A recent report revealed that 80 percent of existing energy infrastructure in Massachusetts is located in or within 1 mile of low-income communities, particularly communities of color. It isn’t surprising — the same is true of many polluting land uses such as hazardous waste facilities, incinerators, and highways. This issue has come to a head in East Boston with a Conservation Law Foundation lawsuit on Monday arguing that the approval for an Eversource electricity substation should be overturned. This is why the report by several advocacy groups recommends changes to the electricity infrastructure siting process so these environmental justice communities are not forced to bear the burden of providing energy. It is just as important that these communities get their fair share of the renewable energy solutions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
How to bring solar energy to low-income communities
