A hallmark of the Patrick Administration has been its emphasis on reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and incentivizing renewable energy. Although these policies have been included in a myriad of laws and regulations, the centerpiece for many of them is the Global Warming Solutions Act (GWSA) enacted in 2008. The GWSA sets goals for emission levels, including a 25% reduction of GHGs below the 1990 level no later than 2020. A GWSA Dashboard was established to track the progress of meeting this goal.
A recently published study by the Environmental League of Mass. (ELM), "The Mass. Clean Energy and Climate Scorecard," questions whether Mass. can reach the GWSA goals by 2020, given its progress to date. In addition to tracking the progress, ELM enunciates several action points to expedite the 2020 goal. ELM sees the Commonwealth 5% behind where it should be to meet the 25% reduction goal by the articulated deadline. To get there ELM recommends intensified efforts that are promoted by government agencies, including more regulatory flexibility, zoning reform, incentives to utilize alternative energy, and promotion of energy savings and efficiencies in the development community. Consequently, every existing, new and renovated development can benefit from savings while contributing to the reduction of GHGs.
Finally, a shout out to Kenneth Kimmell, retiring Commissioner of the Mass. Department of Environmental Protection, for his leadership and understanding of the environmental issues, and for balancing the public's health and welfare with realistic business goals. Best of luck Ken!
Susan Bernstein is an attorney at law, Needham, Mass.