Massachusetts Climate Action
The Global Warming Solutions Act is making its way through the Massachusetts State House. Expanding on California’s successful global warming act, the Massachusetts’ Act requires economy-wide cuts in the greenhouse gas emissions that cause global warming of 20 percent by 2020 and 80 percent by 2050.
The bill which passed the Senate on March 6 includes many of ENE's policy priorities to reduce global warming pollution and grow Massachusetts' clean energy sector. Among its provisions, the bill:
- Charges the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) with developing a statewide emissions reduction plan by January 1, 2009
- Requires the Department of Environmental Protection to establish an emissions registry and reporting system
- Sets up a green building revolving loan fund and charges the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development with establishing various renewable energy grant and training programs
- Calls for a low carbon fuel standard to reduce emissions from motor vehicles, which produce about 35 percent of the state’s global warming pollution
For an ENE summary of the bill's key provisions see MA Global Warming Solutions Act.
For more information on the steps Massachusetts is taking to address climate change, including legislation to boost investments in energy efficiency and renewable sources, see the Massachusetts Energy Project. See also Biofuels for information on Massachusetts’ proposed biofuels legislation.
