What a Progressive Governor Does

Written by: Ari Fertig on Apr 15, 2007 10:48 AM EDT

Quite awhile back, Democracy for America endorsed Deval Patrick for Governor of Massachusetts. Not only did he win that campaign, but he did it with class and substance. He's gotten a lot of flack for a few things, but I think it's worthwhile to take this time to recognize what it means to have a progressive governor of our state, because it was members of DFA--and the Massachusetts grassroot communities as a whole -- that made it happen.

Here is a very long list of accomplishments within the first 100 days. It outlines what he has done for job creation and economic growth, education, health care, crime, and local aid. For this post, I'd like to look at the environment, since that seems to be what DFA is focusing on lately.

Find out what DFA endorsed GovSolar Inc., a manufacturer of solar power products, said today it plans to build a $150 million manufacturing plant in Westboro. ernor Deval Patrick is doing for the environment after the jump! 

From the link:

• Fighting Global Warming – Signed onto the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, committing the Commonwealth to a multi-state effort to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide and tackle global climate change. Proceeds of the sale of emissions allowances will fund an aggressive program of energy savings for households and industry throughout the Commonwealth.

• Approval of Cape Wind – The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs found the Cape Wind Final Environmental Impact Report adequate, clearing final state environmental regulatory hurdle for plan to build 130 wind turbines off Cape Cod. The project is still subject to federal approvals.  This marks a considerable step forward in welcoming an innovative new development to Massachusetts, showing our commitment to this emerging industry, and bringing the global clean energy market to Massachusetts.

• Acting Locally – Unveiled MassEfficiency, a $2 million revolving loan fund to help Boston and four other Massachusetts cities start up large-scale energy conservation programs modeled on the new Cambridge Energy Alliance, a public-private partnership which promises $100 million in energy efficiency measures over the next five years.

This is all great news. But we can do better. Yesterday, I attended a huge rally on the Boston Common to "Step It Up" -- together we called for an 80% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2050. We can do it. Boston is doing it, but we need the entire state on board.  It's now time to put the pressure on Governor Patrick and the legislature--and, by the way, Congress--to follow through with these goals statewide.

April 17 Update:  Evergreen Solar Inc., a manufacturer of solar power products, said today it plans to build a $150 million manufacturing plant in Westboro, in large part because of Governor Patrick's solar incentive program.

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Location: MA