Speaking before the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce this morning, Gov. Deval Patrick called for a greater focus on energy efficiency and green power.
According to the text of the speech provided by his office, the governor announced a proposal that would require electric utilities to use cost-effective energy-saving technology. Utilities would have to work with businesses and homeowners to improve lighting, insulation and other improvements as long as the changes would more than pay for themselves in energy savings. Rather than treating those expenses as an add-on to utility bills, they would be included in the basic cost of energy, along with power generation.
Patrick also said he is working with state House and Senate leaders on a bill to exempt biofuel from sources like wood and agricultural waste from the state’s gasoline tax.
The governor also called on other states in the Northeast to join Massachusetts in adopting a low carbon fuel standard like California’s.
