Gov. Patrick talks energy policy

Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick was the featured speaker at Thursday’s Greater Boston Chamber Government Affairs Forum. The Governor focused his remarks on energy efficiency and the region’s renewable energy industry. 

1 On energy:
“The age of fossil fuels is passing. If we act now, the age of clean energy is ours.”

2 On globalization and cost:
“The entry of China and India into the global economy as consumers is unlike any phenomenon in economic history.  With no oil, coal or natural gas supplies of our own, Massachusetts has always been at the end of the pipeline and at an economic disadvantage. High prices for fossil fuels are likely to be with us for a long time.”

3 On clean energy:
“I do believe we must think of this as a shift in age, not merely a shift in resource. The Stone Age didn’t end, as someone said, because we ran out of stone; but because humankind had a better idea. Clean energy is a better idea – better for our pocketbooks, better for the planet and better for our economy, too.”

4 On a clean energy economy:
“Massachusetts has what it takes to lead a clean energy economy — because in the age of clean energy, power will not come from fossil fuels, but from technology, innovation and skill.  Those are the resources we have in abundance — and they are infinitely renewable.”

5 On green jobs:
“Green-collar jobs come in shades of both white and blue. Over the last few years, our state colleges, community colleges, and 40 Vocational Technical High Schools have begun to develop clean energy training programs.  The clean energy sector in Massachusetts employs more than 14,000 people now, and is growing fast. Graduates of these programs will be in high demand.”

Coming up at the Chamber
The Chamber’s 99th annual Meeting & Dinner will be held on Wednesday, May 14, at the Boston Marriott. For more information or to register for this event, visit bostonchamber.com.