holyoke hydro.jpg

After a planned upgrade, the South Hadley Falls generator in Holyoke will have anearly 17-megawatt capacity.

(Republican File)

BOSTON -- The non-profit arm of Environment Massachusetts, an advocacy group, is recommending that the state adopt a goal of 100 percent renewable energy.

The Environment Massachusetts Research & Policy Center today released a report entitled "Renewable Communities." The report extols the efforts of towns and cities across the state which have made strides in adopting clean energy, and says 100 percent renewable energy is feasible and affordable.

"A review of seven detailed studies from academics, government agencies, and non-profits shows that there are no insurmountable technological or economic barriers to achieving 100 percent renewable energy," the report states.

Environment Massachusetts director Ben Hellerstein has been crossing the state in recent weeks, and last month made a whistle stop in Holyoke.

Holyoke uses hydropower to generate two-thirds of the city's electricity usage; Northampton is building a 3.3 megawatt solar array on its former landfill; and Palmer has retrofitted its municipal buildings to achieve savings, the report notes. Also in western Massachusetts, Pittsfield has installed a combined heat and power system at its wastewater treatment plant.

"The best ideas for clean energy often start at the local level," said Hellerstein in a press release. "To protect our communities and avoid the worst impacts of climate change, we must move as quickly as possible to expand clean energy. Local and state leaders should go all in on 100 percent renewable energy for Massachusetts."

Hellerstein issued faint praise for the energy bill approved late Sunday night by the state Legislature, noting that it requires electric utilities to contract for at least 1,600 megawatts of offshore wind by 2027.

He also criticized the measure for its shortcomings.

"The bill was silent on many other key energy issues, including solar energy, electric vehicles, and controversial gas pipeline projects," Hellerstein said. "The final legislation also omitted a proposal from Senate leaders to double the annual rate of growth of renewable energy. The bill now awaits Governor Charlie Baker's signature before becoming law."

Environment Massachusetts Research & Policy Center is an affiliate of the Environment America Research & Policy Center, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Its lobbying and advocacy arm is Environment Massachusetts, an affiliate of the nationwide Environment America.