Letters to the editor
In a striking contrast to the energy struggles faced by many Americans, Australia is on the verge of implementing a groundbreaking initiative that will provide its citizens with three hours of free electricity each day, thanks to the country’s significant investment in solar energy. As solar output peaks during midday, Australians will have the opportunity to run household appliances, such as washers and air conditioning units, without incurring any costs. This ambitious move not only highlights Australia’s commitment to renewable energy but also raises a pertinent question: why can’t the United States, particularly its southern states with abundant sunlight, achieve similar advancements in solar energy utilization?
The answer lies in the current political landscape and funding decisions that have hampered the growth of solar energy in the U.S. Recently, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) made headlines by canceling grants for the “Solar for All” initiative, which had been previously approved by Congress. This program aimed to assist low- and middle-income homeowners in accessing solar energy, providing them with the necessary start-up funds to install solar panels. The cancellation of these grants leaves many potential solar adopters without financial support, stunting the growth of renewable energy in the nation. Furthermore, proposed budget cuts to programs like Energy Star, which promotes energy efficiency in appliances, reflect a broader trend of hostility towards energy-saving measures that could challenge the profitability of fossil fuel industries. As a result, advocates are calling on citizens to reach out to their elected representatives, urging them to defend clean energy initiatives and push for a budget that prioritizes renewable resources.
In a separate commentary, Tom King reflects on the recent bipartisan cooperation in Congress that was prompted by the airline industry’s flight cancellations, which finally brought attention to the ongoing government shutdown. While the shutdown had severe implications, including disruptions to food assistance programs and layoffs, it was the impact on air travel that galvanized political action. King expresses hope that this newfound collaboration among lawmakers can lead to meaningful progress and stability in governance. Meanwhile, Michael Westen criticizes Boston Mayor Michelle Wu for her decision to spend taxpayer dollars on a personal trip to Canada, where she participated in chopping down the city’s Christmas tree, while many families in Boston are struggling to secure their next meal. This juxtaposition of priorities raises questions about accountability and the appropriate use of public funds, underscoring the need for transparency in local government spending. Together, these narratives highlight the complex interplay between energy policy, fiscal responsibility, and the urgent needs of citizens in both local and national contexts.
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
