The long slow MA legislative process finally produced a good climate bill. It now sits on Governor Baker’s desk, in limbo and awaiting his signature. If the Governor fails to sign it, there may be no new policy for years. Listen in for some good reasons to support this bill.
The reading list:
- The Climate Minute from August 2020 on the initial passage of the bill
- MassLive on the final passage of the bill
- WBUR explains the bill
How to Contact Governor Baker
Email Governor Baker using this portal: https://www.mass.gov/forms/email-the-governors-office
You can also use this email: [email protected]
(this email has not bounced back according to advocates)
CC Gov. Baker’s Legislative Director: [email protected], plus Community Affairs Director: [email protected]
Call Governor Baker’s Office using the following telephone number: (617) 725-4005
Tag Governor Baker on Twitter using his twitter handle: @MassGovernor
Tag Kathleeen Theoharides, the Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary, on Twitter using her twitter handle: @ClimateKatie and @EEASecretary
Phone Script
Hello, this is ____ (name) calling from (your town). I’m calling today to ask Governor Baker to take leadership on climate action by signing Bill S.2995, An Act creating a next-generation roadmap for Massachusetts climate policy.
I have been working with Rep (your Rep) and Sen (your Senator) on ensuring that the strongest possible climate bill comes out of the conference committee. (optional) Including ____ in the climate bill is crucial to my community’s climate goals.
This legislation makes important advances to our current climate action efforts that are critical to ensuring that our communities are protected from the worst effects of climate change. Governor Baker has a huge opportunity to be a leader on this issue and (your town) is counting on him.
Will Governor Baker stand with his constituents and sign this bill?
[Conclude Conversation] I am happy to follow up with more information over email. Is there anything else you need from me?
As a resident of (your town) I appreciate Governor Baker's leadership on this important issue.
Email Script (Senator)
Dear Governor Baker,
I’m [name], your constituent from [your town]. I’m writing today to ask you to take leadership on climate action by signing Bill S.2995, An Act creating a next-generation roadmap for Massachusetts climate policy.
As an active member of the Massachusetts Climate Action Network, it’s important to me that you sign S.2995. This legislation makes important advances to our current climate action efforts that are critical to ensuring that our communities are protected from the worst effects of climate change. In particular, it:
- Writes environmental justice into Massachusetts law and provides new tools and protections for affected neighborhoods.
- Creates a first-time greenhouse gas emissions standard for municipal lighting plants and imposes a five-year moratorium on biomass.
- Allows for a local option "net-zero stretch energy code" and adds 4 energy efficiency seats to the BBRS.
Governor Baker, you have a huge opportunity to be a leader on this issue and (your town) is counting on you. Thank you, in advance for your support and leadership.
Your Constituent,
[Your Name]
[Your address]
Sample Social Media
.@MassGovernor Please sign the #ClimateRoadMap that includes #EJ4MA + #netzero stretch code. #ClimateBillWithTeeth = #CovidRelief = #Publichealth.
.@MassGovernor Please be a leader on climate action by signing the #ClimateRoadMap. Our communities need #EJ4MA + #netzero stretch code. #ClimateBillWithTeeth = #CovidRelief = #Publichealth.
.@MassGovernor We need your leadership on climate. Sign #ClimateRoadMap. Our communities need #EJ4MA + #netzero stretch code. #ClimateBillWithTeeth = #CovidRelief = #Publichealth.
Because we recognize the necessity of personal accountability for our actions, because we accept responsibility for a building a durable future and because we believe it is our patriotic duty as citizens to speak out, we must insist the United States transform it’s energy sector, over the next decade, under a just and equitable plan, that uses regulations, investments and a price on carbon to safeguard our collective future.
Thanks for listening.
…Ted McIntyre