Issue Position: Energy

Issue Position

I WILL WORK TO REFORM NET METERING

Right now, if a house generates more electricity than it uses, it gets credits that it can exchange for electricity later. I will work to reform net metering so that electric companies actually pay for this electricity, and homeowners are able to fully redeem the benefits of their electricity generation, not just be given credits.

WE MUST COMPLETE OUR TRANSITION TO RENEWABLE ENERGY

Massachusetts needs to aim to be fully powered by renewables by 2050. Our legislature has committed to 100% green energy and requiring utilities to continuously increase renewable energy targets by 3% each year until reaching a 100% renewable energy target by 2047. This shows that our State recognizes the critical importance of helping the environment by developing the green energy industry. But even though Massachusetts is second in the nation for solar, there was a 20% decrease in solar jobs in 2017, which translates into over 3,000 lost jobs. I will push for properly sited solar and off-shore wind, lifting the net metering cap, and creating microgrids to increase the number of jobs in clean energy. I will also work to establish Green Banks that will finance projects that create jobs while protecting both our environment and our children.

I support the recently passed Senate Bill S. 2545 (An Act to promote a clean energy future), which advances these goals, and also sets new 2030 and 2040 greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets, which are needed to ensure that Massachusetts reaches its existing goal of 80% reductions by 2050.

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