Diane Kolakoski: Bold climate action needed

Massachusetts has a historic opportunity to advance climate justice and meet its climate mandates. There is still time in 2024 for a special session to pass a comprehensive bill that goes beyond the limited scope of siting and permitting reform.

Gov. Maura Healey’s supplemental budget bill H 5049 falls short of what is needed to tackle the climate crisis. Over 100 organizations have urged the Legislature to include key elements in a climate bill to be signed by the governor before year’s end.

It must expand the electric grid, protect communities and shield gas customers from rising costs. A climate bill also must include reforms tied to a strong cumulative impact analysis while prioritizing clean energy investments in offshore wind, solar, and battery storage. It must end large-scale gas pipeline expansion and promote non-emitting thermal networks to transition from gas.

A weak bill would be a failure. Now is the time for action that will benefit all Massachusetts residents.

Diane Kolakoski

Deerfield