I’ve recently received a number of emails in the form further below, urging me to cosponsor legislation filed by my colleague, Lori Ehrlich, to transition away from coal burning in Massachusetts. I am already one of the original group of cosponsors of this legislation. Coal is a dirty fuel, contributing heavily to local and regional …
Carbon and Climate
building energy, divestment, emissions data, personal footprint, preparing for climate change, reducing emissions in ma, science and goals
Cover Model
The Brownsberger two-family in Belmont is the cover model for the January 2013 issue of Home Energy Magazine. For the second year in a row we have achieved total building energy use roughly 85% below (i.e., 15% of) the New England per person average, below Thousand Home Challenge Levels. Read the full text of …
Preparing for storm surge
The risk of enhanced storm surge due to sea level rise is an issue that I am taking seriously as a state senator representing low-lying areas in the Charles and Mystic watersheds. I’ve been talking with a lot of people in the region about how to develop some consensus about the risk levels and move the necessary conversations about infrastructure investments.
TOWN PLUGS LEAKS IN YOUR HOME, YOUR BUDGET
Program Available for Natural Gas and Fuel Oil Users The Town of Belmont, through its Energy Committee and the Belmont Municipal Light Department (BMLD), is offering Belmont residents free, comprehensive home energy assessments to save energy and money. Audits can now be obtained whether you heat your home with natural gas or with oil. …
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Is there any way to make BMLD more solar-friendly?
Dear Will, I am looking into solar panels for my Belmont house, and have been dismayed to discover how solar-unfriendly BMLD is. In addition to opting out of the Mass rebate program (which is worth up to $4000 when buying panels), the buyback tariff seems designed to discourage solar. If I’m reading the tarriff document …
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How Are We Adapting to Climate Change?
There is an increasing amount of attention being paid to climate change adaptation — the changes that communities in high-risk areas need to adopt in order to protect themselves from the expected impacts of climate change and minimize damage. We took a look at existing information and efforts and have put together a few highlights …