Last week it was announced that Pilgrim’s nuclear power plant will close by June 2019. As this major source of power is taken offline it is clear we need to find new sources of zero emissions energy to meet our mandatory greenhouse gas reduction targets under the Global Warming Solutions Act (GWSA) of 25% by 2020 and 80% by 2050.
The good news is new data shows wind and solar power are competing with fossil fuel plants on price. Massachusetts’ offshore wind resources alone, representing more than 4,000 megawatts of new capacity, is five times the capacity at Pilgrim. With our leaders debating whether we should build two new gas pipelines across our state, we should instead be harnessing our policy tools to bring online more local solar and onshore and offshore wind. This path forward will allow our state to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, maintain a reliable electricity supply, and grow our economy. Pilgrim’s closure is an opportunity to continue on the path towards a clean energy future, rather than go backwards to greater reliance on fossil fuels.
Oct. 15th post that is re-posted here with permission from the Environmental League of Massachusetts
See Green Newton’s Letter to the Editor of the Newton TAB on the endorsement of a non-binding ballot question to shut Pilgrim down.
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