New England Clean Energy Initiatives Delayed by Years

Recent reports indicate that some clean energy initiatives in New England will be delayed by up to five years. This comes as a major setback for the region, which has been working hard to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels.

One of the most important aspects of the transition to clean energy is the development of new infrastructure. This process is often slow and expensive, and it requires significant coordination between different stakeholders. In New England, much of the necessary infrastructure is already in place. However, there are still some major projects that need to be completed before the region can fully transition to renewable energy sources.

One of the biggest obstacles to the completion of these projects is the ISO New England minimum offer price rule. This rule requires that all power plants in the region offer their electricity at a minimum price of $0.02 per kilowatt-hour. This price is significantly higher than the cost of producing electricity from renewable sources, and it makes it very difficult for new clean energy projects to compete against existing fossil fuel plants.

According to Boston Globe, “the minimum offer price rule was created to help insulate fossil fuel power plants from having to compete against renewables that cost less due to state programs and subsidies that exist to help foster clean energy development. It created a floor below which a developer cannot bid, meaning that those less expensive energy supplies, like large-scale offshore wind or solar, aren’t able to compete.”

The result has been more fossil fuel companies winning bids with the fear of a lapse between renewable and old fuel sources as the switch is made. Adding to the problem may be a brand new decision to delay implementation. Independent System Operator New England, also known as ISO or ISO-New England, has embraced a proposal for a phased approach of project implementation for renewables, setting back efforts by years.

Many have criticized the move as failing to recognize the severity of climate change and how soon change needs to happen. Massachusetts has pledged to reduce greenhouse emissions by at least 50% by 2030, and with only eight years to go, the current landscape for renewable projects will need some significant help to reach these goals.

“This is a really terrible idea,” said Mary Anne Hitt, director of the Sierra Club’s Beyond Coal Campaign. “It would be like if the FDA decided to phase out cigarettes by allowing tobacco companies to keep selling them for another five years.”

Unfortunately, the ISO New England minimum offer price rule has now created one of the singular obstacles to the development of clean energy in Massachusetts and the region. However, there are efforts underway to reform the rule, and it is possible that these efforts will be successful. These reforms could help speed up the transition to clean energy in New England and provide a much-needed boost to the region's economy. In the meantime progress on this issue will likely be slow.

Many individuals, enterprises, and communities in Massachusetts remain committed to supporting renewable energy sources. With continued support from residents and businesses, we may eventually be able to reach our collective renewable energy goals. Only time will tell if these delays are a minor setback or a major roadblock for New England's clean energy future.

References:

- Boston Globe, "New England clean energy initiatives delayed by years," March 15, 2018.

- Sierra Club, "Sierra Club: New England's Clean Energy Future Delayed By Years," March 16, 2018.

- ISO New England, "Independent System Operator New England Adopts a Phased Approach to Implementing the Capacity Performance Resource”

Massachusetts Tops Innovative State Ranking… Again

For the second year in a row, Massachusetts has been named the most innovative state in America by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation's "Enterprising States" study.

The Bay State has long been considered a bastion of innovation and entrepreneurialism, and this ranking is further evidence of that. Massachusetts has consistently ranked near the top of various other measures of innovation, including the Boston Consulting Group's "Innovation Premium" index and Bloomberg's "Innovation Index."

What makes Massachusetts so innovative? There are a number of factors, but one key reason is the state's highly educated workforce. Nearly half of all adults in Massachusetts have a college degree, the highest percentage in the nation.

There are a few reasons for the ranking, including different weighted measures. Here are a few where Massachusetts ranked the highest, according to WalletHub:

·      1st (Tied) Highest R & D Spending per Capita

·      1st (Tied) Highest Venture-Capital Funding per Capita

·      3rd Best Eighth Grade Math & Science Performance

·      4th (Tied) Highest Share of STEM Professionals

·      5th Highest Share of Science & Engineering Graduates Aged 25+

Why Does State Innovation Matter?

The concept of introducing new ideas, technology, and ways to conduct business is a hallmark of a solid future for any state’s economy. Innovation is crucial at every level of an enterprise, including startups, small businesses, and major corporations; it helps move markets, concentrate market share within a region, and attract talent to continue the cycle of positive growth.

When it comes to the US as a whole, innovation is crucial for economic expansion. Disruptive startups and changing business models are what keep the country ahead of the curve, with the highest GDP, and the third overall ranking in the Global Innovation Index. The ranking of innovative states attempts to show which individual states and regions are contributing the most to the success of the United States in these international rankings.

The study was conducted by WalletHub and factored in multiple topics to produce the final ranking. Questions researchers included where based in broad topics around human capital and the innovation environment for each state.

A Breakdown of Massachusetts’ Standing

So what else contributes to the Commonwealth’s high innovative ranking year to year? In short, a consistently strong economy.

In the last quarter of 2020, Massachusetts increased its GDP by nearly 8%. Prior to that, the state GDP had increased by 33.1%. Additionally, despite the fact that the unemployment rate is slightly higher than the national average at 4.3%, it only grew 1.3% over a single year period, arguably due in large part to the pandemic. The overall labor force has also risen in the last four years by roughly 121,400 residents.

Another important innovation standard? Startups. Massachusetts is doing exceptionally well in this category with billions invested in innovative research ideas and future companies. This investment culture and the potential opportunity it will bring for future industries and jobs, has made the Boston area among the most likely to be the next Silicon Valley.

In addition to a strong economy, the state of Massachusetts is also home to top-tier colleges and universities. With such an educated workforce, it’s no wonder that the Commonwealth has been able to produce so many successful startups.

And Finally

While it’s good news that Massachusetts is once again the most innovative state in America, there’s always room for improvement. The state can continue to invest in its workforce by providing more opportunities for training and education. Additionally, policymakers could focus on creating an even more business-friendly environment to attract more startups and entrepreneurs to the Commonwealth.

By continuing to invest in its workforce and business environment, Massachusetts is poised to maintain its ranking as the most innovative state in America for years to come.

How Massachusetts Is Combating Lack of Diversity In Clean Energy

The world has been racing toward renewable energy sources as the threat of climate change is quickly becoming evident in every corner of the globe. Here in New England, efforts to combat climate change have been steadily increasing with the adoption of innovative laws and regulations, forward-thinking budgets, and aggressive renewable energy plans to increase our progress toward clean alternatives. But now a new imperative to create diversity in clean energy is emerging.

As the world continues barreling toward climate solutions, some have noted that the industry itself is far less diverse than one would expect at this stage of its maturity; leaving behind key voices and endangering further innovation. Reuters brought the issue to light last year in a report demonstrating that the clean energy space is dominated by white men, and has ostracized women and people of color.

The Problem at a Glance

An analysis by BW Research Partnership, found that over 60% of those currently working in the industry are white, only 8% of workers are Black, and Latinos only held 17% of clean energy positions. On the other hand, the total American labor force statistics for 16 years and older include 77.5% were white, 12.3% were Black or African American, and 18% were Hispanic or Latino in 2021, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Women only make up 27% of the clean energy industry despite making up almost half of all laborers in the United States.

In a recent report issued by E2 called “Help Wanted: Diversity in Clean Energy” the authors discuss diversity as an economic imperative “…as we rebuild the U.S. economy in the wake of COVID-19, we have a chance to do it in ways that create new opportunities for people of color. As Congress and state lawmakers focus on clean energy’s role in the recovery, they should focus as well on rebuilding the economy more equitably.”

Despite these numbers, the demand and interest exist for people of color to work climate-related jobs, given that the types of positions vary so widely from operations to material acquisition, to supervisors and customer service, leaving many to believe that the process of hiring is problematic in recruiting and encouraging interest in clean energy careers.

Large-scale Movements

Several groups are now dedicated solely to uplifting black and brown employees in the clean energy sector. Two prominent groups for Black energy workers include Black Owners of Solar Services, or BOSS, and the American Association of Black in Energy, not to mention general support groups like Energy Efficiency for All.

One significant move toward ensuring a more inclusive future is President Joe Biden’s Justice40 Initiative signed within weeks of him taking office. With Justice40, the President mandated a macro-level government policy stating that at least 40% of any federal investment in climate or clean energy goes to disadvantaged communities. This move, however, does not cover an inclusive workforce, which may be necessary to ensure systemic change and leaves municipalities to take on this task themselves.

Massachusetts Clean Energy Inclusivity

Massachusetts is quickly becoming a model for the rest of the country in creating direct lines for people of color to explore careers in the clean energy sector. Of particular note is a program created by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, or CEC, has expanded to welcome previously excluded individuals.

CEC matched students with clean energy companies and mandated that 60 internships be made available to students from cities with high rates of underserved communities and economic hardship. Additionally, CEC has created a Targeted Internship Program that specifically recruits and mentors “interns of color and students from other underrepresented backgrounds.”

This program has emerged just in time for the substantial Cape Wind off-shore renewable energy project as well as major state-funded investments in expanding the wind industry. This massive shift toward clean energy creates a critical need that the Commonwealth approach this undertaking as inclusively as possible.

Cannabis Cafes in Massachusetts

Cannabis has taken over the Massachusetts marketplace following its legalization for recreational use. Out of that came the idea of home delivery, shops, and now cannabis cafes, also known as pot cafes, marijuana cafes, social consumption sites, but whatever you want to call them – they’re coming and maybe soon.

The first licensed and regulated cannabis cafe in the country, Original Cannabis Café, set the trend in West Hollywood. The cafe allows patrons 21 and older to consume cannabis inside the shop via decadent food optionally infused with cannabis or through separately sold products. Cited as a convenient one stop shopping, guests have given high praise to the cafe and now, that magic is set to come to the Bay State.

State Senator Julian Cyr has advocated for cannabis cafes, arguing that they can have a number of positive benefits for the community, including increased tourism and revenue. In one interview, he added, “providing a public space to use cannabis will allow those who can’t afford to own their own home, those with children at home, those living in public housing, and others struggling to find a place to consume cannabis safely will have a place to do so.”

The push for these cafes to come to Massachusetts isn’t necessarily a new concept but it’s one with renewed hope. Allowing for cafes to open in Massachusetts was first introduced to voters back in 2016, which received approval as part of the ballot measure legalizing recreational cannabis.

Despite this, momentum would eventually stall as hopefuls attempted to clear some major legal obstacles to opening their doors. One obstacle is the direct community approval needed to authorize social consumption sites – which raises an important legal question on whether such approval is actually authorized in Massachusetts law. In response, the Joint Committee on Cannabis Policy has supported a bill that would remove this technicality, allowing for communities to vote in favor of their preference. The bill would also create a Cannabis Social Equity Trust Fund and focus on creating stronger contracts for community and café relationships.

If approved, the legislation could unlock cafes sites in as many as twelve municipalities in the near future as part of a pilot program. Priority for licenses to open cafes focuses on those in underserved and disadvantaged locations as well as craft marijuana co-ops and microbusinesses. Municipalities who are believed to be contenders include Amherst, North Adams, Somerville, and Provincetown, all of which have already participated in working groups that will help pave the way for cafe locations.

However, community support is split on social consumption given the dangers of driving under the influence. To that, some argue that cannabis consumption is no different than the intoxicating drinks offered at a bar. On the other hand, there is at least a tool to easily measure intoxication levels in the field for alcohol, while none exists for marijuana. In response to this, some citizens propose that a device for field-testing marijuana intoxication be created before any café opens its doors – though the science is far from perfect on these devices.

Community members and cannabis entrepreneurs alike have big dreams for these cafés and their potential. If approved, Massachusetts communities will have an experience that many other parts of the nation never will, or at least not in the near future. The possibilities are endless, as notes one dispensary owner, Zachary Ments, who has already crafted the ultimate vision of his café if given the opportunity. According to the Boston Herald, it involves partnering with a local chef to create the best cannabis-infused meals and, maybe down the line, consumer experiences like a cannabis yoga studio.

Home Equity Theft in Massachusetts

A new study suggests that homeowners in Massachusetts have lost nearly $100 million in equity over the last six years. The great home equity heist spans across thirty cities, according to the Pacific Legal Foundation, a California group committed to legal action on behalf of citizens.

The primary reason for these profound losses isn't due to nationwide policies. They're specific to Massachusetts, and twelve other states. The main culprit is the Massachusetts policy that states homeowners can be stripped of their home's equity in the case of tax lien foreclosures. Massachusetts, along with eleven other states, participate in this policy which paves the way for homeowners to lose everything down to the last bit of wealth they've built in owning property.

It can begin small, a simple tax debt perhaps, that can eventually expand into foreclosure. Upon the sale of the home, Massachusetts (or a third party assisting in the foreclosure) is entitled to keep all of the equity accrued without providing the homeowner any of the excess home sale value. In an extreme example, owing $50,000 in tax debts means losing your home valued at $200,000 entirely – a $150,000 profit for the state.

The Pacific Legal Foundation's report, titled Violating the Spirit of America: Home Equity Theft in Massachusetts, shows that 408 homeowners were victims in a six-year time span, making up the whopping $97 million figure. According to Pacific Legal Foundation, "on average, in the 31 municipalities covered in PLF's report, Massachusetts homeowners subjected to tax foreclosure lost 87% of their home equity—nearly $260,000 per home."

Pacific Legal Foundation argues the policy is unconstitutional because it violates a clause in the Fifth Amendment that states private property shall not be taken for public use without just compensation. As such, the Pacific Legal Foundation argues that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the eleven other states are participating in “home equity theft”.

While foreclosing on properties to cover debts is not uncommon in the US, the act of keeping the excess after debts are covered is not a regular practice. The benefits of owning a home and any upgrades made to it, have disappeared over debts as small as $2,000, according to the report’s authors. While residents may suspect that government cannot profit off of the sale of property used to cover liens, debts, and taxes, the policy has unjustly hurt those that can't afford to make tax payments and ultimately buries residents deeper in debt by stripping them of their biggest investment.

Several Massachusetts residents have already experienced this situation and the report highlights the lives and experiences of Neil and Mark Mucciaccio of Easton. The brothers, along with Mark's family, a wife, daughter, and two grandkids, live in the home they inherited from their parents. In 2016 when Mark fell behind on taxes, the City of Easton placed a lien on the property. Soon thereafter, Easton sold that tax lien to a third-party company investment firm, Tallage, who foreclosed on the home in 2019. In a matter of years, the Mucciaccios would lose their home and all equity along with it. The losses, combining the home itself and the land, are estimated to be $245,000.

According to Todd Kaplan with Greater Boston Legal Services, "[the problem] affects almost exclusively low-income people and elders who are house rich and cash poor. When we see the numbers of people who actually lost their homes, those are people that are vulnerable ... and that's why they lost their homes."

Some Massachusetts municipalities repeatedly pass liens onto third parties who subsequently chase down homeowners and attempt to foreclose when debts remain unsatisfied.

The Pacific Legal Foundation disputes the legality of this policy because private property is being seized without just compensation. The group has recently backed House Bill 3053, a potential remedy which would create a universal policy of returning excess funds to the homeowner after all debts have been paid. The bill requires an adjudication by the Massachusetts Land Court before any municipality may take a property for failure to pay taxes, and is being considered by the Joint Committee on Revenue.

For more information, please visit the Pacific Legal Foundation

Climate Change is Coming to New England Faster than Anywhere Else

A new study from Salem State University has found that New England states are warming at rates much faster than global averages. The warming is expected to continue at unprecedented rates in the coming years and the analysis shows that the impacts of climate change in New England will far outpace the rest of the planet.  

This comes on the heels of an announcement stating that last year was one of the top three hottest years in Massachusetts history. Similarly, it was discovered a few years ago that New England had lost an average of just over six days of snow covering the ground over a 17-year time span, beginning in 2001.

The study, conducted by Stephen and Joshua Young, focused on analyzing New England temperature data provided by the U.S. Historical Climatology Network. Comparing year-to-year data, there were four different findings overwhelmingly present in the study. The first was that New England states had warmed significantly between 1900 and 2020, both seasonally and annually. The second finding was that there is a cycle that New England states follow during their change – warming, cooling, and warming again.

The culprit? A Boston Globe piece covering this study says, “The scientists attributed the warming in the Northeast to changes in atmospheric conditions as well as rising temperatures in coastal waters, such as the Gulf of Maine, which scientists say is among the fastest-warming bodies of water on the planet.”

With that, the third discovery was that winter was the season that saw the most warming of all. And finally, the study found that the minimum temperatures were rising more than the maximums. So while the highest temperatures aren’t necessarily rising, the thresholds for lows are rising. Figures for New England were a 1.83 degrees Celsius (3.29 degrees Fahrenheit) increase and 1.14 degrees Celsius increase for planet averages since 1900. Massachusetts was said to have had an even greater increase at 1.97 degrees Celsius (3.55 degrees Fahrenheit).

In a region known for its seasonality and delicate ecosystem, the shifts in weather are especially alarming. Effects of climate change can be seen in rising sea levels, ocean salinity affecting marine life, and harsher storms. Climate change and rising temperatures have long been cause for concern, but this vulnerable region is undeniably being impacted at unprecedented rates.

The rampant increase in New England has far outrun the figures set forth by the Paris Climate Accord, an agreement signed by hundreds of nations in an effort to limit warming temperatures to 1.5 degrees Celsius. The number was determined in order to avoid catastrophic issues relating to warming temperatures, but New England, especially Massachusetts, has surpassed the number in record time.

Figures are expected to continue rising and show no signs of slowing down despite innovative technology and New England citizens’ best efforts. According to the authors of the study, “the region should expect major disruptions to its economy, including coastal waters that will become increasingly inhospitable to iconic species such as cod and lobster; fewer days when skiing and other winter recreation will be possible; less maple syrup and other agricultural products produced, and a range of other consequences.”

For more on this important issue, please see the following links:

• https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/12/30/science/new-england-is-warming-faster-than-rest-planet-new-study-finds/

• https://www.mdpi.com/2225-1154/9/12/176

• https://boston.cbslocal.com/2021/12/31/new-england-warming-climate-change-study-massachusetts/

Predictions for the Massachusetts Real Estate Market

Though the world is nearly shut down and public events, in-person learning, and the ability to go outside at all seem to be a relic of 2021, the heat being generated in the housing market shows no signs of cooling off in 2022.

According to new predictions, the real estate market is looking bright and expected to continue thriving given low inventory and high demand. Locally, Boston continues to be a hot market with record numbers and prolonged momentum as a result of the pandemic. Boston’s sale prices were up 11.1% in November 2021 compared to the year before, according to Redfin. The real estate giant also claims homes were reported to have closed after 23 days on the market versus 27 the year before. The number of homes sold rose from 462 to 502, showing that things are still trending upward in the area.

As one year ends and a new one begins, many organizations have attempted to predict what the hottest markets are for the new year. One prominent list is Fortune’s Best Places to Make Real Estate Investments in 2022 and the lists generally focus on places where housing prices are expected to continue rising.

This year’s list is a far cry from places that once were top picks in the past, excluding many bustling cities and tech hubs like New York City, Silicon Valley, and their well-heeled suburbs. Shying away from traditionally booming locations seems to be another side effect of the pandemic for new homeowners. With the realization that remote working is a way of life, and in many cases business can thrive under this arrangement, many people with the means to relocate are fanning out in favor of slower living and lower prices. Fortune’s predictions for 2022 include a town in Central Massachusetts, helping to put more of the state on the map.

Fortune’s top list of places to purchase include:

• Portland, Maine

• Providence, Rhode Island

• Salt Lake City, Utah

• Worcester, Massachusetts

• Boise, Idaho

Less than 50 miles east of Boston, Worcester is nestled in Central Massachusetts and major driver of the regional economy. It provides smaller scale living while remaining close to everything. In an autonomous, thriving city like this, it’s no wonder home prices in Worcester are expected to grow slightly above 8% next year. Though smaller than Boston, it is still the second most populated city in the state with over 200,000 residents. It offers a nice blend of Massachusetts living and was aptly named one of Realtor.com’s Top 20 Hottest Housing Markets as well.

Other predictions for 2022 real estate in Commonwealth include surrounding towns in Central Massachusetts adapting to accommodate an uptick in home owners. Webster, Sturbridge, and Hudson have plans to invest in downtown areas to help draw new visitors and residents alike, effectively capitalizing off of Worcester’s newly found fame and the appeal of less-expensive living conditions when compared to other places along the East Coast. With this, Worcester Business Journal reports that investors from the Greater Boston area have been racing to build new residential housing in Central Mass to accommodate the demand. Pairing new residential complexes with the host of vacant lots, buildings, and mills in the area, there are numerous and diverse options for housing. By remodeling previously established buildings, housing providers are able to save on construction and material costs in some locations while enhancing a once overlooked area in th

The Boston Startup Ecosystem Combats Climate Change

The threat of climate change is more real than ever. With increased storm frequency and severity, rising oceans, salinity, and temperatures, the state of our climate is increasingly frightening. Luckily, a few bold companies right here in Massachusetts are working to combat climate change so humans can carry-on with less environmental impact, but more awareness of the earth’s conditions.

The Boston startup scene is no stranger to working hard in order to make a difference, even in the case of climate change. Nearly a decade ago, there was a major uptick in energy companies that weaved through the startup community trying to create cleaner power alternatives back when climate data showed a smaller risk than it does now. However a great many of those businesses didn’t get farther than initial concepting. Thinking too big and doing whatever it took to reach their goals made them vulnerable and ultimately their efforts suffered. A123 Systems, Bedford biofuels, Evergreen Solar and other successful local companies left a negative perspective of what local startups have to offer, but things are shifting now.

In this new decade, a new wave of startups and innovators are ready to create technology that combats climate change one again, hopeful that their efforts will stick for good this time. With a worsening planetary environment, the stakes are higher and the need for innovative, effective solutions are much higher.

The Boston Globe chatted with a representative from the Bill Gates umbrella company Breakthrough Energy Ventures, who says that the climate-soaked startup market is unlike anything he’s seen before. Sources include institutional investors, family foundation, philanthropies, and hedge funds. What are they looking for? Ambition, innovation, and strength, to name a few. The perfect combination of boldness and insight are what make startups stick out right now – the ability to dream big, but also to back up those aspirations with data and pathways to success.

Climate Change Startup Spotlight

Commonwealth Fusion Systems

This company is taking on the heavy feat of making nuclear fusion a reality rather than a crazy science experiment. Just in this last year, Commonwealth has already produced a viable figure for nuclear fusion tech that safely and effectively fuels power grids. They’re so confident, in fact, that they’re aiming for power centers to be in full effect in less than a decade. The company’s innovative power choice reduces emissions and therefore, does not contribute to the warming. To date, Commonwealth has acquired over $250 million in funding for their projects.

Form Energy

When it comes down to it, the place we pull energy from to fuel everything we need has a direct impact on climate change. Form Energy has developed an effective, affordable battery option that limits emissions and climate change effects, thanks to a little help from iron. When a location can’t benefit from hydroelectricity or wind turbines, these batteries make it possible to recharge with powerful batteries rather than waste precious resources.

These two companies are only the tip of the iceberg for clean energy solutions constantly spilling onto the market. More specifically, these efforts marks the distinct drive that Massachusetts’ start up community possesses as it continues to produce one-of-a-kind combatants for the climate crises. As more funding pours into these projects, making dreams and hopes a near-certain reality, mitigating climate change on a local, country, and world-wide level does not seem too far away.