Business and the Environment

Quotes from Governor Mitt Romney on Business and the Environment

• January 22nd, 2003 Governor Mitt Romney announced the formation of a new $15 million Green Energy Fund to provide equity capital, loans and management assistance to Massachusetts-based renewable energy businesses. He said, "it can become a major economic springboard for the Commonwealth by focusing on job creation in the renewable energy sector.” (Taken from a 01-22-2003 Press Release)

• “If the choice is between dirty power plants or protecting the health of the people of Massachusetts, there is no choice in my mind,” said Romney. “I will always come down on the side of public health.” Romney noted that strict regulations at the so-called “Filthy Five” power plants were first outlined in 2001 to bring the facilities in line with emission standards for newer plants. The standards, designed to fight air pollution and reduce pollutants that contribute to acid rain, haze and global climate changed, called for significant reductions in nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide and mercury at the six plants. (Taken from a 02-06-2003 Press Release)

• “It saddens and frustrates me that the shores of Cape Cod and Southeastern Massachusetts will suffer the ill effects of this oil spill for a long time,” said Romney. “We must ensure that we take all necessary steps to protect our environment from these insults.” (Taken from a 05-20-2003 Press Release)

• “Today’s agreement with Mirant Canal produces immediate health and environmental benefits for the citizens of Cape Cod,” said Romney, who made a campaign pledge to clean up the state’s power plants. “Now each of the state’s dirtiest power plants is on target to meet our toughest-in-the-nation emission standards.”

Business and the Environment Thesis Statements

Governor Mitt Romney looks to business innovation not government regulation, in order to help the environment.

Reasons to agree:

• January 22nd, 2003 Governor Mitt Romney announced the formation of a new $15 million Green Energy Fund to provide equity capital, loans and management assistance to Massachusetts-based renewable energy businesses. He said, "it can become a major economic springboard for the Commonwealth by focusing on job creation in the renewable energy sector.” (Taken from a 01-22-2003 Press Release)

Governor Mitt Romney is not a tool of big business or utility companies. He stands up to them in order to ensure a clean environment.

Reasons to agree:

• “If the choice is between dirty power plants or protecting the health of the people of Massachusetts, there is no choice in my mind,” said Romney. “I will always come down on the side of public health.” Romney noted that strict regulations at the so-called “Filthy Five” power plants were first outlined in 2001 to bring the facilities in line with emission standards for newer plants. The standards, designed to fight air pollution and reduce pollutants that contribute to acid rain, haze and global climate changed, called for significant reductions in nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide and mercury at the six plants. (Taken from a 02-06-2003 Press Release)

• He proposed tougher fees for oil spills saying, “It saddens and frustrates me that the shores of Cape Cod and Southeastern Massachusetts will suffer the ill effects of this oil spill for a long time,” said Romney. “We must ensure that we take all necessary steps to protect our environment from these insults.” (Taken from a 05-20-2003 Press Release)

Governor Mitt Romney is able to work WITH business in order to ensure a good environment.

• “Today’s agreement with Mirant Canal produces immediate health and environmental benefits for the citizens of Cape Cod,” said Romney, who made a campaign pledge to clean up the state’s power plants. “Now each of the state’s dirtiest power plants is on target to meet our toughest-in-the-nation emission standards.”
• He spoke with the CEO utility companies directly before informing them that their proposals were rejected.