Charlie outlined his energy vision, a blueprint for his administration’s efforts to proactively protect Massachusetts families and businesses from high energy costs; protect communities from the dangers of climate change; and support a 
growing clean energy sector that creates jobs and economic prosperity for the Commonwealth. Charlie’s pledge to make Massachusetts both green and affordable comes on the heels of a Boston Globe report outlining serious deficiencies in Massachusetts’ current energy policies and planning, and news that ratepayers will be hit with 37% increases in electricity costs.
“The Attorney General is part of the Beacon Hill crowd that did nothing and said nothing about increasing our energy supply so our residents and businesses would be protected from the energy price spikes we’re now experiencing,” said Charlie. “The need for additional clean, affordable energy has been apparent for several years as the state has taken several older power plants offline. The Attorney General has been largely absent from the conversation about the need to increase our energy supply even though she’s the state’s ratepayer advocate.”
“Massachusetts needs real leadership on energy policy to balance long-term objectives with the realities at our doorstep, in order to protect families on a budget, our economic prosperity and the next generation,” said Charlie. “As Governor, I will pursue a balanced approach that continues growing the clean technology sector, increases efficiency and diversifies our energy portfolio to deliver affordable energy to our businesses and families.”
Charlie’s Energy Vision:
Over the next 5-10 years, Massachusetts will be confronted by a tough set of decisions regarding the sources of energy that power and heat our homes and businesses.
Many of the region’s coal and oil-fired power plants are no longer viable. As they retire in the coming years, we will be forced to reshape our energy mix for the future. This represents both an opportunity and a challenge: We must encourage greater use of clean, renewable energy sources, while protecting homeowners and businesses from high energy costs and extreme price fluctuations.
Massachusetts needs reasonably-priced energy so that energy costs for homeowners and businesses are truly affordable.
We need clean energy to ensure that the health of every Massachusetts citizen is protected.
Charlie refuses to believe that the Commonwealth cannot achieve both of these objectives in parallel. As Governor, he will pursue a balanced approach that includes natural gas, wind, solar, and hydroelectric generation.
Another critical component of Charlie’s energy strategy must be the aggressive pursuit of energy efficiency. As Governor, Charlie will work to maintain Massachusetts’ position as the number one state in the nation for energy efficiency.
Clean Energy Innovation
Massachusetts has long been a technology leader. For decades, we have been a critical center for the creation of new companies and new technologies that have fueled our country’s growth and enhanced the standard of living we all enjoy.
The clean energy sector in Massachusetts has a clear opportunity to leverage the extensive innovation assets of the Commonwealth and emerge as a leading provider of clean energy solutions to the global marketplace. As Governor, Charlie will strongly encourage this sector, using programs and market signals to remove obstacles and drive accelerated growth.
Like the software boom of the 90s and the biotech boom that continues to provide thousands of new jobs each year to Massachusetts workers, the clean energy sector can become a powerful engine of economic growth as both Massachusetts and the nation transforms its energy infrastructure in the years to come.
Climate Change
Our climate is changing, and Massachusetts will not be spared as we encounter more powerful storms, higher temperatures and rising sea levels that threaten our coastline. Climate change represents a real threat to our communities and our economy, and Charlie believes we must lead by example to reduce our emissions.
In response to this threat, a Baker administration will act on several fronts:
• First, Charlie will work to provide market-based incentives for the further reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and work to harvest energy savings wherever and whenever possible.
• Next, Charlie will support modernization of our regional electrical grid so that we are prepared to leverage new technology solutions and strengthen the grid’s resistance to violent storms and flooding.
• Third, Charlie will drive the development of adaptation plans for our cities, our forests and our coastlines, so that the impacts of a changing climate are minimized.
