Fossil fuels to cost Bay State billions

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Environment Massachusetts released a report on Tuesday that highlighted the cost of fossil fuels. Rather than concentrating on global warming and pollution, the environmental organization focused on the state’s economy. The report was based on figures from the Department of Energy.

According to Environment Massachusetts, the bay state will spend $545.1 billion on fossil fuels by 2030. In the next 20 years, residents can expect a 47 percent increase in the price of oil, gasoline, coal, and services that stem from their use.

Field manager for Environment Massachusetts, Matt DuCharme, said: “Now when we put in monetary terms-how much it's actually costing, I think it's starting to wake people, once again to the actual damage of fossil fuels.”

Pamela Cargill, the marketing coordinator for Alteris Renewables attended Tuesday’s meeting led by DuCharme in Springfield. She acknowledged of the hefty price of alternative energy, “There are high costs involved, [but] the cost of inaction is much higher.”

She explained how green energy could benefit to both the environment and the economy.

“I think the green economy is really going to put America back to work. Especially our urban areas where there are all these manufacturing facilities that could make solar panels or wind turbines. There's so much potential right here," she said.

Richard Peck, research analyst for the office of Senator Buoniconti, said manufacturers have been turned off by the high cost of electricity in Massachusetts. Many have opted to locate their operations elsewhere.

Peck spoke about the state’s opportunity to boost the economy by creating green jobs.

“Every drop, every pound, every bit of fossil fuels we use, in western Massachusetts especially, comes from someplace else. Every dollar that we spend to bring it here is a dollar that doesn't go into the pockets of the people that live here," he said.

When asked what the next step is, Peck responded that it is up to state and federal government to take the lead in alternative energy investment.