Massachusetts, it's time to take action on climate change!
The Massachusetts Senate has released its comprehensive energy legislation, which will be debated on Thursday, 6/30. It includes two of Clean Water Action's priorities, commitments for 2000 megawatts of offshore wind and doubling the rate of increase of the Renewable Portfolio Standard - the amount of clean energy utilities are requires to buy. The Senate legislation is a strong bill and members of the public can read S2372 at the link or view the summary here.
Amendments are being filed to strengthen our positions. MA residents, please call and email your state senator as soon as possible to ask them to “cosponsor” the amendments, or up until the vote Thursday to secure a favorable vote.
- NO PIPELINE TAX: In an effort to ward off proposed multi-billion dollar charges on electric ratepayers to fund gas pipelines, Sen. Jehlen is filing a “no pipeline tax” amendment which should be amendment #1.
- FIX GAS LEAKS and PROTECT GAS WORKER SAFETY: Sen. Eldridge will file an amendment related to fixing gas leaks, restoring House provisions that did not appear in the Senate version of the energy bill. Clean Water Action is also partnering with AFL-CIO and a local Steelworkers' union to push for gas worker safety measures.
- SOLAR: Amendments are also likely to be filed related to low-income/community solar. Compensation for solar was recently reduced in a legislative compromise, and this negatively impacted renters and affordable housing projects.
- OFFSHORE WIND and RPS: These great energy features are already in the bill and we should express our gratitude!
This is a moment where a few phones calls could change history. The MA Senate switchboard is (617) 722-1276. Thank you for helping us hit a home run for climate action.
