In order to be effective, state and regional efforts must be coordinated. Regional policies and plans can be critical for promoting clean energy and for regulating renewable energy development. While this strategy provides numerous recommendations for advancing energy conservation and renewable sources, it is not an energy plan, per se. A more in-depth regional clean energy plan could pinpoint opportunities for clean energy production, capital investments, and interlocal collaboration.
Many actions to increase sustainability require municipal action; in particular, the Commonwealth’s new Green Communities Program provides direct financial assistance to municipalities that have met certain criteria. Many communities have the motivation to participate in this program but need assistance to implement the program’s recommendations. The state should find resources to support the technical assistance necessary to help municipalities make progress.
1.a Develop a regional clean energy plan
1.b The Commonwealth should support technical assistance for all municipalities to meet the eligibility criteria for the Green Communities Program