Boston Globe
Offshore wind is coming through, delivering onshore jobs and clean power, despite topsy-turvy business conditions in the short term. Smart to stay the course and stick to the plan.
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I.R.S. to Crack Down on Corporate Jet Users Who Abuse Tax Code
New York Times
Developers of hangars out at Hanscom for super-polluting private jets for the super-rich, the IRS is dinging your business model. Massport, please get your head out of the bucket of money it’s buried in, and realize you’re morally tainted:
Weston student wins major STEM award
Johan Coisman of Weston was just named a National STEM Challenge Champion. The 12-year-old was recognized for his research on fighting climate change. His winning idea centers on the concept of making clouds more reflective by changing the size and salinity of water droplets. If you’ve tuned into CBS News recently, you may have seen him demonstrate his project. Congrats Johan!
Local students and National Stem champs show off award-winning experiment
Massachusetts should ban third-party electric suppliers
Boston Globe
Customers typically have three options: stay on their utility’s basic service plan; opt into a municipal aggregation program if their town buys energy for its residents in bulk; or buy from third-party energy suppliers. One problem: Customers who sign up for third-party suppliers routinely get a bad deal. An Attorney General report found that from 2015-2021, third-party retailers overcharged customers by $525 million. Smart commentary by Attorney General Andrea Campbell and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu:
State boosting EV charging with another $50 million
Boston Globe
These initiatives tackle huge issues, like the convenience of charging for condo and apartment dwellers, the greening of Uber and Lyft, the task of keeping chargers in good working order, and the electrification of heavy-duty trucks. Ambitious stuff.
Boston’s Seaport has a big problem: climate change
Climate change poses a major risk to Boston’s Seaport district — a neighborhood acutely vulnerable to rising sea levels and intensifying storms. David Abel’s film “Inundation District” — which he screened at the State House — is an in-depth look at the issue. A terrific, as well as alarming, film that puts the climate crisis in perspective.
Addressing the housing shortage
The housing shortage is on everyone’s mind — and it’s a tough nut to crack. In Lexington, I joined legislative colleagues and concerned citizens to discuss possible solutions. The gov’s housing bond bill is a solid start. Shoutout to the Greater Boston Interfaith Organization for hosting and driving such a huge turnout.
Bracing for the costs of climate change
From 2011-2019, there were an average of four U.S. climate disasters per year, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. In 2023, there were 28. At a hearing on the costs and consequences of climate change, emergency planners spoke about the steps we’re taking to brace for extreme weather events as they become more frequent. Example: We’ve added hundreds of natural disaster responses to our climate adaptation plan. Hats off to Sen. Pacheco for chairing.
Senate passes bill to address wheelchair repairs that can drag on for months
Boston Globe
People who use wheelchairs often face a months-long delay for basic repairs. The State Senate just passed legislation to address it. The bill requires all wheelchairs to come with two-year warranties and cuts the insurance approval process for expired warranty repairs under $1,000. Another crucial piece: Dealers must provide a loaner chair — or reimbursement for one — for most wheelchair repairs within four business days. Props to Senator Cronin for leading on this.
State charts a new energy future for Mass., beyond natural gas
Boston Globe
Wednesday’s order may have felt like an especially big win for climate advocates, considering how far things have moved, and how quickly. After the proceeding began three years ago, the DPU asked the gas companies to lead the first phase of the process, giving them the ability to write the first draft of a plan for reaching net-zero emissions in 2050. What’s more, advocates said they were shut out of the deliberations after the DPU under Baker took steps to limit their involvement.
Then in 2022, the playing field shifted. Healey was elected governor, and the DPU was filled with her appointees who could rewrite the rules of the game. A bill signed into law earlier in 2022 included language that ensured the ultimate decision would be wrested from the Baker DPU, and handled instead by Healey’s administration.
“Carrying this over to the new governor’s regime was putting it on uncharted ground,” said state Senator Michael Barrett, a coauthor of the 2022 climate bill. “If you’re a gas utility, I think they had every reason to be concerned and this report would bear that out.”