Baker-Polito Administration Releases Net Zero Emissions by 2050 Roadmap
December 31, 2020
Most recently the Baker Administration released a draft of the roadmap to achieve zero emissions by 2050, part of which include the 2030 Clean Energy and Climate Plan (CECP). This plan establishes carbon reduction goals of 45% by 2030, and we are currently at 22% meaning this plan will require the building of more renewables, and electrification of sectors. A copy of the Net Zero Emissions by 2050 Roadmap can be found here.
The 2050 Roadmap presents eight pathways to achieve Net Zero emissions including supportive data such as analysis of potential energy resources, projected energy demand, necessary to limit the emissions established by the Commonwealth. The following are some sections in the Roadmap: Energy Supply; Transportation; Buildings; Land Use; Non-energy; and Economic and Health Impacts.
The Roadmap points to the most cost-effective, low-risk path to Net Zero emissions lies on building significant offshore wind, interstate transmission, and widespread electrification of transportation and building heat. Achieving Net Zero emissions will also deliver other benefits to residents of the Commonwealth including a drop in air pollution, and savings in health costs of up to $100M/year by 2030.
Massachusetts is also planning to follow California and require that by 2035, 100% of new light duty vehicles are zero emission vehicles and provide additional incentives for EV charging systems.
To decarbonize buildings Mass Save will work with the state’s GHG emission goals and limit the amount of incentives for fossil-fuel heating systems.
The Roadmap is allowing for the creation of flexible and realistic goals to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050, in a state which is already leading in this transition.
