Barrett, who just a month ago saw little hope for a new climate bill, called the compromise unveiled Thursday a “very strong bill.” He added: “This really is one of those classical win-wins.” Roy’s comments were almost identical.
Both lawmakers had been under intense pressure from climate activists to pass a broader bill instead of going along with the piecemeal approach attempted by Healey as a bid to get some of her priorities approved before the year ends and a new legislative session begins.
In their joint statement, Roy and Barrett indicated a broader bill was a necessity. “Massachusetts must continue to be a national leader in the effort to combat climate change, a prerequisite for which will be transitioning to a clean energy economy and creating high-quality jobs in the process,” they said. “That’s why our respective teams are working diligently to file the conference report in the coming days, with the goal of sending these critical reforms to the governor’s desk for her signature as soon as possible.”
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