Waltham, MA – Leading Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Kennealy today called for a full, independent review and analysis of all state green energy programs and climate-related spending. Kennealy stated that Massachusetts families deserve to know exactly how much taxpayer money is being used to subsidize the green energy industry – and how these policies have contributed to some of the highest energy costs in the nation.
Massachusetts currently ranks third-highest in the country for energy costs, a burden Kennealy says is the direct result of Governor Maura Healey’s activist driven climate agenda and her refusal to prioritize affordability for working families.
Kennealy stated:
“Massachusetts is one of the most expensive states in America when it comes to utility bills. This is not accidental. It’s the result of an overly partisan governing approach that puts political ideology ahead of the people of Massachusetts.
Governor Healey blocked two major natural gas pipelines from entering our state, knowingly driving up energy costs. Her administration is pushing full steam toward a 2050 net-zero emissions mandate, even if it means skyrocketing costs for families and small businesses.”
Kennealy continued:
“We represent 0.01% of global CO₂ emissions. There is no justification for forcing families to pay drastically higher electricity and heating bills in pursuit of a symbolic goal that does nothing to meaningfully change global climate outcomes. The Healey Administration’s resistance to affordability is no surprise – Governor Healey has filled her administration with climate activists while ignoring consumers. It’s simply not fair to the people trying to raise their families here.”
Kennealy underscored that the review would include:
-All tax credits, subsidies, and grants for green energy companies
-All regulatory mandates driving increased utility costs
-The total cost of state climate programs to taxpayers and ratepayers
-A full accounting of how these policies impact affordability and reliability
“We must identify which policies are driving energy costs through the roof and burdening our families and make cuts. If this administration won’t act, I will.”
Kennealy emphasized that Massachusetts can pursue cleaner energy responsibly, but not at the expense of affordability, economic stability, or the financial well-being of working families.
Additional Context on Massachusetts’ Current Energy Challenges:
-Incentive structures for residential solar installations are removing participants from the shared grid, shifting fixed costs onto everyone else and driving energy prices even higher.
-There is a lack of meaningful regional cooperation to bring additional hydroelectric power into Massachusetts, despite clear opportunities.
-The legislature’s allowance of “zero fossil fuel” municipalities is pushing housing costs higher and limiting development, with no statewide oversight or accountability.
-Governor Healey has actively eliminated viable alternative green energy sources, including woody biofuel and renewable liquid biofuels that were previously blended into heating oil by local retailers.
-MassSave tax credits are being disproportionately consumed by the wealthiest communities, leaving working families behind while subsidizing those who need the assistance least.
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