Page 2 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 2021 Legislature passes landmark climate change bill BOSTON – On January 4, 2021, Representative RoseLee Vincent (D-Revere) and Senator Joseph Boncore (D-Winthrop) joined with their colleagues in the Massachusetts Legislature in enacting breakthrough climate legislation that overhauls the state’s climate laws, drives down greenhouse gas emissions, creates clean energy jobs and protects Environmental Justice (EJ) communities. The bill, An Act creating a next-generation roadmap for Massachusetts climate policy (S.2995), sets a 2050 net-zero greenhouse gas emissions limit, as well as stateANGELO’S FULL SERVICE Regular Unleaded $2.079 MidUnleaded $2.459 Super $2.539 Diesel Fuel $2.439 "42 Years of Excellence!" 1978-2020 KERO $4.35 DEF $3.49 9 Diesel $1.999 9 HEATING OIL 24-HourBurner Service Call for Current Price! (125—gallon minimum) DEF Available Open an account and order online at: www.angelosoil.com (781) 231-3500 (781) 231-3003 367 LINCOLN A A DA Lawrence A. Simeone Jr. Attorney-at-Law ~ Since 1989 ~ * Corporate Litigation * Criminal/Civil * MCAD * Zoning/Land Court * Wetlands Litigation * Workmen’s Compensation * Landlord/Tenant Litigation * Real Estate Law * Construction Litigation * Tax Lein * Personal Injury * Bankruptcy * Wrongful Death * Zoning/Permitting Litigation 300 Broadway, Suite 1, Revere * 781-286-1560 lsimeonejr@simeonelaw.net wide limits every fi ve years; increases the requirements for off shore wind energy procurement, bringing the statewide total to 5,600 megawatts; requires emission reduction goals for Mass Save, the state’s energy effi ciency program; and, for the fi rst time, establishes the criteria in statute that defi ne EJ populations. The legislation also increases support for clean energy workforce development programs, including those targeting low-income communities and improves gas pipeline safety. The bill is now with the governor. “This legislation takes a historic step in the fight against climate change, putting Massachusetts on the path to creating a cleaner, greener and healthier future for the next generation,” stated Senate President Karen Spilka (D-Ashland). “I am thrilled to see this legislation codifi es our shared goal of reducing harmful carbon emissions to zero by 2050, and creates new energy initiatives and standards to help us reach that target. I want to thank Senator Barrett, Representative Golden and their fellow conferees for their advocacy and hard work, as well as Speaker Mariano and former Speaker DeLeo for their partnership in seeing this bill through to fruition. I’d also like to note how much the Senate has been inspired to action by the energy and determination demonstrated by the young people of this Commonwealth. Your commitment to protecting our planet is inspiring and I welcome your continued collaboration as we move forward together in addressing our climate crisis.” “As the sun sets on my time in the House, I am particularly proud of the steps the Legislature took to codify the concept of ‘Environmental Justice’ into our general laws. The Environmental Justice provision included in this fi nal bill will prowww.eight10barandgrille.com We Have Reopened for Dine-In and Outside Seating every day beginning at 4 PM vide stronger protections from pollution, and a greater public process for communities like Revere, Chelsea and Saugus that are overburdened by polluters. The codifi cation of EJ into our general laws will amplify the community’s voice, and give populations in EJ neighborhoods a bolder seat at the table. Seeking Environmental Justice for my district has been something I have advocated for during my nearly seven years as a member of the House, and I could not be more thrilled that one of the fi nal votes I took as a member of the Legislature will truly make a diff erence to the people of Revere, Chelsea and Saugus,” said Representative Vincent. “Overall, as the state representative of a district who has seen fi rsthand the eff ects of climate change during severe coastal storms through my tenure, I am glad that the Legislature is taking action on this front. Specifi cally, I want to express my appreciation to former Speaker DeLeo, Speaker Mariano and Chairman Golden for their work in getting this critical piece of legislation over the fi nish line.” “By creating unique protections for Environmental Justice communities, we center our policy around those most impacted by climate change,” said Senator Boncore. “Similarly, recognizing the impact of the transportation sector on climate change, this legislation takes key steps to limit greenhouse gas emissions and set benchmarks for the adoption of electric vehicles and vehicle charging stations.” “Amid the unprecedented ROSELEE VINCENT State Representative public health and economic challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, I’m proud of the Legislature’s ongoing commitment to protecting our environment,” said former House Speaker Robert DeLeo (D-Winthrop). “The actions the House and Senate took today will keep Massachusetts ontrack to lead the nation in clean energy and environmental policies. Thank you to Speaker Mariano, Chair Golden and my colleagues in the House for their commitment to legislation that will help to grow our clean energy economy, address environmental justice concerns, and bolster our eff orts to address the eff ects of climate change.” “The climate change bill takes a comprehensive approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, including recognizing how forests and other natural and working lands can be used to promote carbon sequestration and help Massachusetts reach its goal of net-zero emissions by 2050,” said House Minority Leader Bradley Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading). “It also incorporates municipal lighting plants as partners in these efforts by setting greenhouse gas emissions standards and establishing an equal playing fi eld for these facilities. I’m proud to have served on the conference committee that produced this historic bill which reaffi rms Massachusetts’ role as a national leader on clean energy issues.” The legislation includes, among other items, the following provisions. • Sets a statewide net-zero limit on greenhouse gas emissions LEGISLATURE | SEE Page 12 WE'RE OPEN! 8 Norwood Street, Everett (617) 387-9810 STAY SAFE! Prices subject to change H Happy FLEET
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