Massachusetts State Representatives have filed a bill that would commit Massachusetts to obtain 100% of its energy from clean, renewable sources such as wind and solar power.
“As President Donald Trump takes office, this bill sends a clear message to officials in DC, Massachusetts is determined to keep moving forward on clean energy,” said Ben Hellerstein, State Director for Environment Massachusetts. “We’re proud to work with Representative Garballey, Representative Decker, and Senator Eldridge to move Massachusetts towards 100% renewable energy.”
The bill, An Act to transition Massachusetts to 100% renewable energy (HD.3357), would require the state to commit fully to renewable electricity generation by 2035, and phase out the use of fossil fuels across all sectors, including heating and transportation by 2050.
“This legislation provides a bold step by placing the Commonwealth on a path to a cleaner and more sustainable future,” said Representative Garballey. “It encourages job creation, protects and sustains our natural resources, reduces our carbon footprint and would benefit the health and well-being of our citizens in immeasurable ways.”
Garballey added: “More importantly, it signals to the country our commitment to long-term solutions in meeting the very real challenges of climate change, and lights the way for similar efforts across the nation. I am honored to have a staunch ally in Representative Decker.”
The new legislation would require the Department of Energy Resources to set binding targets for renewable energy growth in all major sectors of the economy, and issue regulations to ensure that Massachusetts stays on track toward 100% renewable energy by 2050.
The bill is designed to complement and strengthen the Global Warming Solutions Act, passed in 2008, which requires the state to reduce its carbon emissions by at least 80% below 1990 levels by 2050.
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