Massachusetts Latest Green News!

The “green revolution” has, in many places, started on the local level with individuals and small groups. The people have realized the need for sustainability of our resources, and they are acting accordingly. Fortunately, many state governments have also taken note of the people’s concerns, and are beginning to pass legislation in support of green living and sustainable communities.
Massachusetts is one state to have recently started legislating in support of eco friendly community concepts. In 2007, the state enacted an energy reform bill that encourages energy efficiency, helps to reduce greenhouse gasses, aids in the research of sustainable energy alternatives, and helps promote the creation of green communities. This legislation is known as the Green Communities Act of 2007. Some of the highlights of this act are examined below.
The Green Communities Act promotes energy-efficiency by ensuring that utility companies purchase energy efficiency upgrades for their systems. Overall, this reduces the cost of generating power, meaning that the energy bill for customers is reduced. The act also offers incentives such as rebates for companies that commit to energy efficiency improvements. The Green Communities Act also allows companies the option to install solar panels on their customer’s rooftops. This hybridization of power generation will help reduce power costs over time.
The Act also requires that these utility companies sign contracts with firms that are developing renewable energy programs. These ten to twenty-five year contracts will help these firms in financing their new energy projects. The end result will hopefully be mutually beneficial to utility companies, alternative energy developers and energy consumers.
The Green Communities program is another facet of this legislation. This program offers incentives to towns and cities that support energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives. The program provides both financial and technical assistance to support these municipalities in their efforts to become sustainable communities.
Also, under this act the State Board of Building Regulations and Standards is required to adopt the International Energy Conservation Code. This code provides more stringent rules for builders in terms of energy efficiency, meaning all future buildings in Massachusetts will benefit from more energy efficient infrastructure.
The Green Communities Act also supports hybrid cars for Massachusetts’s citizens. In addition, it has a clause stating that at least 50 percent of the vehicles that belong to the state’s fleet will be hybrid or alternative fuel powered vehicles by 2018.
While the state of Massachusetts clearly cares about supporting sustainable communities with this bill, it remains the responsibility of every citizen to do their part to protect the environment. While it’s important for utility companies to do what they can to create more efficient power generation, individuals should also approach their lives using green thinking. There are many different ways to apply these ideas to everyday life. Even something as simple as changing the light bulbs in your home to more efficient, longer lasting versions can have a great effect over time. It’s important to remember that every little bit helps when it comes to protecting the environment.

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