Deb Pasternak, (617) 852-2641, deb.pasternak@sierraclub.org
Craig Altemose, (201) 841-7105, craig@betterfutureproject.org
Vignesh Ramachandran, (510) 676-4691, vignesh@betterfutureproject.org
BOSTON -- Two leading Massachusetts climate organizations, the Massachusetts Sierra Club and 350 Mass Action, have endorsed former Massachusetts Secretary of Administration and Finance, Jay Gonzalez in his race to unseat Governor Charlie Baker.
This endorsement comes in advance of an Environmental Weekend of Action, scheduled for October 13-14. Environmental activists and members of the endorsing organizations will come together in key districts across the state to get out the vote for Jay Gonzalez and other environmentally-focused candidates.
In support of Secretary Gonzalez’s candidacy, Deb Pasternak, Interim Director of the Massachusetts Sierra Club said:
“Our volunteers are very excited to support Secretary Gonzalez. In contrast to Governor Baker, Jay Gonzalez understands the need for ambitious action on climate now; and that the economics behind these policies will build a strong Massachusetts economy while paying both environmental and health benefits for our residents. Additionally, Jay is the only candidate advocating for comprehensive changes to our public transit system with projects like the North-South Rail Link and South Coast Rail. It’s time to think in terms of developing a 21st century regional rail system that will both reduce emissions and get cars off the road.”
In support of Secretary Gonzalez’s candidacy, Craig Altemose, Executive Director of 350 Mass Action said:
“Our volunteers overwhelmingly voted to endorse Jay Gonzalez for Governor. Jay agreed to sign the No Fossil Fuel Money pledge almost immediately after he was asked, pledging to refuse campaign contributions from fossil fuel companies and utilities and prioritize the people over polluters. Equally importantly, Jay has demonstrated a deep understanding of the seriousness of the climate crisis and has articulated a bold vision to get us to a 100% renewable energy future.”
About Governor Baker, David Rudolph, Chair of the Massachusetts Sierra Club Political Committee said:
“While we applauded Governor Baker’s decision to uphold the Paris Climate Agreement, the time for incremental action to tackle climate change is over. Our solar industry lost jobs the last two years in a row. We need a leader in Massachusetts who will act decisively to reduce our carbon emissions by growing our local renewable energy industry and electrifying our transportation system.”
This is the second time the Massachusetts Sierra Club and 350 Mass Action joined together to support a candidate. In August, they issued a joint endorsement of State Rep candidate Nika Elugardo in what turned out to be a successful primary challenger against incumbent House Ways and Means Chairman Jeffrey Sánchez. Like Gonzalez, Elugardo has signed the No Fossil Fuel Money pledge, while like Sanchez, Baker has so far refused to.
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3 million members and supporters. In addition to helping people from all backgrounds explore nature and our outdoor heritage, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.