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January 9, 2008 ... During Wednesday’s formal session, Sen. Richard T. Moore, D-Uxbridge, voted for sweeping changes in the use and implementation of energy resources as the Senate passed its version of energy reform legislation.

“With the constant reminder of climate change in our gas and home heating bills, there is no question about the necessity of such sweeping legislation,” said Moore. “I commend my colleagues for making the Commonwealth a national leader in energy conservation and efficiency with this passage. There is still plenty to do, and I look forward to working with my counterparts in the House to ensure we achieve practical and sustainable energy reforms.” 

An Act to Generate Renewable Energy and Efficiency Now – the GREEN Act – promotes renewable energy resources and energy efficiency. The bill helps ease energy costs to cities and towns by allowing municipalities to construct, own, and operate small renewable energy generation sources.

The bill also promotes renewable energies by including initiatives such as updating the Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard to reach the goal of 20 percent renewable power resources by 2020. It also requires distribution companies to enter into long-term contracts for renewable energy to help renewable energy suppliers secure their place in the supply network. 

The GREEN Act establishes new energy efficiency standards by requiring distribution companies to obtain energy supplies using the most affordable method. Known as “least-cost procurement,” this change makes energy efficiency, which is two-thirds cheaper than building new power, compete favorably with new power generation. It will also help limit and reduce energy consumption.

For consumers, this reform seeks to level the playing field between utilities and ratepayers by strengthening the Attorney General’s power to act on behalf of ratepayers. 

“I expect this bill to be a principal initiative in the Senate to move forward with renewable energy resources, particularly solar and wind, as well as other forms that will help reduce rising energy costs and promote efficiency and conservation,” said Senator Michael Morrissey (D-Quincy), chairman of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy and a lead drafter of the bill.

The legislation also mandates improved quality of service from power companies operating in the Commonwealth, and increased customer awareness of competitive energy suppliers in their area. Additionally, it focuses on promoting the utilization of energy efficiency, renewable energy and other strategies for communities by establishing a “Green Communities” program. 

While the Senate and House energy bills agree on most aspects of energy reform legislation, there are differences between the two bills:

Sen. Moore was a co-sponsor of several amendments to the GREEN Act, including one which would allow homeowners who install solar domestic hot water heaters to be eligible for grants from the renewable energy trust. Sen. Moore was also a co-sponsor of an amendment to properly manage the state’s territorial waters and ensure a public voice and state oversight of future development projects. This provision, also known as the Ocean Act, includes the development of an ocean management plan to enforce environmental laws and provide safeguards for the treatment of fisheries. 

In addition, Sen. Moore was a co-sponsor of an amendment to allow income-eligible taxpayers to claim a home heating fuel deduction when filing their income taxes up to a maximum of $800. The provision would have required that the deductions be sued for the cost of home heating oil, natural gas, propane, electric and wood fuel purchased to heat the home between November 1, 2007 and March 21, 2008. While this was ultimately not included in the GREEN Act, separate legislation, of which Moore is a co-sponsor, is still pending. 

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