The federal Inflation Reduction Act has huge benefits for energy consumers. Solar, heat pumps, and electric cars all got a boost. Many of the incentives have gone into effect immediately. Watch our webinar for the full scoop, and check out the following resources.

A new climate bill came out of the MA legislature on July 21st and was finally passed in August.

The bill proposes landmark strides on phasing out gas-powered cars, public transit, electric vehicle infrastructure, cleaner heating, and renewable energy. Read the WBUR’s excellent summary here.

Over 1,000 Green Energy Consumers supporters wrote to the governor and/or their legislators in support of the bill, including phasing out gas-powered car sales starting in 2035.

Now, we have a lot of work to do to implement the ideas in the bill. Green Energy Consumers will be there every step of the way.

More info: 

Another Great Year For Climate Legislation In Massachusetts? Apparently. Let’s Hope.

AMAZING WIN: In mid-June, Rhode Island’s General Assembly PASSED legislation that would bring 100% renewable electricity to the whole state by 2033.

The legislation, sponsored by Senate President Dominick Ruggerio and Representative Deb Ruggiero, requires electricity companies to deliver an increasing amount of renewable energy every year until we hit 100% of Rhode Island’s electricity in 2033. This would make Rhode Island the first state in the country to hit this necessary benchmark in the path to net-zero emissions.

The 100% Renewable Energy Standard is the most cost-effective way to reduce emissions in the short-term. And it will make sure electrified transportation and buildings are powered with green electricity. We’re proud to have been a leading voice to pass this legislation, and grateful to our many donors and members who supported us along the way.

Blog: Rhode Island Leaps Ahead to 100% Renewable Energy

The Electric Transportation Act has been introduced by Senator Alana DiMario and Representative Terri Cortvriend. The legislation (H. 7653 and S. 2448) creates a process to plan for the infrastructure and other changes involving cars, trucks, and public transportation in order to meet the 2030 target, which is critical for the state to meet its 2030 greenhouse gas emissions reductions under the Act on Climate.

Following Rhode Island’s withdrawal from the Transportation and Climate Initiative, the bill represents a new approach to tackling pollution from transportation, the region’s largest source of emissions. This bill has not passed during the spring/summer 2022 legislative session, but we remain committed to advocating for it in the future.

Blog: Rhode Island Bill Creates Roadmap to Advance Future of Electric Transportation

In other excellent news, Rhode Island brought back the state electric car rebate. Read about that here!

Over the summer, Massachusetts passed a climate bill with provisions to end the sale of gas guzzlers, invest in greener public transit, incentivize driving an electric car, and build charging networks. Then, California banned the sale of new gas-powered cars starting in 2035, allowing other states to follow suit.

Massachusetts can end gas-powered car sales too, and we'll be working on it.

More info: 

Blog: No New Gas Cars After 2035? (greenenergyconsumers.org)

Blog: Transportation in the Massachusetts Clean Energy Climate Plan (greenenergyconsumers.org)

Blog: What the MA Senate Climate Bill Says About Phasing Out Gasoline (greenenergyconsumers.org)