Statement: Climate bill says ‘yes’ to a cleaner future

BOSTON – State legislators are expected to vote today on a climate bill.

The vote comes one day after President Joe Biden’s visit to the former site of the Brayton Point coal plant in Somerset, where he announced new initiatives to address climate change.

The bill was released last night from a conference committee, which considered different versions of climate legislation passed by the House and Senate earlier this year.

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

“President Biden said yesterday that when it comes to fighting climate change, he won’t take no for an answer. Today, Massachusetts is answering ‘yes’ to climate action.

“There’s a lot to like in this bill. It will require the owners of large buildings, like offices and apartment buildings, to disclose the amount of energy their buildings use each year in order to identify the biggest opportunities for energy efficiency improvements. It will ensure that all new cars sold in Massachusetts are electric vehicles by 2035. And it will allow up to ten cities and towns to require new buildings to be built with clean, all-electric heating and appliances, paving the way to safer, healthier homes and businesses for all of us.

“This bill won’t get us all the way to 100% clean energy, but it will take several big steps in the right direction. Congratulations to all of the legislators who have worked to get it across the finish line.

“Once the House and Senate pass this bill, all eyes will be on Governor Charlie Baker. This bill could be the defining piece of the Governor’s climate legacy. I hope he’ll do the right thing and sign it into law.”

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