Clean energy group: Governors' races critical
This year’s elections for governor in all six New England states will be key in the direction of the region’s clean energy industry, according to a report released last week by an industry group.
The report by the New England Clean Energy Council (NECEC) and NECEC Institute, “Empowering New England with Clean Energy,” outlines critical clean energy policies the next governors should support to ensure the industry continues to grow.
“Clean energy innovation, company and job growth have mirrored many aspects of other innovation sectors over the last decade, including high tech and life sciences, and have become a vital part of the New England economy,” NECEC President Peter Rothstein said in a statement. “Clear and consistent policy from the region’s next governors stands to create tens of thousands of new jobs in this sector, while ensuring New England continues to accelerate the transition to a reliable, cost-effective clean energy system to spur economic growth in all parts of the regional economy.”
All six states will hold elections for governor in November, with two incumbents, Deval Patrick, a Democrat, and independent Lincoln Chafee of Rhode Island, not seeking reelection.
The report lays out policy recommendations for the next governors for renewable energy, energy efficiency, innovation and regional competitiveness, the 21st Century electricity system and carbon reduction. Among the policies recommended, NECEC calls for the next administrations to:
- Expand each state’s Renewable Portfolio Standard and energy demand reduction goals through 2025;
- Support state programs to fund clean energy research, early-stage companies and demonstration projects for new technologies;
- Commit to advancing the modernization of the electricity system; and
- Expand the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) through the year 2030 to continue the region’s cost-effective leadership on climate mitigation.
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