RPS Rally 9/19/17

   Note: RPS = (Renewable Portfolio Standard)

   On Tuesday, September 19, I attended a rally for the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS). I learned about the event from an organizer at 350 Mass.org, Andy Gordon. I am a member of 350 Northshore. My plan was to go to the hearings for House bill 2700 on RPS and the $15 per hour wage. I thought this would be a good way to show my support and maybe interview people. I never got into either hearing because the rooms were too small. There must have been over 150 people there for each meeting. Many people were in the hallway talking.

   In case you are wondering, the Renewable Portfolio Standard requires utility companies to buy electricity from clean energy at a steadily increasing amount. Right now, that total increases by 1% every year. To ensure that the state gets to 100% renewable energy by 2050, the rate of increase must change to 3% increase every year.

   At 11:45 AM about 100 people from over a dozen groups gathered for a group photo on the State House steps. (See picture) Before and after the photo was taken, I interviewed people from around the state.

   On the $15 per hour wage increase, I spoke with the co-owner of Fresh Food Generation in Dorchester, Jason Renshaw. He supports the $15 dollar hourly wage because he needs workers who can work hard and solve problems. A living wage will help make that a reality.

  The rest of the time, I spent talking with people about RPS, the Renewable Portfolio Standard. Stephen Malagodi, from Lowell 350.org, wanted to see more than a 3% increase per year. Originally, from Miami, he has seen first hand how the climate is changing and the damage it is causing.

   Lucy Robinson, a member of Climate Action Now, would like the state retirement funds to reduce their investment in fossil fuels. Connie Gurfinkle, a Hull member of 350.org, said a rally is a good way to show support.

   Emily Norton, Sierra Club, Massachusetts Chapter Director, would like to see 50% renewables by 2030. New York, Connecticut and Rhode Island are making good progress. As State Director for Environment Massachusetts, Ben Hellerstein, supports persistent efforts.

   Andy Bean from Community Choice Energy for Boston, likes the idea of cities determining what type of energy sources they use. Jack Spense, a 350 member from Brookline thinks we need to shift investments away from pipelines and toward renewables. Alan Palm, 350 Belmont, recommends more climate education.

  Cassie Coveney, Salem State University Student and member of MASSPIRG, came to the event to do what she could to fight climate change. Jim Mulloy, a member of 350 Northshore, summed it up saying "Let's fix the climate!"

   At 2 PM, I was waiting in line, and no one was coming out. I went across the street to a place called Fill-a-buster. What a great name. I had a coffee. The broiled chicken lunch for $7.50 looked huge. I walked down the hill towards the Aquarium Blue Line station. Along the way I discovered, the Boston Public Market. The free sample of chocolate croissant was delicious. All in all, it was a pretty good day.