Downing Appointed To Energy Facilities Siting Commission

Print Story | Email Story
Sen. Benjamin B. Downing
BOSTON, Mass. — The Berkshires will have a voice in the growing green energy economy with the appointment of state Sen. Benjamin B. Downing, D-Pittsfield, to a new siting committee.

The commission, established through the Green Communities Act of 2008, will oversee the siting and expansion of energy facilities, as well develop procedures for applications and permits.

Downing was appointed by Senate President Therese Murray, D-Plymouth, to represent the Senate on the Special Commission to Study the Siting of Energy Facilities in an effort to promote equity and efficiency in the energy industry statewide.

"As green industries continue to gain ground in the commonwealth, it is important to ensure proper oversight and efficiency measures for both renewable and traditional sources of energy. We must allow for growth and innovation in these sectors in Massachusetts," said Downing. "I expect the recommendations of this panel will contribute toward the safe expansion of energy generating facilities statewide."

Downing has been a strong proponent of alternative energy and promise of green jobs

"As we continue to balance the need for traditional fuel sources with the desire to look to renewable energy, we must make sure that our laws and regulations keep pace with those changes," said Murray. "I asked Senator Downing to represent the Senate on this commission because I know he will be a strong voice for the people of the commonwealth."

Created in Section 89 of Chapter 169 of the Acts of 2008, the commission has been issued a broad mandate to examine whether current Massachusetts laws and regulations ensure a level regulatory playing field between renewable and fossil fuel based generating facilities, evaluate statewide uniform siting criteria, and evaluate ways to make permitting more transparent and predictable.

Drawing on the strengths of many disciplines, the 25 member panel includes legislative, executive, industry, municipal and environmental organization representatives. With a reporting deadline of January 2010, the commission's Chairman Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Ian A. Bowles has scheduled a meeting for Dec. 4 to begin the panel’s work.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Lee: 3 Miles of Route 20 Being Repaved Next Year

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

LEE, Mass. — Beginning next year, the state will repave three miles of Route 20 and reinforce two bridges, one over the Massachusetts Turnpike. 

Last week, the state Department of Transportation held a virtual design public hearing for the project. In addition to milling and resurfacing of the route, bridge structures L-05-024 (over Greenwater Brook) and L-05-052 (over I-90) will see maintenance repairs. 

"We just wanted to thank MassDOT for doing this project. We're very supportive of having the road redone and appreciate the work on it," Town Administrator Christopher Brittain said. 

"The town of Lee is looking forward to having the road repaved." 

Construction will begin in the spring of 2027.  

Traffic will be maintained with short-term flagging operations, and steel plates will conceal deck patching over Greenwater Brook. There will be staged construction on the bridge over the highway, with a single alternating travel lane controlled by a temporary signal. 

The project is estimated to cost $6.8 million, 90 percent from the federal government and 10 percent from the state; it is in the FY26 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program. 

The hearing included public information on activities and rights-of-way needs for tree trimming, new utility poles, grading, drainage swales, and a driveway apron along the project corridor, items identified during the late design phases. 

View Full Story

More Regional Stories