Battling for the referendum ballot
Massachusetts was one of nine states holding public referenda in 1976 on proposals for public power or anti-nuclear initiatives. All were defeated except in Missouri. A case study of developments in Massachusetts traces the history of Question 4, which would establish a Massachusetts Power Authority, from its introduction in the Legislature in 1975 to its 5.7 to 1 defeat. A two-year campaign against the referendum was led by the private utilities. The proposal sought to create a state-run power authority which would take over existing generating and transmission facilities, issue tax-exempt bonds (making in-lieu-of-tax payments to local communities), and set up a 3-member governing body. New plant construction by private utilities would be banned. The required number of signatures were gathered, partly by advertising the proposal as a way to get lower electric rates. The Legislature voted against the proposal, but enough signatures were gathered to have it listed on the ballot for referendum. A series of studies, white-paper-type reports, media coverage, and lobbying efforts followed. Most of the media supported the private utilities. A low-key campaign was conducted because of rising unemployment and fuel costs. The public power proponents were not able to match the 5000 volunteers and the voters who defended the concept of private utilities. (DCK)
- OSTI ID:
- 7301511
- Journal Information:
- Electr. Perspect.; (United States), Journal Name: Electr. Perspect.; (United States) Vol. 77/2; ISSN ELPED
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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