With Hydro, State on Track to Meet Pollution Goals

But officials cautioned in a report Tuesday that success may hinge on legislative approval of a plan to import more Canadian hydropower into the state.

The Global Warming Solutions Act of 2008, signed by then-Democratic Gov. Deval Patrick, establishes benchmarks for reducing carbon emissions that contribute to climate change.

One benchmark cuts emissions from 1990 levels by 25 percent by 2020, and another cuts emissions 80 percent by 2050.

State Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Matthew Beaton says the 25-percent goal is “attainable” if the report’s recommendations are fully implemented.

Baker, a Republican, has filed a bill that calls on utilities to pursue long-term contracts for Canadian hydro.