Emily Norton, (617) 423-5775 x11, emily.norton@sierraclub.org
Somerset, MA -- The Brayton Point Power Station, Massachusetts’ last operating coal-fired power plant, ended operations today. The 1,500 megawatt power plant, once the largest in the region, had been in operation for 50 years. The retirement was announced in 2013 and was the 150th coal-fired power plant across the country to announce retirement since 2010.
In response to today’s announcement Emily Norton, Chapter Director for the Massachusetts Chapter of the Sierra Club, stated:
“Coal is the past. Clean energy is the future. With 100,000 Massachusetts workers now employed in the clean energy industry, we know that this transition is good for our health, good for our economy, and good for our kids as they graduate and seek stable, good-paying jobs. As we move away from polluting industries it is urgent that we ensure a just transition for impacted individuals and communities. Solar and wind jobs are growing at a rate 12 times faster than the rest of the U.S. economy, and the nation’s fastest growing profession over the next decade is likely to be a wind turbine technician.
“While the President inexplicably chooses the polluting policies of the past, Massachusetts can be the example our international partners need. Despite ignorance in the White House, decision makers across the country can see Massachusetts is embracing innovation, technology, and a clean energy future.”
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