We have two topics of interest today: Carbon pricing bills and the June 13th Lobbying Day . Massachusetts has two new bills that promote a gradually rising price on carbon. “Carbon price” is a buzzword that puts a monetary price on carbon pollution, or emissions from burning fossil fuels. Essentially, it is a “dumping fee” for putting pollution into the air. Though the phrase “gradually rising price” can be off-putting, the bills incentivize people to become more carbon neutral – a way of doing well by doing good.
Massachusetts State Senator Mike Barrett introduced S.1821, An Act combating climate change – Sen. Mike Barrett which is a revenue-neutral bill similar to carbon fee and dividend. The carbon dioxide fees will be returned to residents and employers in the state in the form of rebates. The amount of money residents and employers receive will be greater if they have lower carbon emissions.
The second bill, Bill H 1726, is sponsored by Massachusetts State Representative Jennifer Benson. Bill H 1726 is “revenue-positive,” meaning that the revenues generated from the fees would be returned mostly to households and employers, but a portion would also go to fund renewable infrastructure investments.
Article for more information - https://citizensclimatelobby.org/two-new-bills-massachusetts-moves-carbon-pricing/
On Tuesday, June 13, 2017, there will be a lobbying day with a grassroots summit (June 10) put on by Campaign for a Clean Energy Future
June 13th Lobby Day information
8:45 am Meet at Old West Church 131 Cambridge St, Boston, MA 02114 between Government Center Green Line stop and MGH Red Line stop, short walk from either one. Also short walk from North Station commuter lines. From South Station take Red Line to MGH.
Will walk to State house at 9:45 am
10 am -12 noon - Meetings with Senators between
12 noon - Meet at grand staircase in Statehouse for group photo
12:30 - postcard drop, will walk together from grand staircase to Governor's office
1 pm- 3 pm Meetings with Representatives
We encourage you to show up! It is ok if you don’t know all of the details. Present what you think, what your concerns are, what you are basing your votes on….and if you are in doubt, the organizer will provide you with talking points. It is an opportunity to be closer to your representatives and to get your voice heard by them. As Frederick Douglass, abolitionist, author, and orator, said, “Power concedes nothing without demand” – this is your chance to influence power by indicating your demands. Your representatives are interested in your input – it matters to them. Plus, “action is the antidote for despair,” per the musician Joan Baez.
We hope you are enjoying the show – if there are technical issues with the sound of the show, please let us know on our Facebook page (at /MassClmateAction) so we can address them.
The reading list:
Go here for information on the Lobby day signup
Events
Because we recognize the necessity of personal accountability for our actions, because we accept responsibility for building a durable future and because we believe it is our patriotic duty as citizens to speak out, we must insist that the United States put a price on carbon.
Thanks for listening.
…Ted McIntyre