Green Justice Blog

The Green Justice Coalition turned out in force for the April 10 Energy Efficiency Advisory Council meeting to demand transparency in Massachusetts' "EE" programs! Who are state-run energy efficiency programs serving? Who is being hired? Where are the gaps? A new Green Justice brief - reportedly authored by GJC Mascot Chilly Willy himself - details what information we need, and why it's so important to collect it.

Public Information for Better Programs: Why Energy Efficiency Data Reporting Must be Timely, Consistent, Statewide, and Transparent shows the many benefits of regular reporting from the state and utility companies. Basic data, such as locations where efficiency work is being done, and the amount of financial and energy savings to Massachusetts residents, significantly enhances program design and delivery. Follow the link to read the issue brief, or continue on to view pictures of GJC in action!

Long strides for Green Justice! A GJC Bill has moved out of commitee!

Taxpayers in Massachusetts currently fund statewide energy efficiency programs, but policymakers lack the tools to track who is being served by the programs and how they have impacted local communities. A new piece of legislation, approved by the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy (TUE) on January 24, would change that.

 “We applaud the Committee for its role in advancing transparency and increasing access for previously underserved communities,” said Staci Rubin of Alternatives for Community & Environment, a member of the Green Justice Coalition (GJC). The GJC has, since 2008, worked with utility companies and state agencies to address inequities in state efficiency programs and address job quality standards. “We are encouraged that the bill aims to provide equitable access to efficiency programs for hard to reach communities, including low-to-moderate- income homeowners and renters, residents whose primary language is not English, and small businesses.”

The bill, “An Act Further Promoting Energy Efficiency and Green Jobs,” mandates public accountability in Massachusetts’ energy efficiency programs and would establish a new Oil Heat Energy Efficiency Fund. [View entire release after the break.]

Who goes out on a snowy weekday morning to watch construction workers fix up an old house? Apparently, more than 40 Boston-area residents, supporting a Dorchester homeowner in her quest to drive down her out-of-control heating bills.

Last Friday, January 21, as a snowstorm pounded the Boston area, dozens of GJC supporters, union carpenters and members of the media converged on the home of Betty Maguire to see the progress being made in upgrading her home. She was trying to qualify for funding from the city’s Renew Boston energy efficiency program.

See a collage of photos from the event by NEU4J!

Members of several organizations doing community work in the North Shore organized a barbecue and spirited rally in Lynn on Saturday, Sept. 11. Dozens of area residents came out to learn about the state’s energy efficiency program, and were surprised to find they were paying into it every month on their utility bills. Ana Perdomo, a Lynn resident, described her unsustainably high energy bills. And when Alex Papali of Clean Water Action asked if anyone had received home energy efficiency work in their home, or had gotten a job in this industry, not a single hand went up. The amount that residents have been paying into the state's home efficiency program since it was set up in 2008, shocked many in the crowd.