Government Relations Special Edition

Why is Government Relations important? Because utility siting (e.g. transmission line projects) exists in a highly regulated environment and the current legal framework is outdated and needs changing. The laws that govern how utility projects are approved do not reflect modern understanding of health, community, and environmental impacts. So core members of our team have been pursuing various strategies to change things. In June, we focused on working with the Attorney General’s office and lobbying in support of Mass. House Bill 4357, which would require the Energy Facilities Siting Board to consider more than just construction cost for utility proposals.

We’re also still vigorously pursing a legal challenge and community action – but research shows that success against a utility siting project triples when these strategies are coupled with an aggressive political strategy. Read on to find out about our work with the Attorney General’s office and the Statehouse and for info on upcoming events.