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Print Edition StoriesWednesday, January 6, 2010
Policy Tracker
Mass. named 'most competitive' state; Renewable energy to double in U.S. by 2012
MHT's Galen Moore: Cambridge Innovation Center celebrates 10th anniversary
MHT's Galen Moore: Six Mass. tech firms head to world economic forum
MHT's Galen Moore: Honoring innovation in New England
Mass. is most competitive state, index says
For the second straight year, Massachusetts earned the most competitive designation among states measured on 43 indicators, according to the Beacon Hill Institute at Suffolk University. The institute’s index looks at the ability of states to promote economic growth and provide high income for workers over the long term. “There may be little that states can do to address the current global economic insecurity, but competitiveness, as a measure, has other virtues,” said Jonathan Haughton, professor of economics at Suffolk University and one of the principal authors of the report, in a statement. “For example, it can help states find ways to keep firms within their borders productive, its standards for education above average, and its infrastructure sound.” The report gave Massachusetts “strong” assessments in the areas of technology, business incubation and human resources. New Hampshire held third place just two years ago, but slipped to No. 17 last year. This year, it improved slightly to No. 15.
— State House News Service
U.S. renewable energy generation to double by 2012
Because of investments made by the economic stimulus bill, the U.S. is on track to double renewable energy generation by 2012, according to a report released by U.S. Vice President Joe Biden.
The U.S. also will double its capacity to manufacture wind turbines, solar panels and other clean energy components in three years, according to the report.
The stimulus bill’s $16 billion investment in alternative vehicle technologies will result in three new electric vehicle plants and 30 new battery plants over the next six years, according to Biden’s report.
The number of smart meters, which allow consumers to monitor and regulate their energy usage, will triple by 2013 to 26 million. Nearly 1 million homes will be made more energy efficient through stimulus-funded retrofits, according to the report.
By 2015, there will be five commercial-scale power plants that will sequester carbon, thanks to stimulus funding and existing loan guarantee authority. Plus, the federal government is investing $400 million in advanced research in wind, solar and geothermal technologies.
— Kent Hoover, ACBJ Wire Service
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