Opinion | The answer may no longer be blowing in the wind

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has unveiled an "all of the above" energy strategy, outlined in an executive order on March 16, to address rising utility bills and achieve the state's climate goals. The plan mandates the development of 10 new gigawatts of power and 5 new gigawatts of energy storage by 2035, encompassing various sources including natural gas, nuclear, wind, solar, and geothermal. This marks a tonal shift for Governor Healey, who previously aligned with environmental groups against fossil fuel infrastructure. The strategy is a response to escalating energy costs, a projected surge in electricity demand driven by electric vehicles, electrified home heating, and the uncertain impact of AI and data centers on energy use. State Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper emphasized Massachusetts' commitment to being a stable place for business and honoring permits, aiming to provide reliability for developers. The initiative also seeks to expand the state's electric grid, with numerous infrastructure projects already underway, despite challenges posed by federal government policies that have undermined renewable power and stalled offshore wind projects. While two industrial-scale wind farms, Vineyard Wind and Revolution Wind, recently completed construction off New England's coast after delays and legal battles, future projects face uncertainty. The editorial board supports Healey's pivot, recognizing it addresses constituent needs and could foster a resilient power grid, potentially safeguarding climate policies from public backlash.