduce our reliance on coal and lower our energy costs. Massachusetts is uniquely suited to benefit from federal efforts to spur growth in this sector of our economy. I support Congressman Markey’s bill because I believe that it is a positive step forward towards energy independence. In addition, I support Cape Wind – potentially America’s first offshore wind farm.

Energy and Environment

I support common-sense environment policy that will help to reduce pollution and preserve our precious open spaces. I realize that without action now, future generations will be left to clean up the mess we leave. In order to reduce our dependence on foreign oil, I support reasonable and appropriate development of alternative energy sources such as wind, solar, nuclear, geothermal and improved hydroelectric facilities. I oppose a national cap and trade program because of the higher costs that families and businesses would incur.

Jack E. Robinson (R), Duxbury, Businessman     website

GOAL: Cleaner & greener environment with lower energy costs. The Environment can’t ruin our Economy, but the Economy shouldn’t ruin the Environment.

 

• Promote renewable and sustainable energy sources like nuclear, wind and solar. Support Cape Wind.
• Oppose “Cap-and-Tax” proposals, but support goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 20% by 2020.
• Kerry-Boxer Senate “Cap & Tax” Bill needs to be reworked. Add to Kerry-Boxer bill an additional credit mechanism where for every one ton of carbon emissions released into the atmosphere, a polluter must invest in new clean/green projects that will remove four tons of carbon from the air by 2020 (4:1 removal ratio).