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.
