On friday night at 9PM the Massachusetts House of Representatives
passed The 2050 Roadmap bill. Introduced by Rep Meschino, this bill
updates the Global Warming Solutions Act and commits the state to
create a roadmap to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.
This bill is the House’s response to the Senate Climate package passed
in January of 2020. Both houses passing overarching climate
policy demonstrates the power of grassroots organizing and coalition
building.
In this legislative session that began January 2019, 350 Mass and our
partners in the Mass Power Forward coalition and beyond have been
advocating for a commitment to 100% renewable energy, environmental
justice, and equitable investment in green infrastructure.
Bills with strong provisions, explicit 100% renewable goals, and a
shorter time-line among other desirable provisions were not allowed to
pass through committees. However, the Roadmap bill, with a focus on
planning, was allowed to come to the floor. When it did, 350 Mass and
our allies pushed for improving amendments, several of which
passed.
For all its shortcomings, the Roadmap Bill does provide a foundation
for future efforts. And it is a step forward for a Legislature that
has not passed significant climate protection laws for years— we can
thank our representatives who have tirelessly championed our bills,
and we must continue to push for policies that go further.
Amendment (#52), introduced by Rep Madaro, Rep Dubois, and Rep
Miranda includes most of the environmental justice bill and passed
with overwhelming support. This was a top priority of many
grassroots groups and it’s advance through the House is a significant
victory.
In summary, we got amendments (#16), net metering for
on-site renewable energy facilities,
(#31), 3% RPS, 40% renewable electricity by 2040 (our original bill
was 100% by 2035 for electricity AND was economy wide, beyond just
electricity),
(#17), explicit definitions for indirect emissions adding waste
management and the agricultural sector,
(#81), which mandates a study to go along with (#17) that will provide
data on those emissions,
And (Amendment A), an increase in offshore wind capacity.
Sadly, Rep. Sabadosa's timeline didn't pass (#61), this
amendment would have moved the timeline to start reducing emissions—
(The House bill will start in 2024, whereas the Senate bill starts in
2022) as well as established reporting dates.
These key amendments would not have passed without pressure from
grassroots organizations like 350 Mass and our coalition partners.
We can celebrate these victories, and we know that we still
have far to go. The 2018 UN IPCC report outlines the desperate need
for drastic action to reduce emissions by 2030.
The bill will now go into a conference committee with the Senate
(S.2500), with a final bill expected sometime in the next few
months. We will continue our advocacy throughout this process, and
beyond.
350 Mass has been working to gather signatures for a ballot measure
that would instruct representatives to support policies to get
Massachusetts to 100% renewable energy by 2040. And a question on
transparency of committee votes so that we have greater accountability
for those committees where most of the original bills die.
We are on track to submit the thousands of signatures we have
collected tomorrow at noon.
We will continue to build power in the climate movement and beyond
through our Road to the Green New Deal campaign where we are lifting
up the connections between addressing climate change and ensuring
basic needs and human rights for all people. Rest assured we will be
back next session demanding more. See below for solidarity actions to
support this effort.
You can thank your Representative for voting in favor
of the Roadmap Bill, amendments using this customizable form email. Please share
this link to fellow MA residents to do the same. We want legislators
to know their constituents are happy when they vote in favor of taking
action on climate change.
The 2050 Roadmap bill is an important, albeit imperfect, step towards
a sustainable future. While there are many more fights to go, it is
appropriate to take a minute to celebrate this accomplishment.
This could not have happened without the hard work of so many
committed individuals and grassroots organizations. Thank you for
doing your part.
In solidarity,
Sam Payne
350 Mass for a Better Future
P.S.
Last week the formal legislative session was extended until January
2021. This means that bills that are currently alive in committees
still have a chance to become law this session. This includes bills
championed by some of our partners:
The Work and Family Mobility Act that would allow
undocumented immigrants to attain driver’s licences did not advance
but is still possible to move this fall.
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About Better
Future Project and 350 Mass
Better Future Project (BFP) builds grassroots power to
advance a rapid transition beyond fossil fuels. 350 Mass is Better Future Project's volunteer-led
climate action network.
