Make Massachusetts a global center for alternative energy
PATRICK: We ought to drive toward a new industry in Massachusetts to become a global center around alternative and renewable energy. The technologies and the products and services, I believe if we get that right, the whole world will be our customer.
We have all the capability here in terms of the concentration of brain power and venture capital and that whole innovative tradition and it is one of the reasons why I do support the wind farm in Nantucket sound.
Source: MA gubernatorial debate on CBS4 news, moderator: Jon Keller
Sep 13, 2006
Cut Energy costs and develop renewable energy
I will cut energy costs to consumers through an active conservation education and rebate program.
We will also give fast track and advantageous tax treatment to companies investing and creating jobs in renewable energy production, so that Massachusetts becomes the renewable energy center of the world.
My Climate Protection Plan will support renewable energy projects whenever the benefits for all of us outweigh the disadvantages. I believe the Cape Wind project in Nantucket Sound is just such a project. I believe that well-designed renewable energy
projects-both large and small-that pass strict environmental scrutiny deserve our support. I also believe we must develop a regulatory framework for managing ocean resources, and that we can do so in the context of advancing the Cape Wind project.
My administration will give excise and sales tax credits for consumer purchases of energy efficient cars and appliances, and for the use of energy-smart construction materials.
Power plants are essential sources of electric power and good jobs, but
they can run with fewer emissions. We will enforce regulations limiting carbon dioxide emissions from power plants, and work with all operators to cut carbon dioxide emissions from power plants across the entire region.
I will work to make Massachusetts the world's capital for businesses that develop alternative sources of energy and the next generation of energy-efficient products and technologies.
In partnership with local authorities, my administration will create areas with environmental pre-approval for industrial and commercial development of these businesses.
Convert state fleet to hybrids and fuel-efficient cars
[We should] practice what we preach. As a major owner of buildings and land, and as the owner of fleets of vehicles, the Commonwealth will model the behavior we ask of our citizens. My administration will replace our state fleet with hybrids
or other fuel-efficient vehicles, wherever practicable. We will also require energy-saving products and services in all state-sponsored construction. The state will lead the way as a purchaser of energy generated from renewable sources.
