Friday, March 31, 2017

Carbon Tax Reference

I spoke with Cindy Luppi; she is ready and eager to meet with us in person or by phone so as to prep and answer questions. She points out that Massachusetts sends $20 Billion out of state each year for our energy needs. Shouldn't we discourage these payments and work on home grown energy sources?

The bills:
There are two bills that have been filed:  In the Senate SD 1021. In the house House HD 1504. They​ both  put a gradually rising fee on fossil fuels from all sectors (except the major electricity producers which fall under the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI)).  Monies are returned to households and businesses to protect them from price increases. Both bills make a special effort to protect low income households that are most vulnerable to price changes. The bill sponsors are Sen. Michael Barrett of Lexington and Rep. Jen Benson of Lunenburg​. They differ somewhat: The Senate bill is a  neutral simple fee - everyone gets a check in the mail! -  and appeals to conservatives (is more likely to pass?). The House bill returns 80% of the money collected but uses 20% for  (not clear on details here)

Look for this:
On april 27, the Boston Foundation has paid for a study and will issue that study showing the benefits of carbon pricing in terms of smog reduction; it will estimate the health benefits of carbon pricing.

Reaching out to Lynners: Let's write a note to Lynners we know, acquainting them with carbon pricing and the bills and urging them to add to our numbers. David suggested to Jeff Barz Snell that he come as a man of the cloth, wondering whether we can reach out to ECCO people or Neighbor to Neighbor people.

Cindy Luppi logistics:
 I hate to have her schlep up here although she is willing. She will be at SSU giving a talk at 12:30 on Monday April 10 in the MLK room of the Ellison Center. What is your preference? Should we schedule a phone chat?

PS Judith will be doing a session at SSC Earth Days on Friday April 14 also in the  MLK room of the Ellison Center. (SSU has a week of earthdays with movies and panel discussions. )

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