By Sophia Falbo
Boston University News Service
BOSTON — “After a day of constructive conversations, I am pleased to announce we have collectively agreed to two new resolutions between states and provinces,” Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey said Tuesday at a press conference following the 45th annual New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers Conference that focused on the clean energy revolution and increasing alliance between the leaders.
Over the past two days of meetings, Healey said the NEG-ECP shared how their states and provinces are building strong economies, creating jobs and combating climate change. She also said the “teamwork and chemistry in every endeavor” – including at the Red Sox game they attended last night – is what will help the governors and premiers achieve their clean energy goals.
Healey said the NEG-ECP discussed ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, decrease the use of fossil fuels and lower prices for consumers. One way to save money for people and businesses is by investing in offshore winds and supply chains in New England and Canada, she said.
According to The Boston Globe, Massachusetts and Rhode Island won rights to three offshore wind farm projects on Friday to make the switch from fossil fuels to clean energy use. Once built, the turbines in these farms will use the wind’s energy to generate electricity near Martha’s Vineyard.
Furey then went to the podium and said the NEG-ECP are thinking about climate change challenges from people’s perspectives and tackling them. “The region is more than shared geography and shared resources,” said Furey. “It’s truly a family.”
Healey was joined by Vermont Gov. Phil Scott, Maine Gov. Janet Mills, Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont and Rhode Island Gov. Daniel McKee. Healey thanked those who made the trip from Canada for this year’s conference, including Quebec Premier François Legault, Prince Edward Island Premier Dennis King, Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston and New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs, who accompanied Furey.
Next year’s conference will take place in Canada, and Healey said she hopes to achieve offshore wind and collaborations with other New England states and Canadian provinces before then. She also said she hopes to develop an economic development bill soon with the top climate technology companies in Massachusetts.
After Healey answered the media’s questions and gave her final remarks addressing the conference, she said she was eager about the presidential debate later in the evening and reinstated her support for Vice President Kamala Harris.
“I really hope that people who haven’t made up their minds are tuning in,” Healey said. “I think that a lot of independent and swing voters are going to decide this election.”
