FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, Oct 17th, 2024
Contact
Jess Nahigian, Sierra Club Massachusetts, jess.nahigian@sierraclub.org
Claire Karl Müller, UUMass Action, claire@uumassaction.org; 781-775-1429
Daniel Zackin, 350 Mass & Better Future Project, dan@betterfutureproject.org, 203-802-7464
Climate Advocates Climate advocates Relieved
that a Balanced Climate Bill finally emerges
Boston, MA- Months after the formal legislative session ended, the conference committee for the climate bill came to consensus on a final version.
“We needed a balanced, comprehensive climate bill- and we got it. I always want more progress on climate justice of course, but I am glad that the legislature didn’t kick the can down the road. I give thanks to the Senate for staying strong for gas reform and for the House staying at the table. We advocated hard, and it shows!,” said Claire Karl Müller of Unitarian Universalist Mass Action.
Mass Power Forward, a climate coalition of more than 200 organizations, had also been advocating for an end to expansion of the for-profit gas utility system. “We are heartened to see the legislature include provisions for EJ communities and push back against the enormous pressure from gas utility corporations to continue business as usual in this climate bill,” said Naia Tenerowicz of the Springfield Climate Justice Coalition. “We will build upon this promising step towards a clean, green and just energy future, as we fight even harder to stop Eversource’s proposed gas expansion pipeline in our community, and preserve the safety and wellbeing of Springfield, with hope that the legislature will be our allies in this fight for justice.”
“We are encouraged to see the legislature put reasonable restrictions on expanding our polluting methane gas system. This will protect ratepayers, reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, and create healthier communities.” said Jess Nahigian, Political Director at Massachusetts Sierra Club. “While our members are disappointed the legislature was unable to overcome all corporate influence, residents have waited long enough. This compromise language must be passed immediately.”
“Ratepayers cannot be funding the build out of the new electric grid while continuing to pay for the never ending expansion of the old dirty energy system. We will continue our push to end all gas pipeline expansion, especially in EJ communities as is happening in Springfield right now, and move forward with an orderly retirement of the gas system,” said Cathy Kristofferson of the Pipe Line Awareness Network of the Northeast.
“For many advocates, especially youth, it has been exceptionally hard this session to follow and feel our shared power with our legislators. But when the end product actually has key elements we asked for in countless meetings and testimonies, we feel more hopeful and connected to the promise of our commonwealth,” said Eben Bein, from Our Climate and the MA Youth Climate Coalition.
“It seems like legislators listened to the thousands of activists and constituents who demanded climate action over the last two years,” said Dan Zackin of 350 Mass. “We are excited that the conference committee has reached a compromise, and we hope that the final bill transitions us off gas and protects environmental justice communities. The climate crisis is here and our elected leaders must pass a robust bill now!”
“If this bill looks the way legislators are telling us it will, it will be a huge win for the people of Massachusetts. We’re thrilled to see the legislature prioritizing ratepayers and the health and safety of our families over corporate profits,” said Becca Glenn, Massachusetts State Manager for Mothers Out Front.
“The potential passage of a Climate Bill before the end of 2024 is a testament to the power of people who refused to back down. By pushing for a robust climate bill that includes a solid cumulative impact analysis definition, we’ve ensured that environmental justice communities—those most burdened by pollution—are justly considered in decisions that affect their health and well-being. Massachusetts residents have made it clear: we prioritize climate solutions that don’t leave anyone behind, especially those carrying the heaviest weight of the climate crisis. We are hopeful that the passage of a climate bill will deliver just that.” said Cynthia Mendes, Co-Director of Clean Water Action Massachusetts.
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