While the US Congress is largely deadlocked on energy policy and do-nothing on climate change, states are moving ahead. Energy efficiency experts at the Alliance to Save Energy recently graded state governments on their efforts to conserve energy and Massachusetts came out on top, reports Steve Young at Living on Earth. The state uses less energy per person thanks to smart policy and big investments in programs to save energy. Energy efficiency has been a priority for Massachusetts’s governors present and past, such as Mitt Romney, who is now pro fossil fuel, and has flip-flopped on global warming, an issue he previously took seriously. Current governor Deval Patrick notes the importance of making big decisions now that will affect the well-being of a generation. Massachusetts has an ambitious target for 2020: to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 25% below 1990 levels, and by midcentury 80%. Patrick’s administration supports clean energy development, including large-scale offshore wind, and, importantly, energy efficiency. The state’s pragmatic approach shows it’s possible to grow an economy and shrink emissions. Ultimately, one former state energy official says, business will drive our national energy future.
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Massachusetts Leads in Energy Efficiency, says the Alliance for Clean Energy, reports Steve Young at Living on Earth. The Bay State is using less energy per person thanks to smart policy and big investments in programs to save energy. Way to go, Big M! http://www.loe.org/shows/segments.html?programID=12-P13-00034&segmentID=2
