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THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, January 8, 2021 Page 5 Legislature passes landmark climate change bill O n January 4, 2021, State Representative Kate Lipper-Garabedian along with her colleagues in the Massachusetts Legislature enacted 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 statewide limits every five years; increases the requirements for offshore wind energy procurement, bringing the statewide total to 5,600 megawatts; requires emission reduction goals for Mass Save, the state’s energy efficiency program; and, for the first time, establishes the criteria in statute that define 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. “I'm incredibly proud to vote today for bold climate legislation that meets the moment and is our first major update to the 2008 Global Warming Solutions Act,” said Lipper-Garabedian. “Addressing our climate crisis is a top priority for the 32nd Middlesex and the entire Commonwealth, and I was pleased to join my colleagues in voting for a bill that includes a 2050 net zero roadmap, clean energy job training programs, low-income and business solar initiatives, environmental justice considerations, increased offshore wind procurement targets, enhanced gas safety protections and accountability, updated standards for appliance energy efficiency, and much more. I thank Speaker Mariano, former Speaker DeLeo and the Joint Chairs of the Committee on Telecommunication Utilities and Energy, Representative Golden and Senator Barrett – among many others – for their leadership on this critical legislation.” “This legislation represents a major piece of climate legislation that will set the course of the Commonwealth for the next three decades,” said House Speaker Ronald Mariano. “Today we send a message loud and clear that Massachusetts will empower our environmental justice communities, achieve net zero emissions by 2050, continue to lead on offshore wind, increase equitable access to our clean energy programs, and create pathways to clean energy jobs for underserved and low-income communities.” “Amid the unprecedented 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. “The actions the House and Senate took today will keep Massachusetts on-track 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 efforts to address the effects of climate change.” “This legislation takes a his~ Guest Commentary ~ Forestdale Park hits another grand slam home run By Irene Reardon C OVID-19, you ugly monster, you have caused much sadness, isolation, depression and anxiety during 2020. So, in retaliation, Santa decided to send a contingent of his most creative and energetic elves to Forestdale Park, thus creating a flurry of anti-COVID activity. Chief Activity elf Courtney and her Assistant elf Karen both donned new outfits for the special occasion. They organized a resident participation campaign: creating ornaments, making mini-Christmas Trees, baking Christmas cookies and planning a trim the tree day. And like the Energizer Bunny, these activities elves kept going on and on, holding a Christmas poetry reading session, taking the social distancing elf bus out to see the Christmas lights and finally decorating the bistro, dining room and common areas. Santa’s pal Mark West provided us with a medley of songs while residents were trimming the trees, and on another occasion pal Joseph Nocera performed his holiday sing-along. Even elves Jade and Sharron used their powerful voices to fill the dining room with beautiful music. In the spirit of the campaign and inspired by the elves, residents decided to decorate their apartment doors; even families became involved thanks to the Head Honcho, elf Terri. The Forestdale campaign gathered momentum as Chief Foodie elf Lisa got into the act, providing hot hors d’oeuvres for the residents’ wine event, preparing a Chanukah luncheon and supplying food for a Chinese buffet on Christmas Eve day. Even Denise, our jovial elf, came up from Compass and cheerfully served generous portions. But the pièce de résistance came in the form of Christmas Dinner, where elf Lisa outdid herself. The dining room was a sight to behold with a bevy of decorated tables, bright white linen tablecloths, and beautifully printed menus followed by a sumptuous dinner, which included: 1. Wine and champagne – supplied by the generous Melrose elves 2. Antipasti 3. Stuffed mushrooms 4. Salad 5. Surf & Turf with vegetable accompaniment 6. Italian Limoncello Cream Cake 7. Beverages Michelin 5-Star chefs, eat your heart out! Let it be known the residents – in the spirit of the season and buoyed up with enthusiasm – became involved, and when the doom and gloom Grinch appeared at a function, he was given the Bum’s Rush. None of that around here! All of this campaign was aided and abetted by the following elves: 1. Elf Michelle, who generously funded the campaign from the treasury. 2. Elf Joanne and her dining elves, who joyfully served the meals. 3. Eric the maintenance elf, who was on call to ensure no breakdowns occurred. 4. Elves Terri and Sarah offering hot chocolate and cider. 5. Last but not least, elf Kati, who cheerfully greeted all those who entered Forestdale Park. The residents of Forestdale Park owe a debt of gratitude to the contingent of elves and friends who did battle with the emotional effects of COVID-19. SABATINO INSURANCE AGENCY Call for a Quote 617-387-7466 Or email Rocco@sabatino-ins.com We cover: * Auto * Home * Boat * Renter * Condo * Life * Multi-Policy Discounts * Commercial 10% Discounts * Registry Service Also Available toric 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 BILL | SEE PAGE 12 www.eight10barandgrille.com We Have Reopened for Dine-In and Outside Seating every day beginning at 4 PM WE'RE OPEN! 8 Norwood Street, Everett (617) 387-9810 STAY SAFE! http://www.sabatino-ins.com SABATINO 564 Broadway Everett, MA 02149 617-387-7466 Hours of Operation are: Mondays - Fridays 9am to 5pm Saturdays by appointment only

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