Statement: Let’s make the climate bill a law by Feb. 19

Environment Massachusetts

BOSTON – The Massachusetts House and Senate will vote Thursday on a climate bill, legislative leaders announced today.

The bill will set efficiency standards for appliances, require at least 40 percent of Massachusetts’ electricity to come from renewable sources by 2030, and increase offshore wind procurements by 2,400 megawatts.

An identical bill was passed by the House and Senate in the final days of the previous legislative session. Governor Charlie Baker vetoed the bill, and legislators did not have the opportunity to override the veto because the session had already ended.

Ben Hellerstein, state director for Environment Massachusetts, issued the following statement:

“On Thursday, the Legislature will take an important step toward a cleaner, healthier future by voting on last session’s climate bill. I applaud House Speaker Ron Mariano and Senate President Karen Spilka for acting quickly to hold this initial vote. I hope they’ll act just as quickly to override a likely veto from Governor Baker.

We can’t tolerate any delay. The Legislature needs to pass last session’s climate bill into law as soon as possible, so we can move onto the next climate bill.

For all that last session’s bill will accomplish, a lot has been left on the table. Legislators will need to take further action on climate in 2021. One policy that’s at the top of the to-do list: a bill championed by Rep. Marjorie Decker to transition our electricity, buildings, and transportation system to 100% clean energy.

So we’re setting a deadline: Friday, February 19. By February 19, we’re asking legislators to turn last session’s climate bill into a law. That includes, if necessary, overriding another veto from the Governor.

Let’s clear the decks of last session’s business by passing the climate bill into law by February 19. And then let’s move on to the next climate bill.”