By Bob Katzen

House 25-130, rejected an amendment that would reduce the mandated annual rate of growth of the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) from 3 percent to 1 percent. The RPS is the percentage of the grid’s provided energy supply that is derived from renewable sources.

“The reduction to 1 percent year-to-year growth of that mandated share of energy being generated by renewables would be more attainable while not preventing Massachusetts from exceeding that targeted rate of growth if the industry gains more momentum than expected,” said amendment sponsor Rep. Joe McKenna (R-Sutton). “Setting unattainable goals is an attempt to will into existence more renewable energy production than can realistically be procured. This sets up an incentive for development to leverage the mandates to bring in a very expensive supply at non-competitive rates that drives up costs borne by consumers on their bills.”

Rep. Mike Kushmerek (D-Fitchburg) opposed the amendment and said it would attempt to permanently reduce renewable energy targets and the Class 1 RPS by 15 percent by reducing it from 3 percent to 1 percent during the years from 2025 to 2029. He argued that the RPS is an important tool that helps the state comply with important climate laws and contributes to financing for clean energy projects.

(A “Yes” vote is for the amendment. A “No” vote is against it.)

Rep. Christine Barber No Rep. Mike Connolly No Rep. Paul Donato No Rep. Erika Uyterhoeven No