Energy and Climate Change (Global Warming)
To curb the alarming trend of global warming, we need to actively encourage expanded use of renewable energy and energy-efficiency programs.
Massachusetts' emissions of carbon dioxide and other global warming gases are on the rise due to increasing fuel consumption for cars and trucks and oil and gas consumption for home and commercial heating. Additionally, the sea level continues to rise along the state’s coastline, and warmer average temperatures are contributing to the spread of West Nile virus and Lyme disease. The EPA estimates average temperatures in Massachusetts could rise another 4-5 degrees Fahrenheit by 2100 if global warming continues unabated, affecting the state from the tip of Cape Cod to the Berkshire Mountains.
Read about ELM's Work on the Global Warming Solutions Project and Coal Free Massachusetts.
The Green Communities Act and the Global Warming Solutions Act
Implementation of these important acts is necessary to encourage expanded use of renewable energy and energy-efficiency programs essential to curb global warming.
A summary of the Green Communities Act
from the Conservation Law Foundation (CLF)
Read more on Green Communities here.
Read more on the Global Warming Solutions Act, the nation’s most ambitious greenhouse gas emission limits and climate change solutions.
Coal Free Massachusetts by 2020
Seeks to phase out coal-fired electric generation in Massachusetts by 2020. The bill includes (1) a fee on Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs) to fund public health studies; (2) coal ash disposal provisions; (3) flat prohibition of new coal plants; and (4) creation of a Community Repowering Fund to mitigate any economic or employment impacts of coal-plant shutdown.
Oil Heat Efficiency Bill
Establishes an energy efficiency program for oil heat and propane as well as a funding mechanism to be used solely to provide these efficiency programs to consumers.
Related Links
Climate Change Language that Persuades Americans
A tremendously useful PowerPoint presentation by Frank Luntz's nationally-respected polling firm. It clearly demonstrates language that is effective (as well as not effective) in persuading Americans that we should take action against climate change.
NSTAR Green
NSTAR is offering customers a new option to support electricity generated from renewable sources.
