Massachusetts

ENN

Gas ‘peaker’ plant would make way for more renewables, Massachusetts utilities say

A proposed 55-megawatt natural gas power plant faces pushback over carbon emissions and other pollution, but backers say the affordable option for adding capacity will free up capital for clean energy investments.

By Sarah Shemkus . 20 April 2021
ENN

Commentary: Making solar incentives work for low-income Bay Staters

Massachusetts' SMART program is not currently working for many of our under-resourced neighbors, writes Vote Solar's Nathan Phelps.

By Nathan Phelps . 12 April 2021
ENN

Young urban farmer plots growth of regenerative agriculture endeavor

College student Chander Payne received a “young heroes” award for his work in delivering fresh local food to homeless shelters and schools in underserved communities in the Washington, D.C., area.

By Elizabeth McGowan . 2 April 2021
ENN

This Boston car-sharing service puts low-income drivers in electric vehicles

Good2Go’s small fleet of electric vehicles provides a clean, affordable transportation option in a neighborhood where many households cannot afford to own a car and public transit can be unreliable.

By Sarah Shemkus . 31 March 2021
ENN

Critics warn Massachusetts’ climate progress is headed for traffic jam

Climate advocates and analysts say the state will need to reduce driving if it wants to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, and that current plans focus too much on vehicle electrification.

By Sarah Shemkus . 22 March 2021
ENN

Massachusetts looks to cut emissions from its aging and iconic housing type

A recent design competition solicited ideas for retrofitting the state’s triple-decker apartment buildings, many of which still sport drafty windows, oil-burning heating systems, and little or no insulation.

By Sarah Shemkus . 9 March 2021
ENN

In New England, efforts underway to boot gas-powered cars

A panelist of transportation experts discusses the introduction of electric vehicles in southern New England and internationally.

By Grace Kelly . 8 March 2021
ENN

In Massachusetts, utility’s community solar plan leaves developers skeptical

National Grid wants to enlist developers to build enough projects to serve 20,000 low-income customers, but the industry says the arrangement benefits the utility too much.

By Sarah Shemkus . 5 March 2021
ENN

Massachusetts groups back expanded carbon tax with focus on equity

A proposal in the Massachusetts legislature would charge a carbon tax on transportation and heating fuel to fund “green dividends” and local climate projects.

By Sarah Shemkus . 2 March 2021
ENN

As wind industry goes big, this New England startup looks to shrink turbines

Skyscraper-high blades are increasingly standard on wind farms, but Pecos Wind Power thinks its small, distributed turbines will be a better fit in Vermont.

By David Thill . 1 March 2021