Guest Opinion: An opportunity for Brayton Point to power the green economy

[unhappycamper]

http://www.heraldnews.com/opinion/20160326/guest-opinion-opportunity-for-brayton-point-to-power-green-economy



The closure of New England's largest coal-fired power plant a year from now is an opportunity for us to build a prototype of the best energy future for Massachusetts — one that not only makes renewable energy financially viable but also keeps the site a local source of tax revenues and jobs.

Guest Opinion: An opportunity for Brayton Point to power the green economy
By Jasiel F. Correia II and Becky Smith
Posted Mar. 26, 2016 at 9:00 AM

The closure of New England’s largest coal-fired power plant a year from now is an opportunity for us to build a prototype of the best energy future for Massachusetts — one that not only makes renewable energy financially viable but also keeps the site a local source of tax revenues and jobs.

We should take advantage of this unprecedented opportunity to turn an outdated coal plant into a showcase for reliable, sustainable energy that can help revitalize the region.

The massive Brayton Point plant on Somerset’s waterfront is a victim of energy progress. Its heavy carbon emissions are being displaced by cheaper natural gas plants and the surprisingly sharp rise in sustainable energy sources like wind, solar and hydro. Even with millions invested to cut its high emissions, Brayton Point is a dinosaur — and it should serve as a caution as we look to re-use that land: Construct for the future, not the past or even the present.

That means saying “no” to those who want to replace coal with gas and saying yes to creative, sustainable re-uses of the site.