Rep. Sciortino Supports Creation of Green Jobs

Representative Carl M. Sciortino, Jr. (D-Medford) testified before the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy last Thursday on his bill to expand access to energy efficiency programs for low-income families and create green jobs.

An Act Regarding Community Access to Energy Efficiency and Green Jobs (House Bill No. 1774) seeks to address critical elements omitted from the Green Communities Act passed in 2008: the exclusion of state weatherization goals and data transparency. The bill, which Sciortino filed this past January, would provide Massachusetts with information related to the current energy efficiency sector. The bill also provides incentives for the creation of environmentally friendly jobs by setting a goal of having 100% of homes and 50% of businesses weatherized by 2030.

Representative Sciortino was joined at the hearing by members of Neighbor to Neighbor Massachusetts, a community based organization advocating for the legislation. “We can save energy, tax-payer dollars, our planet, and most importantly, create needed jobs that yield a better quality of life for our communities,” said Erin O’Leary, the Legislative Liaison and State House Coordinator for Neighbor to Neighbor Massachusetts and a Medford resident.

“We need a sustainable economy that encourages job creation while improving our environment for future generations, and saving rate payers money on their utility bills” said Representative Sciortino.

– Information from State Rep. Carl Sciortino’s office