MA Senate Announces Ambitious Climate Legislation

The Massachusetts State House

Photo: Zack Frank via Shutterstock

January 23, 2020 (BOSTON, MA) – Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) released the following statement today as the Massachusetts Senate announced its long-awaited climate legislation.

“Combatting the climate crisis is going to take everything we’ve got, and this legislation is a huge step forward,” said Alyssa Rayman-Read, Vice President and Director of CLF Massachusetts. “Getting to net-zero emissions by 2050 is an absolute necessity to protect our communities and our health. But we must hold our leaders accountable to make sure Massachusetts hits the ambitious goals laid out in these bills. We won’t be given another chance to get this right.”

The legislation lays out a goal of net-zero emissions by 2050 with interim targets along the way. With transportation emissions on the rise, it would require the MBTA to begin phasing out fossil fuel vehicles and become fully electric by 2040. It also includes updates to building codes and energy efficiency standards that will help Massachusetts reach its climate goals in the coming years.

CLF experts are available for further comment.

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