Brattle Consultants Prepare Report Outlining Strategies and Policies Necessary for Massachusetts to Reach Net Zero Emissions in 2050

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, a recognized national leader in climate action, has set the ambitious goal to reach a statewide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions limit of “Net Zero” by 2050. In a report recently published by the Baker-Polito Administration, Brattle consultants collaborated with the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) and other state agencies to develop the strategies and policies necessary to achieve Net Zero in 2050. Reaching Net Zero requires 1) reducing GHG emissions by at least 85% relative to 1990 levels, and 2) offsetting any remaining emissions by removing GHGs from the atmosphere.

The Clean Energy and Climate Plan for 2050 (2050 CECP) builds upon existing climate mitigation and resiliency efforts, and includes public feedback and input from a wide range of stakeholders, including legislators, advocacy groups, utilities, industry, residents, and others. It depicts a decarbonized future where vehicles, home heating, and the electric grid can operate with minimal reliance on fossil fuels.

The 2050 CECP sets GHG sub-limits for different sectors of the economy – including transportation, buildings, electric power, and non-energy/industrial – and establishes strategies for each sector as well as for the state’s natural and working lands. The report also identifies a number of cross-sector strategies that will facilitate progress. Together, the technologies, infrastructure, and solutions highlighted in the plan are intended to:

• Support a clean energy innovation
• Transition our transportation and buildings by electrifying with clean electricity, and balancing the limited remaining GHG emissions with nature-based and engineered carbon sequestration approaches
• Expand development of a green workforce
• Emphasize a commitment to environmental justice for communities disproportionately impacted by historical energy systems and environmental effects
• Ensure a successful, cost-effective economic transition to Net Zero

The Brattle team that worked with the EEA and other contributors to develop and produce the CECP 2050 includes Principal Dr. Dean Murphy, Senior Associates Dr. Long Lam and Josh Figueroa, and Associate Dr. Goksin Kavlak.

The full report, Clean Energy and Climate Plan for 2050, can be found below.