SPRINGFIELD – Massachusetts is nationally recognized as a leading state in renewable energy, but the Environment Massachusetts Research & Policy Center said the Commonwealth could be doing more.

On July 17, members of the Boston-based advocacy group released a report titled “Renewables on the Rise 2018” and discussed it at press conference conducted at City Hall with Mayor Domenic Sarno.

“The message here is that it’s time for Massachusetts to go big on clean energy,” Ben Hellerstein, state director of the organization said.

Hellerstein called on the Legislature to act on bills that would eliminate caps on solar net metering and increase renewable energy to 50 percent of Massachusetts’ electricity consumption by 2030 and 100 percent by 2047. Legislation approved by the House is less ambitious, reaching 35 percent renewable electricity by 2030. The legislative session ends on July 31.

“There is so much we can do,” he added.

According to the report, since 2007, Massachusetts has seen a 246-fold increase in the amount of electricity generated by solar installations. Massachusetts ranked seventh for solar and first for electricity efficiency savings.

The report also noted Massachusetts is 35th in the nation for the increase in electricity generation from wind between 2008-2017.

Massachusetts is ranked eighth in the nation for the number of public charging stations for electric cars with 537 as of April. That number may not include the 50 charging stations MGM Springfield has built inside its 3,000-plus parking garage.

According to the report, seven cities and towns in the Commonwealth have adopted a goal of 100 percent renewable energy, with similar commitments pending in other communities. Boston University and Harvard University have committed to purchase 100 percent of their electricity from renewable sources, while Hampshire College is already powered entirely by on-campus solar panels.

Sarno detailed in his statements and a press release what Springfield – the third largest city on the state and the fourth largest city in New England – has done to increase energy efficiency.

“This is an urban center which makes it a little difficult at times but not impossible,” he said of energy improvements.

The city has been named a Green Community due to its efforts.

The city is the home of the largest solar field in the state, producing 12 megawatts of power, he said.  That Eversource installation, as well as one on the Smith & Wesson properly, is not only generating electricity, but also almost $1 million a year in tax revenue for the city.

Sarno noted the city has made numerous improvements in its buildings’ technologies to improve efficiencies.

“Springfield takes the management of its energy resources and ‘going green’ very seriously. It is no accident that over the past 11 years my administration is closing in on a 25 percent reduction in our energy usage for our municipal and school buildings. It has taken a lot of hard work, strategic planning and public private partnerships to bring us to this pivotal time in the management of our resources.  I truly believe if every community, every household does their part we can ensure we make the difference in protecting the overall health of our most precious gift, our environment,” he said.

City Councilor Jesse Lederman said efforts undertaken by citizens groups show that urban centers can lead in such issues.

He noted the campaign by the Springfield Climate Justice Coalition to address 500 natural gas leaks in the city – which contribute to the increase of greenhouses gases – has been successful thanks to speaking with Columbia Gas of Massachusetts.    

He noted the “Strong, Healthy and Just: Springfield’s Climate Action & Resilience Plan” developed last year has a goal of reducing greenhouses gases generated in the city by 80 percent by 2050.

“It’s very important to set the bar high,” Lederman said.

Hellerstein said, “We can have healthier communities today, and a livable planet for our children, if state officials adopt strong clean energy policies.”

To read the full report go to https://environmentmassachusettscenter.org.