Environment Massachusetts launched a
statewide grassroots campaign in to pass legislation to cap global warming
pollution from cars, trucks, power plants, and other sources around the
state. The bill, the Global Warming
Solutions Act, was passed out of the Senate on March 6th and is awaiting
a vote in the House. The bill will
reduce global warming emissions 20% below 1990 levels by 2020 and 80% by 2050.
Scientists expect global warming to lead to more
heat waves, rising sea levels, more severe storms, and other problems.
While scientists and environmental leaders are
calling for steep reductions in global warming pollution, federal energy
officials estimate that emissions will increase significantly in coming years
in Massachusetts
and across the country.
“Global warming is a big threat, but we can
protect our children and future generations by capping global warming pollution
from power plants, cars, trucks, and other sources,” said Winston Vaughan, Field Organizer.
In the absence of federal action, states like Massachusetts need to
start reducing their emissions now, to be on pace to do their part and to shape
future federal policy.
“In order to avoid effects of global warming,
we’re going to have to cap global warming pollution at levels that scientists
say are necessary,” said Vaughan. “The
good news is that solutions are available today – energy efficiency, clean,
renewable energy and more efficient cars – that will make sure that we reach
the short term target of 20% by 2020.
In neighborhoods throughout Massachusetts, campaign staffers will ask
residents to support the campaign by signing petitions, calling their state
legislators, and joining Environment Massachusetts as members.
