Letters to the editor
In a striking contrast to the energy struggles faced by many Americans, Australia is set to provide its citizens with three hours of free electricity daily, thanks to its significant investment in solar energy infrastructure. This initiative allows Australians to take advantage of peak solar output during midday, enabling them to run household appliances like washers and air conditioners without any cost. The success of Australia’s solar energy program raises an important question: Why can’t the United States, particularly in sunny regions like the South, replicate this model? Unfortunately, the current political climate in the U.S. is hindering progress in renewable energy initiatives. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently canceled grants for the “Solar for All” program, which had been committed by the previous Congress. This decision particularly impacts low and middle-income homeowners who are eager to adopt solar technology but lack the necessary funds to initiate such projects.
Moreover, the proposed FY2026 budget from the current administration threatens to eliminate other vital energy-saving programs, including the Energy Star initiative, which helps consumers identify energy-efficient appliances. While there is hope that Congress may preserve the Energy Star program, the overall sentiment remains that the administration is not prioritizing energy efficiency measures that could undermine the profits of fossil fuel corporations. This situation has prompted advocates like Mary Memmott from Framingham to call on citizens to contact their senators and representatives, urging them to defend funding for clean energy and energy efficiency. The overarching goal is to catch up to Australia’s solar advancements and provide financial relief to American households struggling with utility bills.
In a separate but equally pressing issue, Tom King from North Bennington, VT, reflects on the recent government shutdown, which was notably resolved only after airlines canceled flights. King highlights the irony that the disruption to air travel garnered more attention from Congress than the multitude of other critical issues, such as food stamp problems and federal employee layoffs. He notes that cooperation among politicians is essential for effective governance and hopes that this incident can lead to a more collaborative environment in the future. Meanwhile, Michael Westen from Malden expresses his disappointment with Boston Mayor Michelle Wu’s spending choices. Despite Wu’s acknowledgment of food insecurity in the city, she recently undertook an expensive trip to Canada, costing taxpayers $5,000 to chop down a Christmas tree. This juxtaposition of priorities raises concerns about accountability and the responsible use of taxpayer dollars in addressing pressing community needs. Together, these perspectives underscore the ongoing challenges in energy policy and governance, highlighting the need for more responsible leadership and prioritization of community welfare.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KahPH6oc12I
Solar Energy
While Americans are falling behind on their utility bills, Australia has built so much solar that it will soon offer many of its citizens three hours a day of free electricity. When solar output is high in mid-day, Australians will be able to run their washers, or keep up their AC for no cost at all.
Why can’t we have that? The sun shines here too, especially in the South.
Unfortunately, the EPA canceled grants for “Solar for All” that were already committed by the previous Congress. Low and middle-income homeowners, who could have been adding solar to their homes, now lack the start-up funds.
Other programs that help save us money, like the Energy Star program to rate efficiency in appliances, were also slated for elimination by the president’s proposed FY2026 budget. Congress may keep Energy Star in the budget after all, but this administration remains hostile to energy-saving measures that lower the profits of their fossil fuel donors.
Call Senators Markey and Warren, and your Congressperson, and tell them to defend clean energy and energy efficiency funds in the FY2026 budget. Let’s catch up to Australia and help everyone pay their bills.
Mary Memmott
Framingham
Bipartisanship
Regards the government shutdown, it took the airlines cancelling flights to finally end it. Never mind the food stamps mess or the employees laid off, jet planes got the attention of Congress. I realize how important jets are. Getting home for our troops and others is very important. Keep ’em flying! Now we have some cooperation between politicians and some small degree of harmony. That is how America works best. Pooling our resources and brains can create a path to real peace. Hopefully we’ll stay on course.
Tom King
North Bennington, VT
Hub spending
I am confused by Mayor Michelle Wu’s actions (“Oh Canada,” Nov. 18). Last week Wu was on the news stating that many families in Boston are unsure where their next meal was coming from. When I heard this I went to the Greater Boston Food Bank and donated $100 worth of food.
This week I read the news and it stated that Wu’s family trip to Canada where she chopped down the Boston Christmas tree cost $5,000 in taxpayer funds. My first reaction was this must be fake news, given the dire need for food in Boston, but I was wrong.
I am utterly disappointed that Mayor Wu thinks she can do whatever she wants with our (hard-earned) taxpayer dollars. The scary part is she can do exactly that, and there is nothing any of us hard-working taxpayers can do about it.
Michael Westen
Malden
