Activists Urge State Officials to Revise Clean Energy Siting Rules in Bold New Climate Action Plan

In Holyoke, a spirited group of local residents braved the rain to protest state clean energy practices. They believe these new measures might do more harm than good to their environment. Their rally took place outside the Visitor Center at Holyoke Heritage State Park, just before a public meeting on new siting rules outlined in Massachusetts’ Climate Action Plan.

Amid the drumming rain, protesters took turns speaking through a megaphone. Their message was clear: while they support a shift to cleaner energy, they feel that sacrificing forests for energy projects is not the answer. “I breathe air. How many people here breathe air?” asked Wendell resident Sally Stuffin, sparking cheers from the crowd.

The protest served as a prelude to a meeting about the Climate Action Plan released last year. Many attendees wanted to protect local forests and demand more local input on energy projects. Community voices pointed out that current strategies often overlook local concerns, leading to energy developments that don’t take community needs into account.

Bill Stubblefield, another Wendell resident, voiced strong opinions: “This is a government takeover of our democracy. We need an energy policy for the people and all living things.” His frustration resonated with many in the crowd, reflecting a broader sentiment about local governance and community involvement in decision-making.

Lara Wahl, a protester from Shutesbury, echoed these concerns. She highlighted the legal disputes many towns face with energy companies pushing unwanted projects. “Renewable energy should have been exciting, but it’s poorly mismanaged,” she said, pointing to the disconnect between state goals and community interests.

This meeting was one of four sessions aimed at gathering public input on the new siting and permitting rules. The Energy Facilities Siting Board aimed to address topics like community impact and site suitability for energy projects. Feedback shared will influence future regulations, with new rules expected to be finalized by March.

Since the Climate Act was signed by Governor Maura Healey in November 2024, there’s been a push for a significant increase in energy capacity. Michael Judge, from the state’s Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, noted that faster permitting processes are essential but have raised concerns about inadequate local control.

Community members involved in the meetings emphasized the importance of balancing progress with environmental sustainability. They want to ensure their voices are heard and that energy projects don’t come at the cost of local ecosystems.

Rick Collins from the Department of Energy Resources defended the new timelines for siting projects, aiming to respect both community and developer needs. He indicated that these rules are designed to avoid overwhelming locals with too many meetings or lengthy processes.

María Belén Power, another state representative, discussed the necessity of ensuring equitable benefits from energy projects. The stakeholder sessions were intended to foster genuine engagement between communities and energy developers, focusing on potential public health risks and environmental impacts.

However, skepticism about these promises remained palpable. Chris Queen, part of the activist group No Assault & Batteries, called for more stringent measures to protect community environments. He advocated for solar projects to be placed on previously developed land instead of forested areas.

Dan Ogden, who participated online, expressed frustration with vague regulations regarding public health and environmental safety. “Developers are given too much leniency,” he remarked, reflecting a growing concern among citizens about regulatory transparency.

With written comments being accepted until May 19, the Energy Facilities Siting Board continues to encourage public feedback on new regulations. This dialogue is crucial for ensuring that energy development aligns with community values and environmental protection.

For further insights, you can visit [Massachusetts Energy Facilities Siting Board](https://www.mass.gov/orgs/energy-facilities-siting-board) for more information on clean energy development in the state.

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