Massachusetts was once a leader among states when it came to fighting the climate crisis. And it’s poised to become one again — if Governor Charlie Baker doesn’t fall down on his duty by failing to sign the ambitious piece of legislation now on his desk.
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Worries mount over climate change bill – CommonWealth Magazine
Some advocates and lawmakers, who asked not to be identified, said they are hearing the governor could possibly veto the bill. “I’m worried,” said one of the people.
The legislation, which is viewed as a tool kit for achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050, includes a lot of tools the administration wants – energy efficiency standards for appliances, authorization for much larger offshore wind procurements, introduction of the term “environmental justice” into state law, and increased funding for the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center. If signed into law, advocates say the measure would be the most ambitious climate bill in the nation.
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Deal reached on major climate bill led by Barrett – The Lexington Minuteman
After six months of private talks, legislative negotiators on Sunday afternoon reached an agreement on a major bill to accelerate the state’s pace toward addressing the global problem of climate change.
The bill (S 2995) would establish in state law a “net zero” greenhouse gas emissions limit for 2050 and establish statewide emissions limits every five years over the next three decades. Within that plan, the bill creates mandatory emissions sublimits for six sectors of the economy: electric power, transportation, commercial and industrial heating and cooling, residential heating and cooling, industrial processes, and natural gas distribution and service.
The bill’s chief negotiators – Rep. Thomas Golden of Lowell and Sen. Michael Barrett of Lexington – called the proposal “the strongest effort of its kind in the country” and the first major update to the 2008 Global Warming Solutions Act.
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Bill summary, climate conference report
Read a section-by-section summary of “An Act Creating a Next-Generation Roadmap for Massachusetts Climate Policy (S.2995),” of which State Senator Barrett was a key negotiator, here.
Massachusetts takes major steps in fight against climate change – The Boston Globe
In a statement, the bill’s chief negotiators, Representative Thomas Golden of Lowell and Senator Michael Barrett of Lexington, called the bill “the strongest effort of its kind in the country.”
“This is focused, serious, and specific,” Barrett said. “It won’t allow us to look away when we fall short. It keeps the work of reducing carbon emissions squarely in front of us. This is no-excuses law-making.”
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