Bold Climate Change Legislation Led By Youth Climate Activists Sets a New Standard for Carbon Emissions Goals and Justice-oriented Climate Policies
BOSTON, MA - State Senator James Eldridge and State Representative Erika Uyterhoeven, in partnership with Sunrise Movement Boston, have filed S.2170/H.3372 - An Act Investing in a Prosperous, Clean Commonwealth by 2030 (IPCC-2030), which greatly accelerates the Commonwealth’s transition to renewable energy and sets the first net negative emissions targets of any state. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) finds that we must halve emissions globally in under a decade - implying that wealthy, technologically advanced regions must decarbonize more rapidly. Even then, the impacts of climate change will become substantially worse than those we face today, and greatest for frontline communities. While Massachusetts voters overwhelmingly support aggressive action, our policies have so far failed to do the bare minimum to stave off catastrophe for future generations. This legislation establishes a new standard for leadership on climate policy in Massachusetts.
"I'm deeply appreciative of youth climate activists from across Massachusetts for working so hard to create a vision of reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2030, following the scientific conclusions of the IPCC. I am excited to work with Rep. Uyterhoeven to advocate for this bold legislation.” said State Senator Jamie Eldridge (D-Acton).
“This is the bill that this generation and future generations deserve. Youth activists are bringing the urgency and vision to this issue that it needs. Inaction and incrementalism is no longer an option. I am so honored to be working in close partnership with Senator Eldridge and youth climate activists for this long overdue commitment for a livable planet” said State Representative Erika Uyterhoeven (D-Somerville).
IPCC-2030 contains specific plans to achieve 100% renewable electricity by 2030, provide safeguards around emissions accounting to protect low income and environmental justice communities and natural lands, increase procurement of offshore wind and solar, catch up to California on building efficiency, and electrify our transit systems. It also aims to protect workers in industries impacted by the energy transition, guaranteeing wage and benefit parity, and the option to retire early and collect a pension.
“This bill accelerates the timeline to zero emissions, and has Massachusetts lead the way in pioneering a negative emissions society - as the IPCC says we must. The administration’s recent haggling over an extra 5% emissions reduction sent a message that despite Massachusetts being one of the most prosperous, most technologically advanced states in the world, Baker would prefer to drag his feet and do the bare minimum on this existential issue” said Sabrina Larkin of the Sunrise Boston Political Team.
Sunrise Movement Boston has been a lead advocate for this legislation. Sunrise Movement is an organization building an army of young people to make climate change an urgent priority across America, end the corrupting influence of fossil fuel executives on our politics, and elect leaders who stand up for the health and wellbeing of all people. The Boston hub is one of 30+ volunteer-run hubs across Massachusetts.
This bill was referred to the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utility and Energy, and is awaiting a hearing date.
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