Three Massachusetts lawmakers proposed a bill that would require the state to shift to 100 percent renewable energy within the next 18 years. The bill would also require the state to completely phase out the use of fossil fuels from the heating and transportation sectors by 2050. Instead, they would have to use renewable energy such as solar power or wind energy.
Massachusetts has already attempted to reduce its carbon footprint via the Massachusetts Global Warming Solutions Act. Th Act mandates a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent from 1990 levels by 2050. Massachusetts also provides incentives to those who use solar power or wind energy.
One of the bill’s sponsors, Rep. Sean Garballey, said the bill provides a bold step by placing the state on a path to a cleaner and more sustainable future. He said job creation would be encouraged as a result of eliminating the use of fossil fuels and there will be health and environmental benefits.
Garballey said the most important thing the bill signals is that the state is committed to long-term solutions in meeting the challenges of climate change. He described those challenges as being very real.
The lawmakers said there were a number of major businesses, institutions and cities that are committed to the 100 percent goal.
This comes at a time when President Donald Trump has just taken office. According to Trump’s America First Energy Plan, he wants to do away with Obama’s Climate Action Plan, which was aimed at reducing carbon emissions in order to address climate change. He also wants to permit application for the Keystone Pipeline, save the coal industry and revoke policies that impose unwarranted restrictions on drilling.
