With steps big and small, Massachusetts is moving toward a future in which the state relies increasingly on renewable energy. One step came this week when Republican Gov. Charlie Baker announced more than $500,000 in funding for eight “early-stage clean energy companies.” The checks may be modest, but Baker said the goal is to help ensure Massachusetts remains among those states on the leading edge of renewable energy technology.
On Beacon Hill, there are several environmental or renewable energy bills up for debate in the new session, including a proposal that all large-scale fleets of vehicle to go electric by 2035. Another would update appliance efficiency standards on more than a dozen products. In Washington, Democratic U.S. Sen. Edward Markey wants to improve climate change education in middle and high schools.