LANDMARK CLIMATE CHANGE LEGISLATION AT RISK
One of my proudest votes last session was for bold climate legislation, S.2995, An Act Creating a Next-Generation Roadmap for Massachusetts Climate Policy. It is now on Governor Charlie Baker’s desk for his consideration, and there are signs he is considering NOT signing the legislation. I write to urge you to contact Governor Baker TODAY to ask that he sign this critical bill by sending him a note here.
The bill went to Governor Charlie Baker's desk nine days ago, and if he does not sign it tomorrow it will not become law.
The Boston Globe wrote an editorial asking Governor Baker to sign this important legislation. I would ask again that you let the Governor know how you feel before it is too late.
As a reminder, if Governor Baker signs this ambitious legislation into law, Massachusetts would once again be the national leader in confronting the devastating effects of climate change.
Among other provisions, this bill:
- Establishes a statewide net zero limit on greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and mandates emissions limit checkpoints every five years to ensure progress toward that goal. It also sets limits for specific sectors of the economy, including transportation and construction.
-
Codifies environmental justice provisions into law, defining environmental justice populations and providing new tools and protections for affected neighborhoods.
- Requires an additional 2,400 megawatts of offshore wind procurement.
- Sets appliance energy efficiency standards for a variety of common appliances, including plumbing, faucets, computers, and commercial appliances, among others.
- Increases the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) by three percent each year from 2025 to 2029, resulting in 40 percent renewable energy by 2030.
- Establishes $12 million in annual funding for the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center in order to create a pathway to the clean energy industry for environmental justice populations and minority- and women-owned businesses.
- Adopts several measures aimed at improving gas pipeline safety, including increased fines for safety violations and regulations related to training and certifying utility contractors.
- Prioritizes equitable access to the state’s solar programs by low-income communities
-
Establishes an opt-in municipal net zero energy stretch code, including a definition of net zero building.
- Provides solar incentives for businesses by exempting them from the net metering cap to allow them to install solar systems on their premises to help offset their electricity use and save money.
