Governor Charlie Baker filed a bill Thursday that calls for the purchase of hydroelectric power by Massachusetts utilities.Baker submitted the legislation to the state Senate, calling it a critical step in reducing Massachusetts’ carbon footprint while also helping ratepayers by providing a cost effective alternative to coal and oil.
The measure would allow Massachusetts to collaborate with New England states including Connecticut and Rhode Island in the procurement of hydropower.
The three states had previously announced a joint effort to seek power purchase agreements for hydropower or other types of renewable energy.
Baker's legislation would allow renewable energy sources such as wind power to be included in contracts, provided those resources are supported by hydropower.
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