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Charlie Baker on Energy & Oil

 

 


Support Hydro Quebec, efficient appliances, and LED lighting

Adopt a reasonable and effective statewide energy policy:
Source: 2010 gubernatorial campaign website, charliebaker2010.com , Nov 1, 2010

Renewable energy is an important investment in our future

I'm concerned about the effects of climate change on our environment. I also believe that a strong economy is crucial to our ability to invest in solutions which will not only benefit our natural environment, but also improve our economic environment.

Renewable energy is an important investment in our future [but] renewable energy generation has to deliver measurable cost savings. Wind, biomass, and solar all have a role to play in reducing demand for fossil fuels, but the price of these energy sources cannot make Massachusetts' already uncompetitive energy picture even worse.

Promoting energy efficiency programs is also a cost effective way to reduce current energy costs and shield our economy from future energy shocks. Our approach to renewable energy must be supplemented by aggressive, public support for energy/electricity efficiency.

We need a balanced approach to energy policy that includes a reliable, cost-effective portfolio of conventional and renewable energy sources.

Source: 2010 gubernatorial campaign website, charliebaker2010.com , Nov 1, 2010

2010: questioned global warming; 2014: yes, it's manmade

(Boston Globe, 2/7/2010): Asked whether he agrees with the "scientific majority" that climate change is caused by human activities, Baker ducked: "What I do believe is that our overreliance on foreign oil is a big problem for national security and an economic point of view." He told the Globe, "You're asking me to take a position on something I don't know enough about. I absolutely am not smart enough to believe I know the answer to that question."

(BostInno, 1/15/2014): Baker did go on to say in that same interview from 2010, however, that "we should all rely on the fact that most of the science agrees that temperatures are rising, CO2 levels are rising and it'd probably be a good idea to do something about that." Indecision, not denial.

(State House News Service, 6/2/2014): Baker flip-flopped to state that "I certainly think the rise in carbon dioxide is a man-made, generated, activity that plays a role in all of this."

Source: Mass IEPAC: Research Profile on Charlie Baker, p. 30 , Sep 1, 2014

Helped gather signatures to repeal gas tax increase

Leaders of a movement to repeal automatic increases in the gasoline tax took time out to celebrate their latest success. A group of about 30 activists and candidates for office gathered at Lafayette House in Foxboro to mark the occasion of going over the top in collecting enough signatures to put the issue on the November ballot. The guest speaker at the event was Republican candidate for governor Charlie Baker. He told the audience when he helped them collect signatures at a supermarket, almost every voter signed the petition once the automatic tax increase was explained to them. The increases are "a classic overreach" by the Legislature that is sure to be repealed by voters in November. Later, Baker said his main objection is to the automatic increases in the future, not the immediate 3 cents a gallon hike called for in the bill. He also said in a brief interview that he is not targeting any tax cuts if elected, but is opposed to new tax increases. (Sun Chronicle, 6/20/2014)
Source: Mass IEPAC: Research Profile on Charlie Baker, p.205 , Sep 1, 2014

Develop hydropower--most cost effective renewable

Meeting our future energy needs requires cooperation with the other New England states because the region's energy infrastructure and supply is closely linked. We have a growing solar industry, which we should continue to support, but not at prices two to three times more than every other option. Cost competitive wind options are already available to us, and we should embrace them too. But if we're serious about reducing our carbon footprint while maintaining a reliable energy grid and improving our competitive position, then we must significantly increase the supply of hydropower.
Source: 2016 State of the State speech to Massachusetts legislature , Jan 21, 2016

Reduce carbon footprint while maintaining supply of energy

Together [with the Legislature], we passed landmark legislation that will reduce our carbon footprint while maintaining a competitively priced and reliable supply of energy. And we've built on those efforts by issuing an Executive Order on Climate Change that directs state government to work with local governments, business, and non-profits to develop plans to further protect our environment and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Source: 2017 State of the State address to Massachusetts Legislature , Jan 24, 2017

$1 billion for climate resiliency by 2022

There's no dispute that the consequences of climate change are real and potentially devastating. We created the first Municipal Vulnerability Program in the country, so local communities would have the ability to address future threats before they occur. More than 285 communities have joined us. We're committed to expanding this essential program to all 351 communities. And we'll bring this Administration's total investment in climate resiliency to just over $1 billion by 2022.

Massachusetts also leads the nation in procuring clean, renewable energy. I'm committing the Commonwealth to achieving an ambitious climate goal: net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. That is why we're working with our colleagues across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states on a Regional Transportation and Climate Initiative. Unless we take on transportation, we won't meet our objectives.

Source: 2020 Massachusetts State of the State address , Jan 21, 2020

Roadmap to reach net zero emissions by 2050

We put forth a science-based roadmap to reach net zero emissions by 2050. We've spearheaded a first of its kind, multi-state program to reduce carbon emissions in the transportation sector. We've invested over $935 million in climate change mitigation and adaptation. And we're on track to meet our commitment to invest $1 billion in climate action by 2022. Partnering with the Legislature, we secured historic clean energy procurements at the lowest price for rate payers.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to Massachusetts legislature , Jan 26, 2021

Next-generation roadmap for climate policy

S.9: An Act creating a next-generation roadmap for Massachusetts climate policy.

Summary by WBUR (NPR 90.9-FM) 1/4/2021 : Massachusetts would adopt some of the most aggressive greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets in the country, dial up thousands of more megawatts of cleaner offshore wind power, encourage natural gas utilities to explore other services they could provide in the future, and put an explicit emphasis on helping the most overburdened communities cope with the effects of climate change under a compromise climate policy bill.

Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 39-1-0 Rollcall #19 on Mar/15/21; Passed House 145-14-1 on Mar/18/21; Signed by Governor Charlie Baker on Mar/26/21.

Source: WBUR (NPR 90.9-FM) on Massachusetts voting records: S.9 , Mar 26, 2021

Other governors on Energy & Oil: Charlie Baker on other issues:
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Gubernatorial Debates 2021:
CA Recall:
S.D.Mayor Kevin_Faulconer(R)
vs.Former Gov. nominee John Cox(R)
vs.Former U.S.Rep Doug Ose(R)
vs.Laura Smith(R)
vs.Former Olympian Caitlyn Jenner(R)
vs.Radio Host Larry Elder(R)
vs.Kevin Paffrath(D)
vs.Gavin Newsom(D)
NJ: Incumbent Phil Murphy(D)
vs.State Rep. Jack Ciattarelli(R)
vs.Candidate Hirsh Singh(R)
vs.GOP Chair Doug Steinhardt(R)
VA: Incumbent Ralph Northam(D,term-limited)
vs.Former Governor Terry McAuliffe(D)
vs.CEO Glenn Youngkin(R)
vs.A.G. Mark Herring(D)
vs.State Sen. Amanda Chase(I)
vs.Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax(D)
vs.State Rep. Jennifer Carroll Foy(D)
vs.State Rep. Lee Carter(D)
vs.State Sen. Jennifer McClellan(D)
vs.State Rep. Kirk Cox(R)
vs.CEO Pete Snyder(R)

Gubernatorial Debates 2023:
KY: Incumbent Andy Beshear(D)
vs.State A.G. Daniel Cameron(R)

vs.Ambassador Kelly Craft(R)
vs.State Auditor Mike Harmon(R)
LA: Incumbent John Bel Edwards(D,term-limited)
vs.Biden Adviser Cedric Richmond(? D)
vs.Senator John Neely Kennedy(? R)
vs.Mitch Landrieu(D ?)
MS: Incumbent Tate Reeves(R)
vs.Bill Waller(R)

Gubernatorial Debates 2022:
AK: Incumbent Mike Dunleavy(R)
vs.Bill Walker(I)
vs.Les Gara(D)
vs.Billy Toien(L)
vs.State Rep. Chris Kurka(R)
AL: Incumbent Kay Ivey(R)
vs.Chris Countryman(D)
vs.Yolanda Flowers(D)
vs.Stacy Lee George(R)
vs.Ambassador Lynda Blanchard(R)
vs.State Sen. Malika Sanders-Fortier(D)
vs.Challenger Tim James(R)
AR: Incumbent Asa Hutchinson(R,term-limited)
vs.Trump Adviser Sarah Huckabee Sanders(R)
vs.A.G. Leslie Rutledge(R,withdrew Nov.2021)
vs.Ricky Dale Harrington(L)
vs.Anthony Bland(D)
vs.Chris Jones(D)
AZ: Incumbent Doug Ducey(R,term-limited)
Mayor Marco Lopez(D)
vs.Former news anchor Kari Lake(R)
vs.Secretary of State Katie Hobbs(D)
vs.State Treasurer Kimberly Yee(R)
vs.U.S.Rep.Matt Salmon(R)
vs.Steve Gaynor(R)
vs.State Rep.Aaron Lieberman(D)
vs.Jorge Rivas(R)
vs.Karrin Taylor Robson(R)
CA: Incumbent Gavin Newsom(D)
vs.S.D.Mayor Kevin_Faulconer(R)
vs.Former Gov. nominee John Cox(R)
vs.Kevin Paffrath(D)
vs.State Sen. Brian Dahle(R)
vs.State A.G. Rob Bonta(D for AG)
CO: Incumbent Jared Polis(D)
vs.Mayor Greg Lopez(R)
vs.Heidi Ganahl(R)
CT: Incumbent Ned Lamont(D)
vs.Bob Stefanowski(? R)
FL: Incumbent Ron DeSantis(R)
vs.Former Gov.Charlie Crist(D)
vs.Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried(D)
vs.Annette Taddeo(D)
vs.Brian Moore(G)
GA: Incumbent Brian Kemp(R)
vs.Minority Leader Stacey Abrams(D)
vs.Senate candidate Shane Hazel(L)
vs.State Rep.Vernon Jones(R)
vs.2020 candidate Kandiss Taylor(R)
vs.Senator David Perdue(R)
HI: Incumbent David Ige(D,term-limited)
vs.Former Lt.Gov.Duke Aiona(R nominee)
vs.Marissa Kerns(R)
vs.Lt.Gov.Josh Green(D nominee)
vs.Vicky Cayetano(D)
vs.Paul Morgan(R)
vs.State Rep.Kirk Caldwell(D)
vs.U.S.Rep.Kai Kahele(D)
IA: Incumbent Kim Reynolds(R)
vs.Deidre DeJear(D)
vs.State Rep.Ras Smith(D)
ID: Incumbent Brad Little(R)
vs.Stephen Heidt(D)
vs.Raul Labrador(R)
vs.Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin(R)
vs.Ammon Bundy(R)
vs.Ed Humphreys(R)
IL: Incumbent J.B. Pritzker(D)
vs.State Sen.Darren Bailey(R)
vs.Paul Schimpf(R)
vs.Jesse Sullivan(R)
vs.Richard Irvin(R)
KS: Incumbent Laura Kelly(D)
vs.Jeff Colyer(R)
vs.State Sen.Derek Schmidt(R)
vs.Chase LaPorte(R)
Gubernatorial Debates 2022 (continued):
MA: Incumbent Charlie Baker(R)
vs.Lt.Gov.Karyn Polito(R)
vs.State Rep. Geoff Diehl(R)
vs.Harvard Professor Danielle Allen(D)
vs.State Sen.Ben Downing(D)
vs.State Sen.Sonia Chang-Diaz(D)
vs.Shiva Ayyadurai(I)
vs.A.G. Maura Healey(D)
MD: Incumbent Larry Hogan(R,term-limited)
vs.State Del.Robin Ficker(R) vs.State Del.Peter Franchot(D) vs.State Del.Kelly M. Schulz(R) vs.Secretary John B. King(D) vs.Ashwani Jain(D) vs.State A.G. Doug Gansler(D) vs.County Exec. Rushern Baker(D) vs.Secretary Thomas Perez(D) vs.Wes Moore(D) vs.Dan Cox(R)
ME: Incumbent Janet Mills(D)
vs.Former Gov. Paul LePage(R)
MI: Incumbent Gretchen Whitmer(D)
vs.Chief James Craig(R)
vs.Police Chief Tudor Dixon(R)
vs.Garrett Soldano(R)
vs.John E. James(? R)
MN: Incumbent Tim Walz(DFL)
vs.Mayor Mike Murphy(R)
vs.State Sen.Scott Jensen(R)
vs.Michelle Benson(R)
vs.Paul Gazelka(R)
NE: Incumbent Pete Ricketts(R,term-limited)
vs.U.S.Senator Bob Krist(R)
vs.Chuck Herbster(R)
vs.Jim Pillen(R)
vs.Brett Lindstrom(R)
vs.Carol Blood(D)
vs.State Sen. Theresa Thibodeau(R)
NH: Incumbent Chris Sununu(R)
vs.Dan Feltes(D)
vs.Karen Testerman(R)
vs.Dr.Tom Sherman(D)
NM: Incumbent Michelle Lujan Grisham(D)
vs.Commissioner Jay Block(R)
vs.State Rep.Rebecca Dow(R)
vs.Mark Ronchetti(R)
NV: Incumbent Steve Sisolak(D)
vs.A.G.Adam Laxalt(R)
vs.North Las Vegas Mayor John Lee(R)
vs.Dean Heller(R)
vs.Joe Lombardo(R)
vs.Mayor Michele Fiore(R)
NY: Incumbent Andrew Cuomo(D,resigned)
vs.Acting Gov.Kathy Hochul(D)
vs.Joe Pinion(R)
vs.Rob Astorino(R)
vs.Andrew Giuliani(R)
vs.US.Rep.Lee Zeldin(R)
vs.Tom Suozzi(D)
vs.Attorney General Letitia James(D)
OH: Incumbent Mike DeWine(R)
vs.Former Rep.Jim Renacci(R)
vs.Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley(D)
vs.Mayor John Cranley(D)
OK: Incumbent Kevin Stitt(R)
vs.State Sen. Ervin Yen(R)
vs.Connie Johnson(D)
vs.Joy Hofmeister(D)
vs.Natalie Bruno(L)
OR: Incumbent Kate Brown(D,term-limited)
vs.Gov. nominee Bud Pierce(R)
vs.Paul Romero(R)
vs.Casey Kulla(D)
vs.Kerry McQuisten(R)
vs.Tina Kotek(D)
vs.Nicholas Kristof(D)
vs.Tobias Read(D)
vs.State Rep. Christine Drazan(R)
vs.Julian Bell(D)
PA: Incumbent Tom Wolf(D,term-limited)
vs.U.S.Rep. Lou Barletta(R)
vs.Commissioner Joe Gale(R)
vs.A.G.Josh Shapiro(D)
vs.William McSwain(R)
vs.U.S.Rep.Melissa Hart(R)
vs.State Sen.Scott Martin(R)
vs.State Sen. Scott Martin(R)
vs.State Sen. Doug Mastriano(R)
RI: Incumbent Gina Raimondo(D,to Cabinet)
vs.Gov. Dan McKee(D)
vs.Ashley Kalus(R)
vs.Mayor Allan Fung(R)
vs.Secy.Matt Brown(D)
vs.Luis-Daniel Munoz(D)
vs.RI Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea(D)
vs.Seth Magainer(D)
vs.Helena Foulkes(D)
SC: Incumbent Henry McMaster(R)
vs.US.Rep.Joe Cunningham(D)
vs.State senator Mia McLeod(D)
SD: Incumbent Kristi Noem(R)
vs.State Rep. Billie Sutton(? D)
vs.Speaker Steven Haugaard(R)
vs.Jamie R. Smith(D)
TN: Incumbent Bill Lee(R)
vs.Jason Martin(D)
vs.Carnita Atwater(D)
vs.J B Smiley(D)
TX: Incumbent Greg Abbott(R)
vs.Beto O`Rourke(D)
vs.Chad Prather(R)
vs.State Sen.Don Huffines(R)
vs.U.S.Rep. Allen West(R)
vs.Deirdre Gilbert(D)
VT: Incumbent Phil Scott(R)
vs.Brenda Siegel(D)
WI: Incumbent Tony Evers(D)
vs.Tim Michels(R)
vs.CEO Jonathan Wichmann(R)
vs.Rebecca Kleefisch(R)
vs.State Rep. Timothy Ramthun(R)
WY: Incumbent Mark Gordon(R)
vs.Theresa Livingstone(D)
vs.Rex Rammell(R)
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Page last updated: Apr 29, 2023; copyright 1999-2022 Jesse Gordon and OnTheIssues.org