The Mass Save program too often benefits wealthier communities while low-income neighborhoods are overlooked and ignored. There should be accountability in ensuring equitable access to the program for underserved communities. Mass Save’s stated goal is to help “residents and businesses across Massachusetts save money and energy, leading our state to a clean and energy efficient future.” These are laudable goals, however, we must ensure environmental justice is not taking a backseat to the well-intentioned stated priorities of the program. The Mass Save program itself is funded through our utility payments, across the board, in Massachusetts. I will analyze and report on disparities between services provided to low-income residents and underserved communities and residents in more affluent communities.

It is also of the utmost importance that the administration be held accountable on meeting climate goals passed through “Act Creating a Next-Generation Roadmap for Massachusetts Climate Policy.” The legislation directed state agencies to set, “interim economy-wide greenhouse gas emissions limits, as well as sector-based emissions sublimits for certain sectors, every five years. It codifies the state’s long-term emissions limit of net-zero emissions by 2050 and directs the adoption of a 2030 emissions limit of “at least 50 percent below 1990 levels,” a 2040 emissions limit of, “at least 75 percent below 1990 levels.” I will audit relevant state agencies to shine a light on where we are, or are not, meeting our commitments.