* Percentage reduction below 1990 baseline level
** Source: MassDEP (2015). Massachusetts Annual Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory
The Global Warming Solutions Act (GWSA), signed in August of 2008, created a framework for reducing heat-trapping emissions to levels that scientists believe give us a decent chance of avoiding the worst effects of global warming. It requires reductions from all sectors of the economy to reach a target of a 25% reduction of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions by 2020 and an 80% reduction by 2050.
Massachusetts is showing the way to a clean energy economy — and it is reaping some of the direct benefits in economic growth — through the development of smart, targeted policies that reduce emissions by promoting greater energy efficiency, developing renewable energy, and encouraging other alternatives to the combustion of fossil fuels. This dashboard offers insights into the progress being made towards the goals of the GWSA.
Explore below for indicators of clean energy and climate in the Commonwealth, based on state-wide general trends. For indicators of our progress toward strategies/policies outlined in the Clean Energy and Climate Plan for 2020 (“2020 Plan”), please visit “Progress on the 2020 Plan”. Please visit “MA GHG Emission Trends" for the analysis of GHG trends by sector and by fuel type.
Emissions from residents, businesses, vehicles and other sources are 15% less than in 1990. This progress comes from new state policies and programs to provide cleaner, more efficient energy, cleaner cars, relative changes in fuel prices as well as from the global economic downturn. GWSA’s goals are a 25% reduction by 2020 and 80% by 2050. Making the next 9% reduction while enhancing the overall economy is the focus of the state’s efforts. Text version of the above graph
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Source: Facility submittals to MassDEP all summarized at http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/dep/air/climate/12facghg.pdf
Electricity and waste to energy facilities are the largest single emission sources. In Massachusetts, and across the northeast, the larger power plants are regulated under the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). Since RGGI was enacted, electric sector GHGs have declined about 30% and wholesale electric prices are down by 40-50%. The decline was principally caused by reduced generation from oil and coal, and increased generation from natural gas, renewables, and nuclear, as well as by energy efficiency. Text version of the above graphic
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From 1990 to 2011, the electric grid operator indicates total Massachusetts electric consumption increased by 22%; however, associated emissions dropped 37% because higher carbon fuels like coal and oil are being replaced with cleaner fuels like natural gas and renewable sources. This shift can be attributed to successes of the renewable energy requirements, the regional cap-and-trade system (RGGI), air quality regulations and the recent natural gas boom in the United States. Text version of the above graph
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Massachusetts is saving energy every year with new energy efficiency investments and programs as the state continues to embrace efficiency as our state’s “First Fuel.” These diverse programs saved enough electricity to power 109,707 homes for a year and enough natural gas to heat 15,000 homes for a year. Energy efficiency reduced greenhouse gas emissions by more than 431,000 metric tons — the equivalent of taking 84,681 cars off our roads for a whole year. For every one dollar invested in efficiency, the average benefit was $4.17 for homeowners and $5.10 for businesses. Text version of the above graph
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Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) has been relatively stable since 2005 after growing for decades. The recession, high gas prices, better communications technology, changes in consumer transportation preference, and other factors have all contributed to this trend. VMT is rising again in 2012. Text version of the above graph
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