THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2021 Page 7 Legislature passes landmark climate change bill; Giannino votes on first piece of legislation B OSTON – On January 28 the Massachusetts House of Representatives and Senate reaffirmed 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 roadmap 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 refile 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 support, 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 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 flood 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 Jessica Ann Giannino State Representative that the first 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 codified in our general laws. For too long, communities in the Sixteenth Suffolk District have had to endure environmental hardship simply by virtue of being urban communities with socio-economic characteristics that are not that of more affluent 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 LEGISLATURE | SEE PAGE 19
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