Massachusetts has to reduce emissions from the fossil fuels, oil, coal and gas. These emissions cause global warming. We are facing a deadline we will not meet. The 2008 Global Warming Solutions Act calls for reduced emissions. The goal for 2020 is 25% less than the 1990 level. It is unlikely we can meet that deadline.
We are also behind in meeting the deadline for 2050. That deadline is an 80% reduction in emissions from fossil fuels. Other countries use a plan called "carbon pollution pricing". This plan is reducing global warming pollution emissions around the world.
The state legislature is proposing two bills on carbon pricing. Senator Mike Barret is the sponsor of bill S.1821. Representative Jennifer Benson is the sponsor of the second bill, H.1726. Altogether, there are 79 sponsors. That would be almost a quarter of the legislature.
These bills put a tax on coal, oil or gas that is imported into Massachusetts. The state would rebate all or part of the revenues back to state residents and businesses. Everyone would get an incentive to reduce fossil fuel use in order to keep more of their rebates.
One of the bills would set aside some of the revenues for a Green Infrastructure Fund. This bill would help municipalities pay for energy efficiency, clean energy, and climate resiliency projects. These bills would reduce air pollution. Bay State residents would be healthier.
Each year Massachusetts spends over 20 billion dollars on fossil fuels. Both bills would help us keep more of that $20 billion. Eventually we will grow our own renewable energy businesses. That means more good jobs for our residents.
Governor Baker recently voiced his support for the Paris Accord. His key interest is the emissions reductions targets. Most economists agree that putting a price on carbon pollution is the single most effective way to help us meet those targets. It would encourage shifting to cleaner, more reliable renewable energy systems. We do not have time to wait. Let us put a price on carbon pollution now.
We are also behind in meeting the deadline for 2050. That deadline is an 80% reduction in emissions from fossil fuels. Other countries use a plan called "carbon pollution pricing". This plan is reducing global warming pollution emissions around the world.
The state legislature is proposing two bills on carbon pricing. Senator Mike Barret is the sponsor of bill S.1821. Representative Jennifer Benson is the sponsor of the second bill, H.1726. Altogether, there are 79 sponsors. That would be almost a quarter of the legislature.
These bills put a tax on coal, oil or gas that is imported into Massachusetts. The state would rebate all or part of the revenues back to state residents and businesses. Everyone would get an incentive to reduce fossil fuel use in order to keep more of their rebates.
One of the bills would set aside some of the revenues for a Green Infrastructure Fund. This bill would help municipalities pay for energy efficiency, clean energy, and climate resiliency projects. These bills would reduce air pollution. Bay State residents would be healthier.
Each year Massachusetts spends over 20 billion dollars on fossil fuels. Both bills would help us keep more of that $20 billion. Eventually we will grow our own renewable energy businesses. That means more good jobs for our residents.
Governor Baker recently voiced his support for the Paris Accord. His key interest is the emissions reductions targets. Most economists agree that putting a price on carbon pollution is the single most effective way to help us meet those targets. It would encourage shifting to cleaner, more reliable renewable energy systems. We do not have time to wait. Let us put a price on carbon pollution now.
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