Policy Projects
The policy team provides an opportunity to work with public officials on clean energy policy from the beginning research stages to the passing and advocating of legislation. We work with real policymakers to implement real legislation.
Our upcoming projects will take this historic opportunity to reform the grid and make it work for the ratepayer, taxpayer and citizen. In the words of our Director, Cole, The grid is a massive cargo ship, always moving slowly. This is the only time in its history where the cargo ship can turn at the speed of a jet ski.
OUR UPCOMING PROJECTS ARE…
Energy Affordability Initiative
Partnered with the Rocky Mountain Institute, this project will design a state-level policy framework that will lower energy costs for ratepayers across the United States. Utilizing skills in economics, political analysis, and climate policy, this will be a project that will deliver for many Americans.
Democratic Energy & Electrification Project (DEEP)
In collaboration with TECO, a clean energy consulting group based in UT Austin, we will conduct market research and develop policy solutions to how Texas can scale its virtual power plant (VPP) capacity to 80 MW- enough to power 16,000 homes. The team will also work closely with several private companies and the Texas Public Utilities Commission.
Clean Energy Financing Reform
This team will work on innovative ways to finance major clean energy projects across Massachusetts, working closely with state legislators.
Roadmap for Energy Freedom and Open Reform of Markets (REFORM)
Have you considered what a Project 2025 would look like for energy policy? The REFORM initiative would answer that. This team will work with visionary students and PowerLines, a national think tank modernizing American power, to design a master policy playbook for leaders across this country to use. It will analyze every facet of our energy system, whether that be through economics, public policy, or even technological innovation.
We Have historically worked with…
Massachusetts State Representative Christina Minicucci – Democrat, 14th Essex
Representative Christina Minicucci is a Democrat representing the 14th Essex district in the Massachusetts House of Representatives. Her environmental work in the House has focused on improving air and water quality. Some of the environmental legislation she has sponsored includes reducing natural gas leakage — especially in the wake of the Columbia Gas explosions of 2018 — which is known to be a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions.
Additionally, she worked on legislation related to combined sewer systems, requiring residents of towns and cities with these systems to be notified when untreated wastewater is discharged into the environment as well as mandating increased testing of this water to reduce harm to aquatic and marine ecosystems. Rep. Mincucci, an environmental champion, has collaborated with HUCEG’s policy team to improve our relationships with the MA Legislature.
Massachusetts State Senator Marc Pacheco – Democrat, First Plymouth and Bristol
Senator Marc Pacheco is a Democrat representing the Plymouth and Bristol region of Massachusetts and is the Dean of the Massachusetts State Senate. Senator Pacheco recently authored senate bill S.2227 to expand offshore wind development in the Commonwealth.
Throughout his career in both the MA State Senate and House of Representatives, Senator Pacheco has always prioritized issues surrounding the environment and natural resources, sponsoring legislation to make Massachusetts No. 1 in energy efficiency and to create more than 75,000 clean energy jobs, among others. The HUCEG Policy Team is hoping to work with Senator Pacheco to learn more about the state’s future in the greater renewable energy industry.
Massachusetts State Senator Julian Cyr – Democrat, Cape and Islands
Senator Julian Cyr is a Democrat representing the Cape and Islands region of Massachusetts and is the Assistant Majority Whip in the Massachusetts State Senate. Senator Cyr recently authored senate bill S.2154 to provide for investment in and expansion of the offshore wind industry in the Commonwealth.
As Vineyard Wind works towards building the nation’s first utility-scale offshore wind energy project in his district’s own backyard, Senator Cyr is focused on advocating for a program that addresses investment in wind infrastructure development as well as expansion of offshore wind industry-related employment. The HUCEG Policy Team is hoping to work with Senator Cyr to learn more about future clean energy and offshore wind legislation.
Massachuseets State Representative Patricia Haddad – Democrat, Fifth Bristol
Representative Patricia Haddad is a Democrat representing the fifth Bristol district in the Massachusetts House of Representatives. Rep. Haddad recently authored a petition accompanied by House Bill H.2924 to establish a special commission to study the benefits of implementing an offshore wind investment tax credit.
Massachusetts’ coastline makes the state uniquely positioned to integrate the renewable energy – especially wind – industry into its economy, which is why Rep. Haddad believes this legislation to be crucial in attracting the offshore wind supply chain. The HUCEG Policy Team is hoping to work with Representative Haddad to learn more about the future of the offshore wind industry in the Commonwealth and the ways in which the public can help support its expansion.
