The state developed a framework for planning to phase out natural gas, denying industry calls to allow hydrogen and renewable natural gas.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities released a “framework for reducing the use of gas for heating as part of a larger strategy to address climate change.” According to an article by Dan Gearino in Inside Climate News, “Massachusetts is the first state to take such a clear step to phase out natural gas, but it likely won’t be the last.” Natural gas powers 51 percent of Massachusetts households, giving the change the potential to make a significant impact.
The ruling acknowledges the disproportionate impact that the cost of shifting away from natural gas will have on lower-income consumers and homeowners, but said only that the department will “monitor and reduce the energy cost burden.” Jenifer Bosco of the National Consumer Law Center told Inside Climate News, “Without a focus on affordability, low-income consumers could be left stranded on an increasingly unaffordable gas system, bearing more than their share of the cost to keep the system operating.”
Energy companies have been lobbying to allow the use of other alternative fuels such as hydrogen and renewable natural gas. “The department rejected most of the utilities’ suggestions, with some of the only agreement coming on the idea that the companies should explore greater use of geothermal energy.”
FULL STORY: Massachusetts Just Took a Big Step Away from Natural Gas. Which States Might Follow?

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.

MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
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