Maura Healey Creates Clean Energy Infrastructure Commission

Governor Maura Healey took a decisive step in Massachusetts’ journey toward clean energy. This robust move aligns perfectly with the ambitions set out in the Clean Energy and Climate Plans (CECP). Given the need to meet stringent emission limits, the Bay State is gearing up to roll out an impressive range of new energy infrastructure. This will encompass innovative solar and wind generation facilities, advanced storage solutions, and extensive transmission and distribution infrastructure. Governor Healey emphasized the importance of this commission, stating, “This commission represents our administration’s efforts to bring people together and build consensus to tackle one of the most complex issues of our time.”

Comments on the Clean Energy Infrastructure Commission

Governor Healey passionately expressed, “The clean energy transition can’t wait. This commission represents our administration’s efforts to bring people together and build consensus to tackle one of the most complex issues of our time. We are looking forward to receiving a strong slate of recommendations that will deliver clean, affordable energy to our communities and all the economic growth that will come with it.”

Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll added, “The clean energy transition is going to transform our communities. We’re going to need a lot of new infrastructure, and we’re going to need it fast. With these stakeholders at the table, we’re going to build serious consensus on how to tackle this challenge in a way that ensures environmental justice communities don’t bear a disproportionate burden, greenspace and other development priorities are protected, and we can all share in the benefits of clean energy.”

Echoing this enthusiasm, Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper remarked, “We’re thrilled to have a robust and diverse group of leaders to lead the Commission on Clean Energy Infrastructure Siting and Permitting. We worked intentionally to ensure that we would have representation from every sector of the clean energy space – from labor, to environmental justice leaders, to energy experts. With these members leading this effort, we are confident that the recommendations will be smart, balanced, and ready for action.”

The Commission on Clean Energy Infrastructure Siting and Permitting Members:

State Agency Representation on the Clean Energy Infrastructure Commission:

  • Mike Judge holds the dual role of Undersecretary of Energy at the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs and Chair of the CEISP.
  • Nick Rose, the General Counsel for the Division of Labor Standards, is affiliated with the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development.
  • Ashley Stolba, the Undersecretary of Economic Foundations, represents the Executive Office of Economic Development.
  • From the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, Amy Stitely, Chief of Programs, is onboard.

Municipalities:

  • John Mangiaratti, an Acton Town Manager, simultaneously serves the Massachusetts Municipal Association.
  • Dorothy McGlincy is the esteemed Executive Director of the Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions.
  • Lizzi Weyant plays a pivotal role as the Deputy Executive Director at the Metropolitan Area Planning Commission.

Environmental Justice Organizations:

  • Mary Claire Kelly offers her expertise as an Attorney for Alternatives for Community and Environment.
  • Eve Rodriguez stands tall as a Task Force Member from Lawrence Pa’lante Resident Task Force.
  • Eddie Rosa, the Community Programs Director, champions the cause for Groundwork Lawrence.

Climate and Environmental Advocates:

  • Steve Long, the Director of Policy and Partnerships, joins from The Nature Conservancy.
  • Mass Audubon’s Michelle Manion leads as the VP of Policy and Advocacy.
  • Caitlin Peale Sloan, VP for Massachusetts, represents the Conservation Law Foundation.

Electric Utilities:

  • Alexandra Blackmore is the esteemed General Counsel for New England at National Grid.
  • Catherine Finneran serves Eversource as the VP for Transmission Project Development, Siting & Project Service.
  • Energy New England’s John Tzimorangas joins as their President and CEO.

Agricultural Interests:

  • Nathan L’Etoile is the National Farm Viability Managing Director at American Farmland Trust.

Energy Siting Practitioner:

  • Mary Beth Gentleman, Chair, represents the CEISP Siting Practitioner Advisory Group.

Clean Energy Industry:

  • Carrie Cullen Hitt from Vineyard Offshore is their Senior Director for Grid and Transmission Policy.
  • Jeremy McDiarmid, Managing Director and General Counsel, is from Advanced Energy United.
  • Jessica Robertson is the Director of Policy & Business Development for New England at New Leaf Energy.
  • Mark Sylvia serves as the Chief of Staff at Bluewave Solar.

Housing and Real Estate:

  • Matthew Teague, the President of Reef Realty, Ltd., is onboard.
  • JD Chesloff, President and CEO, represents the Mass Business Roundtable.

Labor:

  • Frank Callahan is the President of the Massachusetts Building Trades Unions.

Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy:

  • State Representative Jeffrey Roy and State Senator Michael Barrett are Non-Voting Members, chairs of the Joint Committee.

Additionally, representatives for Tribal Organizations and Youth Climate Council are awaited.