Former Massachusetts Utilities Secretary James M. Van Nostrand, who earned $173,295 annually, is under scrutiny for using official state government emails in 2025 to seek job opportunities in the climate policy sector as energy prices rose. An investigation by the Fiscal Alliance Foundation, based on public records obtained from the Government Accountability Watch, revealed emails where Van Nostrand expressed interest in positions at the Analysis Group and the Energy Foundation.
In one email dated August 21, 2025, he informed energy consultant Susan Tierney about his upcoming retirement from the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) and his desire to work with the Energy Foundation. He previously described the DPU’s mission as part of a broader clean energy initiative while acknowledging connections with various clean energy advocacy organizations.
Critics, including Fiscal Alliance Foundation Executive Director Paul Craney, raised concerns over potential conflicts of interest, arguing that regulators should prioritize affordable energy for consumers rather than align with advocacy groups that may increase costs. Craney called for DPU commissioners to maintain independence from the climate industry and emphasized the importance of protecting ratepayers.
The DPU, overseen by Governor Maura Healey, is responsible for regulating utilities and approving energy policies. As electricity rates continue to rise, questions have emerged about the influence of the climate advocacy sector on regulatory decisions. Neither Van Nostrand nor Healey’s office responded to requests for comments.
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