The Baker Administration gave approval to a 20-year long contract for the supply of green hydro-electric power. The big winner was Eversource. The deal involves construction (by Eversource) of a 192 mile high voltage line across the mountains of New Hampshire. Both the decision-making process and the decision itself beg questioning. Eversource appears to be both contestant and judge of the proposal, since it owns the Northern Pass infrastructure and will be it’s customer. Further, the wisdom of a 20 year commitment to this system, thus foregoing the opportunity to develop a more robust energy system here in MA, is questionable. Listen in as we consider the big issues at play here. 

The reading list:

• The Globe report on the decision
• Maps of the Northern Pass Route
• The Climate Minute on the Energy Omnibus bill from 2016
• Commonwealth Magazine's Codcast on the Northern Pass decision
• The Globe calls for transparency on the Northern Pass decision
• AG Healy to review decision
• The local cost of Hydro-Quebec
• HOW TO CONTACT YOUR LOCAL, STATE AND FEDERAL REPRESENTATIVES

Because we recognize the necessity of personal accountability for our actions, because we accept responsibility for building a durable future and because we believe it is our patriotic duty as citizens to speak out, we must insist that the United States put a price on carbon.

Thanks for listening.

…Ted McIntyre