Massachusetts Democratic lawmakers have introduced a bill that would require the state to transition to 100 percent clean, renewable energy by 2050, with an interim target of 100 percent renewable electricity by 2035. The proposal, SD.1932, is titled the 100 Percent Renewable Energy Act and is sponsored by Rep. Sean Garballey, Rep. Marjorie Decker, and Sen. Jamie Eldridge.
The bill would raise Massachusetts' renewable portfolio standard (RPS) — a policy requiring utilities to purchase a minimum share of their electricity from renewable sources — to 100 percent by 2035. The state currently mandates 1,600 megawatts of offshore wind power and is seeking to set an energy storage goal. SD.1932 also seeks to eliminate fossil fuel use from the heating and transportation sectors.
"This legislation provides a bold step by placing the Commonwealth on a path to a cleaner and more sustainable future," Garballey said in a statement. "It encourages job creation, protects and sustains our natural resources, reduces our carbon footprint and would benefit the health and well-being of our citizens in immeasurable ways."
The bill builds on the existing Massachusetts Global Warming Solutions Act, which requires the state to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050. The new measure sets a more aggressive timeline for the power sector.
Federal Contrast and Job Provisions
Supporters frame the bill as a response to federal energy policy. "As President Donald Trump takes office, this bill sends a clear message to officials in DC: Massachusetts is determined to keep moving forward on clean energy," said Ben Hellerstein, State Director for Environment Massachusetts.
SD.1932 includes a provision creating a council for clean energy workforce development. The council would identify the employment potential of the energy efficiency and renewable energy industry, the skills and training needed for workers, and make recommendations to the governor and the general court for policies to promote employment growth and access to jobs.
The bill's backers point to job growth in renewable energy. A U.S. Department of Energy report released earlier this year showed that solar energy alone provided 374,000 jobs from 2015 to 2016, more than all fossil fuels combined.
According to Garballey, the bill "signals to the country our commitment to long-term solutions in meeting the very real challenges of climate change, and lights the way for similar efforts across the nation."
Editorial Notes