Bianca Sanchez, bianca.sanchez@sierraclub.org
BOSTON, MA. – Today, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey’s administration announced the establishment of a first-of-its-kind state office dedicated to championing the state’s clean energy transition. Called the Office of the Energy Transformation (OET), this new office will be charged with taking the lead on executing actions required to move Massachusetts off polluting fossil fuels and increase the development and distribution of clean energy resources.
In addition to coordinating the move from gas power to clean energy, OET is responsible for securing readily available electrical infrastructure and a just transition for impacted workers and businesses.
The establishment of this new office follows the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities order on the ‘Future of Gas’ last fall. In the landmark order, the DPU formally agreed gas has no place in the Commonwealth’s energy future. The order ensures that utilities can no longer propose new gas infrastructure as the only solution to a problem.
OET will be housed within the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs and led by appointed Executive Director Melissa Lavinson.
"The Healey Administration’s 2023 Climate Report Card made clear that while we are on track to meet our 2025 climate goals, we are drastically off track for 2030,” said Jess Nahigian, State Political Director, Sierra Club Massachusetts. “While we celebrate this new office, the administration’s new reports, appointments, offices, and committees must translate into substantive programs that accelerate our greenhouse gas emission reductions, create good jobs, and benefit everyday people - particularly low-income and environmental justice communities.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.