The gas utilities have been roped into justifying their continuing existence/expansion in a public forum. We are the public! The Zoom meetings are Wednesday 12/15 from 6:30 to 7:30pm, and Thursday 12/16 from 12-1pm. The links to sign up above are provided by Eversource - see their full mailing below. (National Grid also sent out the notice; we have not received confirmation regarding the other gas utilities, but you can sign up whether or not you are a gas ratepayer, as we can personally attest.)
Through these unusual times, some of us have been paying attention to the proceeding instigated at the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) by our state Attorney General's office, DPU Docket No. 20-80. AG Healey's office petitioned for an investigation "into the impact on the continuing business operations of local gas distribution companies as the Commonwealth achieves its target 2050 climate goals." By the time the DPU opened up the proceeding (five months later, over a year ago), the agency had renamed it an investigation into "the role of gas local distribution companies" as the Commonwealth achieves its target 2050 climate goals.
It's kind of been downhill from there, with countless hours of Zoom presentations by consultants; stakeholder input meetings; infuriating briefings entertaining the hydrogen pipe dream; and marginalization of the "100% decommissioning of the gas system" scenario, despite persistent and diligent stakeholder input -- in other words, the DPU has managed to turn this investigation of how to transition away from reliance on climate-damaging combustion technologies into an exploration of how to perpetuate the gas utility business model of building out pipeline infrastructure for profit.
The Zoom meetings this week are also part of the 20-80 proceeding, which the agency and utilities now call the "Future of Gas." Please help us remind not just the utilities and the DPU, but our legislators and other policymakers, that we are paying attention. Tune in, and ask decisionmakers to as well! We don't know for sure what the contents of this week's presentations will be, but they are guaranteed to provide an opportunity to follow up with policymakers and tell that them we are done with business usual, false solutions, and pipe dreams, and we want them to step up for the paradigm shift to truly clean energy now!
Thank you for your persistence!
Katy Eiseman & Cathy Kristofferson
Kathryn R. EisemanDirector, Massachusetts PipeLine Awareness Network
President, Pipe Line Awareness Network for the Northeast, Inc.
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You're invited to join our webinar | | |
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The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) directed Massachusetts gas companies to explore pathways for a clean energy future – for you and future generations. This includes the critical goal to reduce greenhouse emissions by net zero by 2050. Whether you live in Massachusetts or run a business here, the future of natural gas impacts us all. That’s why we would like your input on a plan to ensure a safe, reliable, and equitable transition to the future of energy in our state. Please join us Wednesday, December 15, 2021 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. orThursday, December 16, 2021 from 12:00-1:00 p.m. where we will discuss: |
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| The Massachusetts Net Zero goal and the role of gas companies. |
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| How new technologies could impact appliances you use in your home or business. |
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| Opportunities for you to provide feedback and get involved. |
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Attendance is limited, so be sure to reserve your spot. Once registered, log-in instructions will be emailed to you prior to the webinar.
Choose a webinar session:
Session 1: Wednesday, December 15, 2021 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. EDT |
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Session 2: Thursday, December 16, 2021 from 12:00-1:00 p.m. EDT |
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For other ways to get involved, share your ideas, or get more information, please visit the Future of Gas website: |
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| Check out these videos for more information. |
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We look forward to connecting with you. |
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| 800 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02199 | Stay connected for updates: |
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