NEW: Gov. Patrick Touts Mass as Global Leader in Clean Energy

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

GoLocalWorcester News Team

Massachusetts becoming a global leader in clean energy, Gov. Deval Patrick pledged. The state will lead the way in an industry that creates jobs, stabilizes costs and protects the environment, the governor said during a recent address to stakeholders at FastCap Systems in Boston.

“Four years ago, we set out to shape a new energy future to grow jobs, stabilize energy costs, and protect our environment for future generations,” Patrick said. “Today, we’re seeing results across the board with increases in wind and solar generation, advancements in energy efficiency, growth in the clean-tech sector and greater participation in Green Communities Act. Winners don’t stand still, and if we want Massachusetts to stay a winner in clean energy, there’s more for us to do.”

Clean energy employment in Massachusetts grew by 6.7 percent during 2011 and the industry expects to meet or exceed this job growth in 2012. According to the Patrick Administration, the governor’s policies and investments have created close to 115 megawatts of solar power, the equivalent of taking 9,500 cars off the road each year or producing enough electricity to power more than 18,000 homes. In the last three years alone, Massachusetts consumers have saved nearly 40 percent on their electric bills.

In his speech, Patrick announced the Obama Administration’s designation of the Massachusetts Wind Energy Area, the largest proposed offshore wind development area along the East Coast that has already attracted interest from 10 offshore wind development companies. Patrick highlighted his support for new biogas regulations to increase the state’s production of renewable energy and announced that Massachusetts is expected to reach 100 Green Communities by this summer. He also restated his support for wind-siting legislation and called on the House lawmakers to pass a Senate-approved bill that expands support for renewable and clean energy.

“I have traveled the world promoting Massachusetts,” Patrick told stakeholders. “We are known for being an innovator, a leader in defining the future. And I can tell you that everyone wants what we have. They admire us but they are not letting that stand in the way of their own ambition. From Santiago to Shanghai, from Maryland to Texas, everyone wants what we have. Thanks to the work and foresight of many of you in this room, we are well-positioned to ensure that the Commonwealth’s future is bright. That’s what this work is about. That’s what we’re trying to do here: leave our state a little better than we found it and meet our responsibility to the next generation.”