Mass Power Forward 2019-2020 Legislative Agenda

We’re not waiting for a clean energy future. We’re making it happen now—and we need to get our elected officials on board.

The stakes have never been higher. We know we’re not going to see any progress in D.C. in the next two years, so we need Massachusetts to step up and lead. And we have no time to wait, as fracked gas companies continue to push dangerous, polluting pipelines into communities like Holyoke, Lowell, and Boston’s Back Bay.

With the Mass Power Forward coalition, we are calling for bold and historic commitments to clean energy. First, we want environmental justice. Second, we want our state to reach 100% renewable energy by 2035. Third, we want policies that encourage businesses to invest a healthy, sustainable future.

Learn more about our top three priorities for the 2019-2020 legislative session.

Environmental Justice

All people have a right to be protected from environmental pollution and to live in and enjoy a clean and healthful environment. But low income communities and communities of color are most likely to be in the shadows of a dirty power plant or next to a busy polluting highway. Environmental Justice is the equal protection and meaningful involvement of all people with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws. View factsheet.

100% Renewable Energy by 2035

The 100% Renewable Energy Act will accelerate the growth of clean energy and set out clear, enforceable requirements to ensure we stay on track to achieve 100 percent renewable energy, while ensuring that the displaced workers, low income and communities of color that have been most impacted by fossil fuel pollution have a seat at the table. View factsheet.

Equitable Green Investment in Our Communities

As a commonwealth, we have placed a significant focus on cutting our climate change-causing pollution from electricity, but we need to have a comprehensive approach to address other sectors. Transportation and heating represent a disproportionate share of our emissions as a state, in addition to being an increasing financial strain on low-income people. We need to address these problems while providing
better opportunities that build our communities and invest in our low and middle-income families. View factsheet.