This 96 page amendment to existing clean energy legislation in Massachusetts contains lots of incentives to reduce GHG emissions and generate clean, green, electricity. I have reason to be optimistic that good things could come from this, BUT I remain skeptical based on my own past attempts to work on climate change policies and practices. If NESCOE continues to pursue an FCEM approach AND ISO New England continues to push for carbon taxes to meet State Energy Goals, then nothing will change.Â
However, there is a "small possibility" that Section 84 concepts for a multi-state marketplace to achieve State Energy goals could blossom - but it's a very small possibility, IMO. Here are some key points from Section 84 of the new law:
investigate the advantages and disadvantages of using or participating in regional or multi-state competitive market-based mechanisms, structures, systems or competitive solicitations in order to facilitate the development of clean energy generation resources, including but not limited to offshore wind energy generation, to meet the commonwealth’s clean energy needs
Such mechanisms, structures, systems or competitive solicitations may include long-term contracts, ISO New England Inc. administered markets or any other exchanges,banking, credits, charges, exactions or electricity transactions consistent with rules and protocols established by state regulation designed to achieve the statewide greenhouse gas emissions limits
Not later than March 1, 2023, the secretary shall submit to the clerks of the senate and house of representatives a report on the executive office’s investigation of the advantages and disadvantages of using or participating in regional or multi-state market-based mechanisms, structures, systems or competitive solicitations to facilitate the development of clean energy generation resources
If the secretary finds that use of such a market-based mechanism, structure, system or competitive solicitation would be beneficial to the commonwealth, the secretary may adopt regulations establishing or governing such market-based mechanisms, structures, systems, or competitive solicitations which may include long-term contracts, ISO New England Inc. administered markets or any other exchanges, banking, credits, charges, exactions, or electricity transactions consistent with rules and protocols established by state regulation, including in cooperation with other states in the ISO New England Inc. service area, in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from sources or categories of sources and comply with the statewide greenhouse gas emission limits
It would be quite an accomplishment if this ISO New England administered market to procure green electricity supply resources comes to fruition. This could contribute green power supplies acquired by Green Energy Buyers PPA's to count toward meeting State Energy goals, in a competitive market. There are no known technical obstacles; only political obstacles remain.