Dear Newton resident,

Have you have had a chance to see the movie “An Inconvenient Truth”? This remarkable documentary brings Al Gore’s famous slide show about global warming to the big screen. I had a chance to see the film earlier this year, and it strengthened my resolve to make Newton’s public buildings and vehicle fleet as energy efficient as possible. I urge all Newton residents to take this opportunity to learn more about the causes and perils of global warming, and to take action to reduce Newton’s overall environmental impact. In an age of sharply rising fuel prices, energy efficiency can pay handsome dividends for both City and household budgets. It truly is a win-win for all of us.

Paying more attention to energy and its consequences can take many forms. For example, did you know that over half the electricity flowing into Newton is made in power plants that burn coal, natural gas, and fuel oil? It is all too easy to forget this basic fact, since Newton does not host a single fossil fuel (or nuclear) power plant within its borders -- and neither do our nearest neighbors. But we are not immune to the consequences. It is indeed an inconvenient truth that our reliance on fossil fuel energy will affect all of our children, and those yet to be born. Coming generations inherit legacies of both wealth and pollution from all of us, and global warming is a legacy that is truly global in scope.

GOOD NEWS: CLEAN ENERGY IS HERE!

It behooves us all to act locally. As I mulled over the numerous suggestions provided at the end of the Al Gore film, I recalled that here in Massachusetts we are blessed with a particularly innovative way to support clean, renewable electricity. Here’s how it works: For every dollar we provide to support renewable energy development, the City of Newton receives a matching dollar back to support energy education in and on our schools. For example, we have installed a large solar electric power plant at Newton South High School and will be installing a photovoltaic solar array on Oak Hill Middle School. Students can track the performance of those panels via the school’s computers and science program. But that’s not all – there is also a second matching dollar contributed to a low-income residential energy efficiency program, for use wherever in the state the need is greatest.

In some Massachusetts towns, supporting this program is especially easy – you can “opt in” directly on your electric bill. We do not yet have this option in Newton, but all you need to do is pick up the phone. But please, do not delay in supporting clean energy. It really is here, and if more of us “green” their home’s electricity consumption we could quickly make a lot more of it.

The number to call is 617-524-3950, x 129 – (Mass Energy Consumers Alliance).

Very truly yours,

David B. Cohen
Mayor, City of Newton