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State Senate Passes Important Global Warming Legislation
On Thursday, March 6th the Massachusetts State Senate bravely advanced a critical piece of climate legislation, S. 2531, "The Global Warming Solutions Act" which calls for co2 reductions of 20% below 1990 levels by 2020 and 80% below 1990 levels by 2050...
After a short debate the Senate passed, on a voice vote (that means without a recorded roll call), S. 2531 "The Global Warming Solutions Act". What is even more impressive is that the Senate advanced this legislation in the face of strong public opposition of a prominent business advocacy group, Associated Industries of Massachusetts.
While the official Senate Journal is not available yet, it appears the seven amendments adopted were minor in nature, and none touch the cornerstone provision of the bill; a requirement that the state adopt policies that will result in a reduction of co2 to levels 20% below 1990 levels by 2020, and 80% below 1990 levels by 2050.
The bill also contains important provisions setting a performance standard for all new powerplants constructed in Massachusetts, and requiring the DEP to begin working on a low carbon fuel standard. This provision was amended to hold off implementation of such a standard until other New England states take similar action.
While the Senate has advanced several positive energy efficiency, renewable energy, and climate related pieces of legislation the past several years, the passage of a carbon cap bill is truly a landmark in climate change policy in Massachusetts. The legislation now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. If the legislation does not pass before the end of formal sessions end on July 31st.