March 18, 2022 (BOSTON, MA) – Gas utilities in Massachusetts released reports today calling for increased investments in “renewable gas” and other strategies to keep the industry afloat amidst a clean energy transition. The reports are designed to help guide state decarbonization efforts in the years to come. Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) released the following statement in response.
“In the face of the climate crisis, gas companies are wasting precious time in attempting to keep their outdated business model going,” said Caitlin Peale Sloan, Vice President of CLF Massachusetts. “The simple fact is that there’s no such thing as climate-friendly renewable gas and burning gas in homes is not compatible with the clean energy future that Massachusetts law demands. Our state leaders must begin planning for a transition away from gas, and that should begin with an unbiased look at what will actually solve the climate crisis.”
These reports released today referenced analysis from Energy and Environmental Economics, released on February 15, which relied on assumptions provided by the gas utilities that sponsored it. The reports push climate-damaging alternatives to fossil methane and costly gas infrastructure as a solution. The only real solution is a full-scale transition away from gas altogether in order to meet Massachusetts’ mandatory climate goals.
CLF experts are available for further comment.
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