IT DIDN’T TAKE LONG for lobbyists representing the energy industry to show support for a key state lawmaker as his sweeping energy bill advances in the State House.
State Rep. Mark Cusack, co-chair of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy, received $4,100 in contributions on Wednesday — much of which came from lobbyists representing the state’s energy interests.
The donations were posted on the state Office of Campaign and Political Finance website on the same day that Cusack’s legislation that would weaken the state’s 2030 climate mandates advanced out of committee as it moves quickly through the House.
In all, 11 lobbyists, consultants, and attorneys either representing or working directly for energy companies, including National Grid, Unitil, and Liberty Utilities — in addition to oil giant Exxon and Avangrid, which co-owns the Vineyard Wind offshore wind project currently in operation and owns Berkshire Gas — contributed a total of $2,400 to Cusack’s campaign account.
Jason Tait, a spokesperson for OCPF, said the November 12 transaction date reflects when the money was deposited into Cusack’s campaign account, not necessarily when the donation was made, but that contributions must be deposited within seven days of receipt. CommonWealth Beacon first reported the news of Cusack’s legislative push on November 7. The OCPF deposit report on November 12 was his fourth-largest of the year and largest since May.
Cusack declined to comment.
His legislation would lower the amount of renewable energy the utilities would be required to purchase and cut the state’s energy efficiency initiative, which is funded through the utilities’ ratepayers, by $500 million. It would also codify Gov. Maura Healey’s request to delay a state mandate to procure offshore wind from 2027 to 2029.
Costas Panagopoulos, a professor of political science at Northeastern University, said Cusack’s haul is a “fairly significant number for a single day for a state legislator,” but that there’s nothing out of the ordinary regarding the contributions.
“This is exactly what lobbyists do,” he said. “They try to influence legislators to support their causes in part by contributing financially to their campaign coffers, especially legislators who are in committee assignments that can be helpful to them or can otherwise help them advance an agenda. Utility companies have historically been involved in lobbying efforts and use their resources strategically to try to advance their goals.”
While individuals can donate up to $1,000 per calendar year to a candidate, lobbyists are restricted to donations of no more than $200. None of the lobbyists whose donations were reported on Wednesday gave more than $200.
Robert Boatright, professor of political science at Clark University, said the lobbyist contributions are “clearly a sign that they’re happy with” Cusack – but that the donations aren’t necessarily surprising.
Amanda Vicinanzo, a spokesperson for Unitil, said in a statement that individual contributions by lobbyists or employees are “personal decisions and do not reflect Unitil’s position on any legislation” and that the company is “currently in the process of reviewing” Cusack’s bill.
“Broadly speaking, we support initiatives that help make energy more affordable and reliable for all customers,” she said.
Brendan Moss, a spokesperson for National Grid, said that the company “welcomes the opportunity to engage constructively with policymakers on practical solutions to support households and businesses.”
Some of the lobbyists aren’t employed by utilities but work at lobby firms that represent the utility companies, including Tremont Strategies Group and Smith, Costello & Crawford Public Policy Group. Neither of those companies responded to requests for comment.
Cusack’s haul represents about 10 percent of the total $39,000 in cash he has on hand, according to OCPF.
His legislation has the support of the Mass Coalition for Sustainable Energy, which includes groups like the Associated Industries of Massachusetts, local chambers of commerce, and the Western Massachusetts Economic Development Council.
Environmental groups, meanwhile, are fiercely opposed. Cusack appears mindful of the pushback against his effort, writing to House members on Wednesday that he is “aware that many of you are hearing from your constituents and some activists about this affordability bill,” according to an email viewed by CommonWealth Beacon.