On July 17 th, 2012, SAFE joined  New England Power Generators’ Association, (NEPGA), Toxics Action Center, Retail Energy Supply Association (RESA), Environment Mass, Clean Water Action, Sierra Club,  Occupy Salem and HealthLink in opposing legislation being considered by state lawmakers (House Bill 4225) which includes a condition (Section 42) that forces Massachusetts electric consumers to purchase power for the next 15 years from a new, natural gas power plant being built on the site of a retired coal plant.

SAFE also sent a message to legislators and the local new outlets that further qualified SAFE’s position:

Speaker Robert Deleo, President Therese Murray, Sen. Fred Berry and Members of the Joint Energy Conference Committee

Section 42 of the House Energy bill unfairly privileges new natural gas plants. The type of long-term contract proposed should be reserved for renewable energy projects that move the Commonwealth closer to its goals for reducing its carbon footprint. New gas projects should move forward only if they are economically feasible without rate payer or taxpayer subsidies. It is our understanding that the developers who recently purchased Salem Harbor station have a business plan for a quick-start gas plant that is economically viable without this sweetheart deal. Long term contracts should be reserved for renewables.

Thank you for your consideration.

Patricia A. Gozemba

Co-Chair, Salem Alliance for the Environment

The July 5 Salem News highlights disagreements among North Shore environmentalists on the wisdom of siting a new natural gas plant at Salem Harbor Station. Pat Gozemba of SAFE is quoted as saying:

We really don’t want another fossil fuel plant, but we’re looking at the economic realities. We are concerned about the economic health, as well as the environmental health, of this city.

As reporter Tom Dalton explains, the proposal for the quick-start gas plant does have some environmental benefits. This type of plant could provide the necessary back-up power for a future wind farm off Cape Ann.

As reported in the Salem News on July 3, Representative  Keenan has written into the State’s energy bill a provision that would guarantee long-term energy contracts for the proposed natural gas plant in Salem. Footprint, the new owner of Salem Harbor Station, has said that the company did not request this special treatment  and the provision isn’t necessary to its success. SAFE has expressed its concerns about the proposal to Representative Keenan. We believe these types of subsidies should be reserved for renewable energy projects, which are more difficult to fund and implement.

May 1, 2012

Brian T. Watson

Salem Evening News

As two energy companies — Footprint Power and Dominion Energy — negotiate in relative secrecy over the possible sale of Salem Harbor Station, the rest of us can only wait with great interest for the result.

Barring some unanticipated event, Dominion is expected to close the power plant permanently sometime during 2014. The 60-year-old facility is currently running only two of its four generating units and is relied on only part-time by the regional power grid. Read more…..