BOSTON – Gov. Charlie D. Baker’s administration this month filed legislation to diversify the state’s energy portfolio through the procurement of cost-effective hydropower generation.
According to a statement, the legislation will increase the reliability of New England’s electricity system. It will also provide Massachusetts ratepayers with a clean, cost-competitive alternative to coal and oil generation.
Dubbed “An Act Relative to Energy Sector Compliance with the Global Warming Solutions Act,” the legislation looks to require Massachusetts utilities solicit long-term contracts for so-called clean-energy generation resources and associated transmission together with the Mass. Department of Energy Resources.
Baker said his administration remains committed to achieving the emission-reduction goals of the state’s Global Warming Solutions Act – a 25 percent reduction of emissions below 1990 levels by 2020.