Massachusetts Attorney General Decision Points to Need for Statewide Action to Transition Off Gas

Brookline, M.A.--The Massachusetts Attorney General office identified a need for changes to state policies by disapproving a community-led ordinance that would’ve prohibited the installation of new fossil fuel construction in Brookline. Through a bylaw, the city would have seen a 15% decrease of carbon emissions in buildings over the next 30 years. The Sierra Club filed a brief in support of Brookline. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, gas infrastructure expansion projects have been halted and denied across the country as the climate crisis continues to worsen. Brookline was the first city on the East Coast to pass an electric appliance requirement and the first to require major renovation projects to remove existing fossil fuel piping. Over 30 cities in California have passed all-electric requirements. 

In response, Deb Pasternak, Massachusetts Sierra Club Chapter Director said: 

“Brookline’s ordinance was born out of the frustration of Massachusetts residents who have seen the Baker Administration do nothing to stop the expansion of dangerous, dirty, and expensive fracked gas infrastructure. The Attorney General’s opinion makes clear that the state does have the authority to stop this fracked gas infrastructure if it wants. The fact is that we need an equitable statewide plan here in Massachusetts to close down the fracked gas energy system. This equitable plan must prioritize low income and energy burdened families as the first ones off the system and into clean, healthy electrified housing, while providing training for displaced gas industry workers into new good paying jobs.”