Letters to the editor
In a stark contrast to the challenges faced by many Americans struggling to keep up with rising utility bills, Australia is set to offer its citizens an innovative solution: three hours of free electricity daily, thanks to its robust investment in solar energy. This initiative allows Australians to take advantage of high solar output during peak midday hours, enabling them to run household appliances such as washers and air conditioners without incurring any costs. This progressive approach highlights the potential benefits of solar energy, especially in sunny regions like the southern United States, where similar initiatives could alleviate financial burdens for low and middle-income families.
However, the path to such advancements in the U.S. is currently obstructed. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has canceled previously committed grants for the “Solar for All” program, which aimed to provide funding for low-income homeowners to adopt solar energy solutions. This setback comes at a time when energy-saving programs, like the Energy Star initiative that promotes efficiency in appliances, are also under threat from the proposed FY2026 budget. The current administration’s apparent hostility towards clean energy measures, perceived as detrimental to the profits of fossil fuel donors, raises concerns about the future of sustainable energy initiatives in the U.S. Advocates are calling on citizens to contact their senators and congressional representatives to defend funding for clean energy and energy efficiency, urging a shift towards a more sustainable and financially accessible energy future that could mirror Australia’s success.
In a separate commentary, the recent government shutdown highlighted the sometimes skewed priorities of Congress, where the cancellation of airline flights drew immediate attention and action, overshadowing pressing issues like food assistance and employee layoffs. This situation underscores the need for bipartisan cooperation to address critical issues effectively. Meanwhile, local governance is also under scrutiny, as Boston Mayor Michelle Wu faces backlash for spending taxpayer money on a family trip to Canada for a ceremonial event while many families in the city struggle with food insecurity. This juxtaposition of priorities raises questions about accountability in public spending and the responsibilities of elected officials to address the needs of their constituents. As citizens express their concerns, it becomes imperative for leaders at all levels to prioritize the well-being of the communities they serve.
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
