Statement: Governor Baker signs climate bill

Environment Massachusetts

BOSTON – Governor Charlie Baker signed a climate bill today that will reduce energy waste from appliances, expand Massachusetts’ commitment to offshore wind energy, and ensure that at least 40 percent of our electricity comes from renewable sources by 2030.

The Governor’s signature is the final step in a months-long process to pass this bill into law. Governor Baker vetoed a similar bill passed in January, at the end of the previous legislative session. Legislators moved quickly to take up the bill again, and the Governor returned the bill to the Legislature a few days later with suggested amendments. The House and Senate adopted some of Governor Baker’s changes but rejected others.

Ben Hellerstein, state director for Environment Massachusetts, issued the following statement:

“With Governor Baker’s signature today, Massachusetts has taken an important step toward a cleaner, healthier future. I applaud House and Senate leaders for preserving the key elements of last session’s bill, including energy efficiency standards for appliances, expanded offshore wind procurements, and a requirement for at least 40 percent of Massachusetts’ electricity to come from renewable sources by 2030.

This bill is Massachusetts’ first big step on climate action in 2021 — but it can’t be the last step.

For all that last session’s bill will accomplish, a lot has been left on the table, and legislators will need to take further action on climate this year. One policy that’s at the top of the to-do list: a bill championed by Rep. Marjorie Decker, Rep. Sean Garballey, and Sen. Joseph Boncore to transition our electricity, buildings, and transportation system to 100 percent clean energy.

Let’s take a few minutes to celebrate this bill. And then, let’s make 2021 the year Massachusetts sets its sights on 100 percent clean energy.”