Page 4 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2021 Legislature passes landmark climate change bill; Giannino votes on first piece of legislation BOSTON – On January 28 the Massachusetts House of Representatives and Senate reaffi rmed their commitment to addressing the climate crisis facing our Commonwealth by passing legislation that overhauls our state’s climate laws, drives down greenhouse gas emissions, creates clean energy jobs, and protects Environmental Justice (EJ) communities. The passage of An Act creating a next-generation roadUSA Lawn and Yard Care SNOW PLOWING Driveways From $ 35 * REASONABLE RATES * Prompt, Courteous Service * PARKING LOTS 781-521-9927 map for Massachusetts Climate Policy (S.9) comes after a joint commitment from Senate President Karen E. Spilka and House Speaker Ronald Mariano, as well as last session’s House and Senate Chairs of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy – Senator Michael Barrett and Representative Thomas Golden – to refi le the legislation (S.2995) following a gubernatorial veto last session. The bill is now on the governor’s desk. “This legislation outlines a clear roadmap to address our immediate climate crisis,” stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “Time is of the essence and we could not let a delay hamper our efforts to protect future generations. The necessary tools included in this legislation will soon lead to lower emissions, a thriving green economy, and cleaner air and water for all. I want to thank my legislative partner, House Speaker Mariano for his collaboration, Senator Barrett and Representative Golden for their steadfast supJessica Ann Giannino State Representative port, and the residents of Massachusetts for their support in this endeavor.” “The House and Senate again acted to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, lead on clean energy, and protect environmental justice communities,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “I want to thank Senate President Spilka for her commitment to joining the House in responding immediately to Governor Baker’s veto of this important legislation. I am also grateful for the work and leadership of Chairman Golden, and for my colleagues in the House for acting with the urgency the climate crisis demands.” “The swift passage of the Banking with a hometown touch. Open a free checking account with no monthly fees, and get access to Mobile Banking, Bill Pay and other features. Because no matter where you go, we’re right by you. Call or visit us to sign up. 419 BROADWAY, EVERETT MA 02149 7 7 1 SALEM ST, LYNNFIELD, MA 01940 WWW.EVERET TBANK . COM Next-Generation Roadmap for Massachusetts Climate Policy underscores the Legislature’s commitment to addressing the devastating impacts of the climate crisis and protecting our environment for future generations,” said Senator Joe Boncore (D-Winthrop). “From storms that fl ood our coastal streets, to increased rates of asthma among children, the climate crisis is in our backyards. This legislation supports a targeted approach to combatting climate change in our Environmental Justice communities.” “I am so proud to report that Right by you. Member FDIC Member DIF the fi rst piece of legislation that I voted to enact is one that is so near and dear to my coastal district. The House and Senate have sent a clear message to Governor Baker that now is the time to codify meaningful climate change policy in the Commonwealth,” said Representative Jessica Giannino (D-Revere). “Growing up in Revere, and serving as City Councillor during some of the worst coastal storms and strange weather events that our community has endured in recent years, I have witnessed firsthand the effects of climate change, particularly on communities like Revere, Chelsea and Saugus. Additionally, I am particularly proud that ‘Environmental Justice’ will be codifi ed in our general laws. For too long, communities in the Sixteenth Suff olk District have had to endure environmental hardship simply by virtue of being urban communities with socio-economic characteristics that are not that of more affl uent areas of the Commonwealth. The EJ provisions will amplify the community's voice, and give populations in EJ neighborhoods a bolder seat at the table when it comes to dealing with polluters.” “The most recent numbers tell us Massachusetts is backsliding in terms of reducing emissions,” said Senator Mike Barrett (D-Lexington), who is Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy. “This bill is our chance to get back on track and stay there. It’s ambitious but balanced, and the most important piece of climate legislation to come before us since 2008. Tip of the hat to President Spilka and Speaker Mariano for putting us back to work on climate immediately. Because of them, the legislation’s odds of ultimate success are excellent.” “If not for the initiative and resolve of Speaker Mariano and Senate President Spilka, the Next-Generation Roadmap bill would not have been before the Legislature in the fi rst month of the 2021-2022 session,” said Representative Thomas Golden, Jr. (D-Lowell), who is Chair of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy. “I am beyond proud to have once again voted with my colleagues on this path-breaking legislation and I look forward to continued collaboration to make it law and propel the Commonwealth towards its clean energy future.” The bill sets a 2050 net-zero greenhouse gas emissions limit, as well as statewide limits every fi ve years; increases the requirements for off shore wind energy procurement bringing the statewide total authorization to 5,600 megawatts; requires emission reduction goals for Mass Save, the state’s energy efficiency 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 develCLIMATE | SEE Page 12 Call
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