You know how our State Senate is the more progressive of the Houses? Did you know that today in passing their version of the energy bill, they really made good on that? The clean energy/climate folks are really happy with this thing.
There are some heroes to celebrate: Pat Jehlen, whose amendment to prohibit the Baker-approved “pipeline tax” (the Spectra surcharge) passed 39-0. Energy chair Ben Downing, for getting a strong, ambitious 2000MW offshore wind procurement. Jamie Eldridge, who added the gas leak amendment, identical to Lori Ehrlich’s in the House bill. There are more!
The smashing victory of Jehlen’s amendment leads Commonwealth’s Bruce Mohl to ponder:
What is clear is that natural gas is in retreat on Beacon Hill. Not even the Baker administration is talking up pipelines anymore.
Because they’re not popular. And the Governor has to decide if gas pipelines are how he wants to burn his political capital.
Well done Senators … and stand strong when you meet with the House.
joeltpatterson says
on the Thursday after Labor Day, in the Primary.