Green Economy Powers On Despite Sluggish Recovery

Investment in wind energy is one factor that has made Massachusetts a leader in the clean energy economy. Above, a wind turbine in Hull, Mass. (Courtesy: Creative Commons/ fdmount)

There’s good news about Massachusetts and the so-called clean energy economy. It’s growing, and according to a new national scorecard released Thursday, Massachusetts is the country’s most energy-efficient state.

That’s according to the Washington, D.C. based American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy which says the Bay State jumped to the top of its annual rankings, overtaking California. The scorecard measures a variety of things, including investments and policies that promote energy efficiency in homes, businesses, and transportation.

Also this week we learned that despite tough economic times, the state’s green economy is growing. According to the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, there are now more than 4,900 businesses in the state that research, develop, and produce goods and services related to renewable energy. Those businesses employ more than 64,000 people — an increase of almost 7 percent over last year.

So our focus today on Radio Boston is clean energy and green living, and we want to know how it’s filtering down to the local level where you live. What do you see in your community? What efforts are you making in your own home to be energy efficient? Is the state doing enough to encourage green industry and conservation? How about your local city or town?

Guests:

• Barbara Kates-Garnick, Undersecretary of energy, Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
• Michael Greis, chair, Green Needham
• Richard K. Sullivan, Secretary, Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs

More:

• State Energy Efficieny Scorecard: American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy