EBC Climate Change Program: Green House Gas Reductions – The Newly Proposed Massachusetts Clean Energy Standard

On January 5, 2015, the Patrick Administration proposed a revised new Clean Energy Standard in addition to the Renewable Portfolio Standards to increase the amount of clean energy generated for electricity consumption in the Commonwealth to help meet the goals and requirements of the Global Warming Solutions Act and Climate Protection and Green Economy Acts. This proposal is generating substantial heat itself by

• Promoting hydro-electric power to the potential disadvantage of Class 1 and 2 renewable energy sources
• Including all Municipal Light Companies and ratepayers (who do not participate in the RPS program); and
• Excluding nuclear power

This EBC Climate Change program will provide a discussion of the pros and cons of this new draft Clean Energy Standard presented by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner David Cash with the participation of many stakeholders on two discussion panels. Commissioner Cash will argue that as a market-based approach, the CES drives cost-effective energy procurement. Panel members will discuss modification to the CES or alternative approaches besides the Clean Energy Standard in order to achieve the statutory goals that achieve greenhouse gas reductions cost-effectively.

EBC welcomes your questions and comments so come participate in this lively debate and provide your guidance to the new Administration on how best to achieve our greenhouse gas emission goals!

Continuing Education Certificates are awarded by the EBC for this program (3.5 training contact hours). Please select this option during registration if you wish to receive a certificate.

Program Chair

• Michael Ernst, Director of Regulatory Affairs, Tetra Tech

Keynote Speaker:

• David Cash, Commissioner, Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection

Speakers and Moderators:

• David O’Connor, Senior Vice President for Energy and Clean Technology, ML Strategies
• Ian Springsteel, Director, Regulatory Policy for Clean Energy, National Grid
• Sean Mahoney, Vice President and Director of CLF Maine Advocacy Center, Conservation Law Foundation
• Ruth Silman, Partner, Nixon Peabody LLP
• Will Space, Environmental Analyst, Clean Energy Standard Lead, Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
• Bob Rio, Senior Vice President, Government Affairs, Associated Industries of Massachusetts
• Francis Pullaro, Executive Director, RENEW Northeast
• Sandi Hennequin, Vice President, New England Power Generators Association