BOSTON, MA. – On Wednesday, the Massachusetts House approved House Bill 4876, a climate bill that will create faster permitting for energy infrastructure despite concerns that environmental justice communities will continue to be ignored in state processes. In addition the bill language makes no progress in transitioning Massachusetts off of an expensive and dangerous reliance on methane gas.
Despite determined advocacy by Sierra Club Massachusetts and allies, the approved bill did not include any of the chapter’s top priorities in multiple issue areas.
Although it was ultimately not included in the approved bill, a Sierra Club priority amendment 17 – a halt on large, new gas pipeline expansion projects – was one of the most highly supported amendments, with 51 House cosponsors. Additional priority amendments not included were: removal of a nuclear subsidy to existing plants, air quality regulations for environmental justice populations, and a proposed law to encourage building solar on disturbed land – rooftops, parking lots, landfills, etc.
The approved House bill follows the passage of Senate Bill 2829 on June 26, which included positive community-backed amendments addressing the commuter rail, the state’s container deposit law, and residential solar systems. House and Senate members will now reconcile the differences between the two bills before sending a final version to Governor Healey for approval.
“Together, our members and staff advocated relentlessly – lobbying House members at the State House, making hundreds of calls, and signing petitions – for the inclusion of pivotal climate and environmental provisions in H.4876,” said Sierra Club Massachusetts State Political Director Jess Nahigian. “House leadership, internal politics, and utility lobbying ultimately stopped votes on all priority amendments. We will continue to advocate for a strong and just climate bill that includes our priority amendments passed in the Senate and more equity provisions.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of 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.