Business Leaders Champion Grid-Scale and Distributed Clean Energy Policies at NECEC 2016 Massachusetts Clean Energy Day

Nearly 50 clean energy business leaders visit legislators and policymakers at the Massachusetts State House today to advocate for support for the combination of grid-scale and distributed clean energy policies to meet the Commonwealth’s energy needs, achieve its environmental goals and continue the growth of the clean energy industry at the Northeast Clean Energy Council’s (NECEC) fifth annual Massachusetts Clean Energy Day.

As part of the annual event, NECEC presented the Clean Energy Vanguard Award to Senator Benjamin Downing, Co-Chair of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications Utilities and Energy, for his leadership in advancing clean energy during his ten-year tenure as senator.

“Massachusetts has long been a leader in forward-thinking energy policy that has both spurred a vibrant local clean energy industry and has created significant economic, energy system and environmental benefits for the Commonwealth’s residents, businesses and communities,” said NECEC President Peter Rothstein. “In his tenure in the Massachusetts Senate, Senator Downing has spearheaded policies that support the continued growth of this industry, persuasively balancing the need to decarbonize our energy system, while protecting ratepayers and ensuring strong economic growth.”

"We celebrate the success of our clean energy sector, not just because it means jobs and investment in our communities, but because these companies are helping us solve climate change," said Senator Benjamin B. Downing (D – Pittsfield). "It has been a privilege to work with the companies and leaders in this sector, and I look forward to continuing to do so."

Today, NECEC released its 2016 Massachusetts Clean Energy Policy Priorities, which outlines key legislative actions to advance clean energy in Massachusetts, including:

• Facilitate Large-Scale Clean Energy Imports.
• Create a Nation-Leading Energy Storage Program.
• Enhance Clean Energy Financing Opportunities by establishing Commercial and Residential Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Programs.
• Expand the Commonwealth’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) growth rate from 1% to 2% annually.
• Extend the benefits of Energy Efficiency to Delivered Fuels.
• Continue to Work Toward Long Term Sustainable Solar Policy.  
• Support and Strengthen Massachusetts’ Nation-Leading Climate Program, the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. 

“Massachusetts is on the forefront of clean energy innovation and the Department of Energy Resources is proud to work with our partners in the industry and the legislature to continue that progress,” said DOER Commissioner Judith Judson. “The Baker-Polito Administration is committed to ensuring the Commonwealth remains a national leader in clean energy.” 

“I commend the NECEC on their years of continued efforts to advance clean energy in the Commonwealth,” said Representative Thomas A. Golden, Jr., House Chairman of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy. “Clean energy and technology has become a hub of domestic economic growth. The legislature has played a vital role in this development and our policies should continue to build upon this growth.” 

Massachusetts Clean Energy Day showcases the growing vitality of the clean energy industry and the importance of consistent policy support as a means of catalyzing the Commonwealth’s - and our region’s - economy. NECEC’s 2016 Massachusetts Clean Energy Day is sponsored by Enel Green Power North America, Inc.

About NECEC (Northeast Clean Energy Council & NECEC Institute) is the premier voice of businesses building a world-class clean energy hub in the Northeast, helping clean energy companies start, scale and succeed with our unique business, innovation and policy leadership. NECEC includes the Northeast Clean Energy Council (a nonprofit business member organization), and NECEC Institute (a nonprofit focused on industry research, innovation, policy development and communications initiatives). NECEC brings together business leaders and key stakeholders to engage in influential policy discussions and business initiatives while building connections that propel the clean energy industry forward.