MA Legislation Under Consideration

There are three bills currently being considered by the legislature that promote the Interfaith Pledge for Climate Action. Upon passage and implementation, the new laws will aid in the Commonwealth’s transition to safe, clean, and renewable energy, with high levels of energy efficiency in all sectors of the economy.

Global Warming: “Global Warming Solutions Act” (S. 534)
Status: Senate Ways and Means
Top Priority Ask: Require the Commonwealth to take steps to reduce CO2 emissions to 20% of 1990 levels by 2020 and 80% by 2050.

Energy: “The Green Communities Act” (H. 4373), “An Act to Generate Renewable Energy and Efficiency Now” (S. 2457)
Status: Conference Committee, 3 Senators and 3 Representatives
Top Priority Ask: Do not allow any rate payer money to go towards coal gasification. Remove all coal gasification language from the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard.

RGGI: “An Act Providing For Participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative” (S. 2456)
Status: House
Top Priority Ask: Prioritize the bill in the House and pass.

For more information visit: MA League of Environmental Voters, Clean Water Action, and Environment Massachusetts

A Day of Prayer and Advocacy

Over a hundred people of faith were at the State House Monday, January 29, 2008 to participate in the MA Interfaith Climate Action Network’s inaugural event, “Interfaith Pledge for Climate Action - A Day of Prayer and Advocacy.” Nineteen faith and environmental supporting communities came together to support the legislature’s efforts to pass clean energy legislation. Representatives from seven different denominations spoke, sang or led the audience in prayer. Their comments were eloquent and briefly addressed their own faith tradition’s relationship to and care of the whole of creation. Senator Marc Pacheco and Representative Frank Smizik, who’ve been hard at work drafting climate solution bills, spoke to the group, and Pacheco signed the Interfaith Pledge for Climate Action.

Now is a crucial time as there are currently three bills being considered that promote the Interfaith Pledge for Climate Action. Upon passage and implementation, the new laws will aid in the Commonwealth’s transition to safe, clean, and renewable energy, with high levels of energy efficiency in all sectors of the economy.

Local media covering the event, included: The Boston Herald and Worcester Telegram & Gazette

The following slideshow gives a brief overview of some of the highlights of the day’s events.