Thread by @Staci__Rubin

As we face yet another #heatwave in MA, let’s talk about this NEW #ClimateLaw that @MassGovernor Baker just signed. This is a major step to help protect our communities from the devastating impacts of #ClimateChange. Here’s why: 1/13
clf.org/newsroom/mass-…

Why do we need more climate laws & policies on top of our Global Warming Solutions Act and Next Generation Roadmap law? While these two laws set mandatory goals to slash climate damaging pollution, we need other laws and policies to dictate HOW to accomplish these goals. 2/13

The new law sets a target of installing enough #OffshoreWind to power 2.5 million homes by 2027 and various other policies to make #CleanEnergy easier to supply to MA residents. 3/13

Also worth noting, it would ensure that women, BIPOC, and veteran business owners are included in this budding industry. We need our #CleanEnergy solutions to benefit everyone. 4/13

Next up: #biomass – AKA burning wood for energy. Unfortunately, biomass harms the environment & climate, and should NOT be used as a climate solution to power our homes and businesses. The law removes $$ incentives for biomass facilities, which @CLF has sought for years. 5/13

The original bill completely removed big, dirty woody biomass from the state’s Renewable Portfolio Standards, which provides financial incentives to utilities for supplying clean energy. 6/13

While we’re disappointed the current law excludes pre-existing biomass facilities from this update, we’re still happy the state is not incentivizing new biomass facilities. 7/13

Then there’s the Future of Gas investigation which examines the role that gas will play in MA’s home heating. We’ve criticized the investigation for essentially handing over all planning to utility companies, who have their profits at stake. 8/13

Unsurprisingly, utility companies made the case for continued addiction to #FossilFuels in home heating – in addition to harmful alternatives (like so-called “renewable” natural gas) that are as expensive as they are toxic. 9/13

The new climate law prevents the Department of Public Utilities from just approving these biased and unrealistic plans. Instead, it mandates a hearing with an unbiased judge to mediate the best interest for state residents. 10/13

The law targets electric vehicles. It ups state rebates to $3,500, offers $1,000 for trading in gas-powered cars, creates incentives for used #EVs, allows extra $$ for low-income drivers, & mandates MA’s bus fleet hit 0 emissions by 2040 (but we think it should be earlier). 11/13

What’s missing? An earlier version of the bill mandated more air monitoring near air pollution hotspots and required improvements to air quality in those locations. We’re disappointed this language was stripped, since our #EnvironmentalJustice partners proved we need it. 12/13

We want to thank @MassGovernor for signing this momentous bill into law. We need concrete action to turn our climate goals into climate solutions – and this law does exactly that. Our future can be bright if we act today, and we look forward to seeing this law implemented. 13/13