February 2016

Where is the cap on fossil fuels?

February 21, 2016

Recent polling has shown that more than 80% of Massachusetts residents believe that climate change is a real concern and that we need to seriously reduce our dependence on fossil fuels … so it is a truly brilliant public relations strategy by pro-utility legislators to put solar and renewables into a rationing program like Net Metering and confusing revolving door incentive programs, while fossil fueled electricity generators get away with no quotas or even any serious penalty for poisoning our environment and threatening public health.

Save the Planet - or Else

February 13, 2016

Massachusetts has been having a vigorous debate about the costs and benefits of solar power. And reasonable people can differ about the actual dollar value of those costs and benefits.

But the fundamental flaw in all the claims the utilities and AIM have been making is based on the false assumption that fossil fuel generated electricity is equivalent to renewable energy generated electricity. And that just isn't true. 

Here are a few questions - inspired by Arnold - that point out the differences. 

ELM to AIM - Stop Distorting the Truth

February 13, 2016

Rick Lord, President                                                                                           February 12, 2016
Associated Industries of Massachusetts
One Beacon Street
Boston, MA 02108

Dear Mr. Lord:

The Koch Brothers' Dirty War on Solar Power

February 12, 2016

Rolling Stone Magazine published an excellent article about The Koch Brother's Dirty War on Solar. It provides an excellent overview and summary of their tactics nationally. The article points out that both environmentalists and the Tea Party support solar. Here are a few short snippets from the complete article. 

ELM Action Fund calls out utilities in Globe ads

February 12, 2016

The Environmental League of Massachusetts Action Fund, fed up with utility efforts to negatively influence energy policy on Beacon Hill, has recently placed two ads in the Boston Globe calling out Eversource and executive Tom May.  

In an email sent to supporters yesterday, the organization says:

Ironically, Consumers Losing as Net Metering Hits the Big Time

February 11, 2016

When large corporations and their industry trade associations and investors start fighting to discredit and derail a new technology, you know that technology has reached the big time. So it is with solar.