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Daily Update 8/13: Clean Energy in the Commonwealth

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Thursday, August 13, 2009

Today: Thursday, August 13, 2009

 

  • This morning, Governor Patrick joined North Adams Mayor John Barrett III on a walking tour of North Adams.

 

  • Later this morning, Governor Patrick makes an economic recovery announcement in North Adams.

 

  • This afternoon, Governor Patrick will participate in a roundtable discussion on the creative economy.

 

  • Later this afternoon, Governor Patrick will attend calling hours for Eunice Kennedy Shriver in Centerville.

 

In the Press:

Gov. Deval L. Patrick speaks with Kevin Schulte, founder/owner of Sustainable Energy Developments Inc., of Ontario, N.Y., in front of the wind turbine at Williams Stone Co. in Otis. (Darren Vanden Berge / Berkshire Eagle Staff)

 

  • Commitment to Clean Energy – Yesterday, Governor Patrick announced the success of public-private partnerships in wind energy in East Otis. He visited the Williams Stone Company in East Otis, which has installed a 600 Watt wind turbine capable of producing enough clean energy to run the whole granite curbing company, and significantly reduces the company’s energy costs. “Governor Patrick said he hopes more companies embrace wind power…More businesses should consider reducing their dependency on fossil fuels and he ‘applauds Williams Stone Company for their foresight.’” Read more and watch coverage on WLLP. “It's a wonderful example of the application of alternative and renewable energy to manufacturing solutions here in the Commonwealth because we don't have oil and gas and coal the cost of energy is high.” Read more and watch more coverage on CBS 3 Springfield.

 

  • Solar Plans in Western Massachusetts – The state recently approved Western Massachusetts Electric Company’s proposal to build solar energy facilities in Western Massachusetts. The Green Communities Act, which Governor Patrick signed last year, gives utility companies the ability to own and operate solar installations generating up to 50 megawatts.  Western Massachusetts Electric Co., which is headquartered in West Springfield, plans to construct enough photovoltaic solar cells to produce 6 megawatts of electricity, enough to power 6,000 homes, by 2012 and the first of the outdoor devices will be built by 2010. Read more in the Boston Globe.

 

  • Commitment to Health Care Reform – As members of the House and Senate continue to shape national health care reform for upcoming legislation, Massachusetts is viewed as a model state with a viable solution for insuring “almost everyone without generating the loud opposition found in other parts of the country. It's not perfect, but the legislation generally backed by both major parties has found a way to cover 97 percent of Bay State residents.” Read more and watch the Governor discuss the success of Massachusetts Health Care on WNYT.

 

  • New Secretary of Elder Affairs – Yesterday afternoon, Governor Patrick swore in Ann Hartstein as Secretary of Elder Affairs. Hartstein is from St. Louis, MO, and she most recently was the executive director of the Massachusetts Association of Older Americans. As the new secretary, Hartstein says, "My goal is that ageism is eliminated and we all have the ability to live where we want to." "I am absolutely confident Ann Hartstein is the right person for this job right now," Patrick said. Read more in the Berkshire Eagle. 

 

This Week:

 

  • On Monday, Governor Patrick made an announcement in Boston relative to summer jobs for youth. 

 

  • Tuesday morning, Governor Patrick took part in a clean energy event at MWRA’s Deer Island Waste Water Treatment Plant. 

 

  • Tuesday afternoon, Governor Patrick attended the Association of Latino Professionals in Finance and Accounting Annual Meeting. 

 

  • Tuesday night, Governor Patrick held a town hall meeting in Pittsfield. 

 

  • Yesterday afternoon, Governor Patrick highlighted successful public-private partnerships for wind energy in East Otis.

 

  • Wednesday afternoon, Governor Patrick swore in Ann Hartstein as Secretary of Elder Affairs in Pittsfield.