Jacob Stern (860) 670-6421 jacob.stern@sierraclub.org
Boston, MA -- Almost a full year after the Massachusetts Senate passed their climate bill (S.2500) and more than five months after the proposed rewrite passed the House (H.4912), both chambers have finally released a final compromise version of the climate Roadmap Bill: S.2995.
The bill builds upon the 2008’s Global Warming Solutions Act by creating interim carbon emissions targets for 2030, 2035, 2040 and 2045 as well as ‘sub limits’ for major sectors (e.g. electric power, transportation, heating and cooling). Notably, the bill would codify environmental justice definitions into state law, strengthening much-needed environmental protections for vulnerable, typically low income, communities of color. It also directs the creation of a net zero stretch building code, giving municipalities greater control over the quality and efficiency of new construction projects.
While this bill represents a significant step forward, work remains to address emissions in Massachusetts. Unfortunately, it fails to include a commitment to source 100% of the state’s electricity from renewable sources in a reasonable timeline and does not fully tackle our state’s largest source of greenhouse gases: the transportation sector.
The Sierra Club will continue to work with both the House and Senate in the 2021-2022 session to pass additional legislation to further reduce carbon pollution here in Massachusetts.
In response, Jacob Stern, Massachusetts Chapter Deputy Director for the Sierra Club, issued the following response:
“By adding interim carbon pollution reduction targets and enshrining a definition of environmental justice in law, this bill serves as a critical and necessary step forward. Our window for climate action is closing and we must act urgently to embrace a fossil fuel-free future. We call upon Governor Baker to sign this bill into law.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3.5 million members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, 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.