The state developed a framework for planning to phase out natural gas, denying industry calls to allow hydrogen and renewable natural gas.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities released a “framework for reducing the use of gas for heating as part of a larger strategy to address climate change.” According to an article by Dan Gearino in Inside Climate News, “Massachusetts is the first state to take such a clear step to phase out natural gas, but it likely won’t be the last.” Natural gas powers 51 percent of Massachusetts households, giving the change the potential to make a significant impact.
The ruling acknowledges the disproportionate impact that the cost of shifting away from natural gas will have on lower-income consumers and homeowners, but said only that the department will “monitor and reduce the energy cost burden.” Jenifer Bosco of the National Consumer Law Center told Inside Climate News, “Without a focus on affordability, low-income consumers could be left stranded on an increasingly unaffordable gas system, bearing more than their share of the cost to keep the system operating.”
Energy companies have been lobbying to allow the use of other alternative fuels such as hydrogen and renewable natural gas. “The department rejected most of the utilities’ suggestions, with some of the only agreement coming on the idea that the companies should explore greater use of geothermal energy.”
FULL STORY: Massachusetts Just Took a Big Step Away from Natural Gas. Which States Might Follow?

Manufactured Crisis: Losing the Nation’s Largest Source of Unsubsidized Affordable Housing
Manufactured housing communities have long been an affordable housing option for millions of people living in the U.S., but that affordability is disappearing rapidly. How did we get here?

Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?
Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?

Research Shows More Roads = More Driving
A national study shows, once again, that increasing road supply induces additional vehicle travel, particularly over the long run.

How Protecting Kauaʻi’s Forests Safeguards Fresh Water
A University of Hawaiʻi study shows that protecting Kauaʻi’s native forests from invasive species significantly boosts groundwater recharge, making it a cost-effective strategy to secure fresh water and enhance climate resilience.

Gary, Indiana to Expand Transit Service, Bike Share
The city plans to launch a bike share system in April and expand service on its bus routes.

Pittsburgh Rolls Out Electric School Buses
Pittsburgh Public Schools has launched its first electric school buses, with plans to fully electrify its fleet over the next 14 months, aiming to create a cleaner, more sustainable transportation system supported by new charging infrastructure.
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