News Clips

WGBH Greater Boston

Days after the Merrimack Valley gas explosions, the company responsible for the gas lines around that region says it could take months to restore gas to some 8,500 affected customers.

Residents have already shared stories of standing in line for hours over the weekend as they waited to file claims for losses like medicine and food. So customers might be forgiven if they don’t have the greatest faith in this company at this point.

Jim was joined by state senator Michael Barrett, co-chair of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy, and State Senator Bruce Tarr, whose district includes North Andover and who also sits on that committee.

Watch the video here: https://bit.ly/2D8CHRw

The Bedford Citizen

State Senator Mike Barrett (D-Lexington) is in San Francisco this week to participate in the Global Climate Action Summit organized by California governor Jerry Brown and former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg.

The invitation came from organizers of the event.  Barrett, Senate chair of the state legislative committee concerned with energy issues, wrote legislation approved unanimously by the Senate earlier this year to “put a price on carbon.”  Barrett, along with many economists, contends that carbon pricing is the single most effective step a government can take to combat climate change.

Chelmsford Independent

As temperatures soared on Saturday morning, so did hearts filled with anticipation of the ribbon-cutting for the new Friendship Park at Roberts Field on June 30.

State Sen. Michael Barrett, of Lexington, calling attention to the new playground equipment’s emphasis on accessibility, said the playground represents “the cutting-edge of awareness, for people with all kinds of challenges and disabilities. You are causing us to rethink all manner of things.”

Read the Chelmsford Independent article

Mass Live

BOSTON — In passing comprehensive energy legislation Wednesday night, the Massachusetts Senate approved a “revenue-neutral” carbon fee designed to incentivize low-emissions lifestyles and business practices.

An Act Combating Climate Change, sponsored by Michael Barrett, D-Lexington, would add a “pollution charge” to fossil fuel prices and return that money in equal measure to people and businesses.

Read the Mass Live article

Washington Times

BOSTON — A state lawmaker wants to let Massachusetts residents donate to poorer countries hit hardest by climate change when they fill out their tax returns.

Sen. Mike Barrett said his bill is in part a reaction to President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw the United States from the 2015 Paris accord meant to address climate change.

The bill would add a line to state tax forms to let taxpayers make a donation over and above their regular payment.

Read the Washington Times article

Taunton Daily Gazette

BOSTON — Dozens of clean energy businesses convened at the Statehouse recently to showcase the growing vitality of the clean energy industry and to call for expanded clean energy polices during the Northeast Clean Energy Council’s seventh annual Massachusetts Clean Energy Day.

Department of Energy Resources Commissioner Judith Judson delivered the keynote address for the event, in a speaking program that included Steve Pike, CEO of the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, Melissa Kemp, Northeast Policy Director of Cypress Creek Renewables, as well as other legislative and clean energy industry leaders. Sen. Michael Barrett and Speaker Pro Tempore Patricia Haddad were honored by NECEC as 2018 Clean Energy Champions for their leadership in advancing the Commonwealth’s clean energy economy.

Throughout the day, the clean energy business community met with lawmakers to emphasize the importance of consistent policy support in catalyzing the state’s economy and ensuring the continued growth of the clean energy industry.

Read the Taunton Daily Gazette article

Bedford Minuteman

“These are personal moments, these are people who got permission from their families to go off and serve us, in horrific and terrible places, and we should never forget that,” Gov. Charlie Baker said, as he addressed the crowd Friday afternoon.

The crowd gathered at the Bedford boat ramp on Carlisle Road, for the official dedication of the bridge that spans the Concord River in the name of Pfc. John Hart and Lance Cpl. Travis Desiato, two Bedford natives who were killed while serving in Iraq.

Read the Bedford Minuteman article

Waltham News Tribune

During recent debate on the state budget, the Senate adopted several provisions offered by State Senator Mike Barrett, D-Lexington, including funding for programs in Waltham that work with vulnerable young people, homeless individuals, and families suffering from housing instability.

Read the Waltham News Tribune article

Bedford Minuteman

On Friday, May 25, two Bedford High School graduates will be memorialized when the bridge spanning the Concord River on Carlisle Road will be named after PFC John Hart and Lance Cpl. Travis Desiato, who died within 14 months of each other while serving in the armed forces in Iraq.

“The families of these two heroes will be surrounded by friends, family and their Bedford neighbors as we unveil the new name for this recently repaved bridge,” said State Rep. Ken Gordon. “The Commonwealth is proud to dedicate this lasting reminder that we stand with our troops, and honor their sacrifice.

Read the Bedford Minuteman article