Massachusetts

Advancing Climate and Energy Security: Legislative Priorities

Recent polling shows that the U.S. public is increasingly concerned about global warming and expects concrete solutions from public officials. With a new governor in office and growing grassroots momentum for bold action, the time is ripe for Massachusetts to reclaim leadership with smart global warming and energy solutions. Please join us in pressing for meaningful action.

The Massachusetts Climate Coalition is a network of 50+ organizations that have united to advance climate protection policies at the local and state levels. The coalition's 2007 policy platform is a set of solutions that will protect both consumers and the environment. The policy proposals advance climate and energy security in Massachusetts, and none threaten public health or create new environmental problems.

Problem:

The scientific community agrees that deep reductions of carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping pollutants are needed to begin stabilizing our climate. If we don't take swift action, Massachusetts' climate is projected to resemble the present-day climate of northern Virginia by mid-century and that of South Carolina by 2100.1 What will this mean for us?

  • Far more frequent heatwaves, prolonged droughts, and extreme weather events
  • The loss of our distinctive four seasons, profoundly affecting tourism
  • Damaging shifts in insect, disease and agricultural patterns
Solution
The Massachusetts Climate Protection Plan from 2004 reaffirms regional goals agreed to by all the New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers:
  1. Reduce global warming pollution to 1990 levels by 2010;
  2. Reduce global warming pollution an additional 10% by 2020; and most importantly
  3. Reduce global warming pollution 75-85% over time (as needed to stabilize the climate).

If adopted, the Mass Climate Coalition's policy platform would put us on track to meet these targets and protect Massachusetts from the worst effects of global warming. Broadly, the platform calls for:

  • Expanding support for energy efficiency
  • Reducing pollution from electricity generation
  • Making our cars, buildings and transit systems more efficient
Strategy

The Legislature and the Governor have the power to put the policies in place to hit our state's global warming pollution reduction targets. Please join us in working with officials at all levels of government to respond to the climate crisis. Together, we can advance the policies that will protect our climate, reduce energy bills and keep energy dollars in state.

Learn more

Find out more about the 2007 legislative platform.

Support clean energy at home and at work by participating in Clean Energy Choice® program offered by Massachusetts Technology Collaborative.

Learn which communities in Masschusetts have already adopted clean energy programs and standards, and what companies can supply clean energy to your home or business.

Get more information on the steps necessary to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in New England by 2010

Visit the New England Climate Coalition

1 Northeast Climate Impacts Assessment, Climate Change in the U.S. Northeast, Oct. 2006