Governor Baker Fails The Energy Test Again

Governor Baker Fails the Energy Test Again

Boston, MA - The Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) today announced it plans to continue attempts to pursue foreign hydroelectric power, as a part of the state’s ongoing efforts to reduce carbon pollution by 80 percent of 1990 levels by 2050. However, advocates contend that relying on Canadian hydroelectric power will do nothing to meet the state’s climate goals and stunts investment in local manufacturing, energy generation and innovation.

At the end of January, Governor Baker proposed contracts with Canadian based hydroelectric power, dubbed the Northern Pass project, which would have imported hydropower from Canada, instead of prioritizing local job-creating solar and wind energy projects. New Hampshire officials quickly rejected the project due to its environmental impacts and the devastation these projects have caused to the indigenous Pessamit Innu and others who depend on the rivers for their way of life.

In response, Mark Kresowik Eastern Region Deputy Director of the Sierra Club issued the following statement:

“Massachusetts families and businesses want more jobs, stable energy costs, and a healthy climate - this plan provides for none of those things. The administration has decided to double down on a bad deal by opting to ship more of our energy dollars out of the country to purchase destructive Canadian hydro. By sending our money out of the country not only does this plan fail to reduce carbon pollution, it robs the citizens of Massachusetts of good paying jobs, clean energy and new opportunities for economic innovation. We urge the Governor to focus on new wind or solar projects that can reduce carbon pollution, create more jobs and economic benefits for our region without unnecessary negative consequences for the  environment.”