“Kenyan Expert Appointed to Massachusetts Energy Transformation Advisory Council”
Title: Kenyan Leader Appointed to Massachusetts Energy Transformation Advisory Council
Mary Wambui, Asset Manager at the Planning Office for Urban Affairs and Co-Chair of the Massachusetts Energy Efficiency Advisory Council Equity Working Group, Joins Energy Transformation Advisory Council
BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced the appointment of Mary Wambui to the newly formed Energy Transformation Advisory Board (ETAB). This board was established to guide and advise the Office of Energy Transformation (OET) on its mission to deliver an equitable, affordable, sustainable, and just transition of the energy ecosystem. ETAB includes a diverse group of stakeholders, including labor, business, finance, environmental justice advocates, utilities, technology providers, building owners, developers, and generators.
Governor Maura Healey emphasized the importance of collaboration in achieving the state’s clean energy goals: “The clean energy future will not happen if we operate in silos. The Office of Energy Transformation and this newly created Advisory Board is an invitation to everyone impacted to come to the table, bring solutions, and make real commitments to move us forward. This is an opportunity for coordination between our utilities, for targeted workforce development for our gas workers, and for climate and environmental justice advocates to ensure we’re moving swiftly and equitably. These are challenging issues, but I’m confident that Massachusetts can continue our climate leadership as a team.”
Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll highlighted the significance of the transition for workers and businesses: “With the establishment of the Energy Transformation Advisory Board, we can ensure that our gas workers and impacted businesses have a seat at the table in the clean energy transition. This transition is bigger than flipping a switch – it’s thousands of workers and businesses that rely on fossil fuels for their livelihood. By coming together, aligning on solutions, and investing in workforce development and climatetech, we can ensure that workers and their families will have good-paying careers in our clean energy future.”
The OET has identified three priority focus areas: transitioning away from reliance on the Everett Marine Terminal LNG facility, decarbonizing peak electric demand, and establishing alternative mechanisms to finance the clean energy transition. The ETAB will provide strategic guidance and recommendations on these focus areas and other key initiatives to advance the state’s climate and clean energy mandates, including achieving a 50 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and net-zero by 2050.
Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper stated, “DPU’s Order 20-80 set the stage for the transition from gas to electricity, making Massachusetts the first state in the country to require its utilities to prioritize electrification. Now it’s time to execute on that vision. We launched the Office of Energy Transformation and Advisory Board to take on this big challenge. We’re grateful that so many stakeholders are rising to meet it. The three focus areas outlined today are tangible next steps in ending our reliance on some of the most costly and dirty fossil fuel infrastructure, and ensuring that our ratepayers and environmental justice communities are kept at the heart of this transition.”
OET Executive Director Melissa Lavinson added, “No single sector, entity, or organization can transform an energy ecosystem that took more than 100 years to build. But, together, with the guidance of the Advisory Board and focus of the Office of Energy Transformation, we can find a better way that works for all communities across Massachusetts. We’re going to get to work to advance our competitiveness, ensure a just transition for workers and businesses, create new opportunities for entrepreneurs and innovators, and continue our proud position as a climate leader and model for others.”
The ETAB will meet quarterly, with meetings open to the public, and will hold an annual public listening session. Additionally, the OET will host four additional meetings across Massachusetts to gather public input and share feedback with the Advisory Board.
For a full list of Advisory Board members and more information, please visit the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s website.
