On March 26, 2021, after vetoing it twice, Governor Baker signed Senate Bill 9 - An Act Creating a Next Generation Roadmap for Massachusetts Climate Policy into law. This law requires Massachusetts to establish new interim goals for emissions reductions and significantly increase protections for Environmental Justice communities across Massachusetts. It also authorizes the Administration to implement a new, voluntary energy efficient building code for municipalities, and allows the Commonwealth to procure an additional 2,400 Megawatts (MW) of clean, reliable offshore wind energy by 2027.

The legislation updates the greenhouse gas emissions limits related to the 2008 Global Warming Solutions Act, commits Massachusetts to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2050, and authorizes the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) to establish an emissions limit of no less than 50% for 2030, and no less than 75% for 2040. The legislation also expands Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) review to require an Environmental Impact Report for all projects that impact air quality within one mile of an Environmental Justice Neighborhood. It establishes new energy efficiency requirements for commercial kitchen equipment, plumbing, lighting, computers and computer monitors, electric vehicle supply equipment and consumer appliances including faucets, residential ventilating fans, portable electric spas, showerheads, toilets, and water coolers. “Climate change is an urgent challenge that requires action,” said Governor Charlie Baker at the signing. That is true - action is urgently need. But what has the Governor actually done since? 

The Metrowest node of 350 Mass invites you to join a conversation with Senator Barrett - the original sponsor of the bill and lead negotiator in the conference committee that worked out the compromise with the Governor. Senator Barrett will be joined by Professor Nathan Phillips of Boston University, an expert on gas leaks, and a climate activist with 350 Mass and several other organizations. The presentation will be moderated by Professor Sabine von Mering, a member of Metrowest node of 350 Mass. We encourage and welcome questions from the audience.  Come prepared to listen, think, and question!

Thursday, October 21, 7pm