State of Massachusetts secondary Archives: on Energy & Oil
Ben Downing:
As state senator, focused on clean energy & climate change
As a Pittsfield native, Downing said he lived through the "legacy of industry that created jobs, but sacrificed our environment and public health, then left us to clean up." He forged an environmentalist reputation in the state
Senate with a focus on clean energy and climate change. Downing chose not to seek a sixth term in 2016 and joined the solar energy company Nexamp, continuing to advocate for increased investment in renewable energy.
Source: The Boston Globe on 2022 Massachusetts Gubernatorial race
Feb 8, 2021
Ben Downing:
Transition to clean energy economy means jobs
[On climate change]: "We need more of a sense of urgency," said Downing. "We know communities like East Boston, Chelsea and even Pittsfield were targeted for the development of fossil fuel infrastructure and have the asthma rates and other public
health indicators to reflect that. We know a transition to a clean energy economy and the spillovers from that are positive. We have more jobs to create by putting solar on roofs, building energy storage, doing energy retrofits of homes, building
offshore wind.""A big part of addressing climate change issues is making transit more reliable and you look at governor Baker's record of cutting the budget at the MBTA," said Downing. "We need to increase ridership and make it more reliable but we
need to do the same with the Bus Rapid Transit. We need people to see that as a viable option that gets them out of their cars. It is a significant undertaking but it's that much tougher to do without leadership from the corner office."
Source: Charlestown Bridge on 2022 Massachusetts Gubernatorial race
Feb 11, 2021
Ben Downing:
There is no time or excuse for incrementalism
Our state has an opportunity to set an ambitious and aggressive climate agenda that can right the environmental injustices that many of our communities have suffered while investing in the clean energy economy that benefits all residents.
There is no time or excuse for incrementalism, especially when Massachusetts' once thriving clean energy sector is slowing, and the consequences of underinvesting in energy-burdened communities has been laid bare.
Source: Commonwealth Magazine on 2022 Massachusetts Governor race
Dec 10, 2020
Ben Downing:
Clean energy push left out communities of color & low-income
By failing to guarantee inclusion for low-income neighborhoods and communities of color, the Bay State's much-touted clean energy revolution effectively left these communities out. Moreover, the revolution itself has stalled. Recent years have seen
the state's solar workforce shrink by a third--nearly 4,400 jobs, as new solar installations have dropped by half. Last year, the least amount of solar energy was installed in Massachusetts since 2013--a 40 percent decline since 2017.
Source: Commonwealth Magazine on 2022 Massachusetts Governor race
Dec 10, 2020
Ben Downing:
Increase solar net metering cap, ensure future growth
Downing announces that his amendment to increase the state's solar net metering cap and promote future solar development was adopted. Net metering allows residential and commercial customers who generate their own electricity from solar power to
receive a credit for the unused electricity they feed back to the grid. Notably, Downing's amendment seeks to ensure the future growth of virtual metering and community shared solar.
Source: 2022 Massachusetts Governor campaign site SenatorDowning.com
Jul 23, 2015
Bob Massie:
Transform the state completely by pursuing renewable energy
Environmentalist and entrepreneur Robert Massie says he's running for governor in 2018. Massie was most recently head of the University of Massachusetts Boston's Sustainable Solutions Lab--which focuses on climate change research and preparedness.
Among Massie's top priorities is bringing more sustainable energy options to the state, which he said will create new jobs and boost a new sector of the economy.
He said, "We have an opportunity to transform the state completely by pursuing renewable energy at a much faster rate, like what's going on across the world."
"I think it's about vision and leadership," he said. "Can you lay out a future for the state
, drawing from the millions of wonderful ideas that people have , and have Massachusetts become again a leading force in the United States, pushing us towards a new economy that creates new jobs and is much more fair."
Source: WBUR 90.9 FM (NPR) on 2018 Massachusetts gubernatorial race
Apr 24, 2017
Bob Massie:
Ran Sustainable Solutions Lab at UMass Boston
I ran a program for the past two years here in Boston that focused on climate justice, called the Sustainable Solutions Lab [at UMass Boston].
Boston could lose as much as a third of its land mass under sea-level rise, and with the other elements of storm surge and heat islands, and so forth, the city is going to come under unbelievable pressure.
Some of [the affected places] are wealthier neighborhoods like Back Bay. One of them is the Seaport District--where, idiotically, we've put $2 billion of new investment in the most likely place to flood.
[With] Seaport, the city approved it, and architects designed it, the bankers paid for it, and the insurance companies insured it--oh, and GE even put their headquarters there--and the whole thing's going under water.
Source: Commonwealth Magazine on 2018 Massachusetts governor race
Jun 16, 2017
Bruce Skarin:
Top priority: combatting global climate change
As far as political positions go, Skarin sometimes sounds like a conventional liberal, and sometimes like a fiscal conservative. "Things are changing," he said, noting the upsurge of independent candidates and the fact that independents now outnumber
Democrats and Republicans combined both in Massachusetts and nationally. "We are the new majority."Combatting global climate and the national debt are Mr. Skarin's top priorities.
Source: Worcester Telegram on 2014 Massachusetts Senate race
Feb 14, 2014
Charlie Baker:
Develop hydropower--most cost effective renewable
Meeting our future energy needs requires cooperation with the other New England states because the region's energy infrastructure and supply is closely linked.
We have a growing solar industry, which we should continue to support, but not at prices two to three times more than every other option.
Cost competitive wind options are already available to us, and we should embrace them too.
But if we're serious about reducing our carbon footprint while maintaining a reliable energy grid and improving our competitive position, then we must significantly increase the supply of hydropower.
Source: 2016 State of the State speech to Massachusetts legislature
Jan 21, 2016
Charlie Baker:
Reduce carbon footprint while maintaining supply of energy
Together [with the Legislature], we passed landmark legislation that will reduce our carbon footprint while maintaining a competitively priced and reliable supply of energy. And we've built on those efforts by issuing an Executive Order on
Climate Change that directs state government to work with local governments, business, and non-profits to develop plans to further protect our environment and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Source: 2017 State of the State address to Massachusetts Legislature
Jan 24, 2017
Charlie Baker:
$1 billion for climate resiliency by 2022
There's no dispute that the consequences of climate change are real and potentially devastating. We created the first Municipal Vulnerability Program in the country, so local communities would have the ability to address future threats before they
occur. More than 285 communities have joined us. We're committed to expanding this essential program to all 351 communities. And we'll bring this Administration's total investment in climate resiliency to just over $1 billion by 2022.
Massachusetts also leads the nation in procuring clean, renewable energy. I'm committing the Commonwealth to achieving an ambitious climate goal: net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. That is why we're working with our colleagues across
the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states on a Regional Transportation and Climate Initiative. Unless we take on transportation, we won't meet our objectives.
Source: 2020 Massachusetts State of the State address
Jan 21, 2020
Charlie Baker:
Roadmap to reach net zero emissions by 2050
We put forth a science-based roadmap to reach net zero emissions by 2050. We've spearheaded a first of its kind, multi-state program to reduce carbon emissions in the transportation sector. We've invested over $935 million in climate change mitigation
and adaptation. And we're on track to meet our commitment to invest $1 billion in climate action by 2022. Partnering with the Legislature, we secured historic clean energy procurements at the lowest price for rate payers.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to Massachusetts legislature
Jan 26, 2021
Charlie Baker:
Next-generation roadmap for climate policy
S.9: An Act creating a next-generation roadmap for Massachusetts climate policy.Summary by WBUR (NPR 90.9-FM) 1/4/2021 : Massachusetts would adopt some of the most aggressive greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets in the country,
dial up thousands of more megawatts of cleaner offshore wind power, encourage natural gas utilities to explore other services they could provide in the future, and put an explicit emphasis on helping the most overburdened communities cope
with the effects of climate change under a compromise climate policy bill.
Legislative Outcome:
Passed Senate 39-1-0 Rollcall #19 on Mar/15/21; Passed House 145-14-1 on Mar/18/21; Signed by Governor Charlie Baker on Mar/26/21.
Source: WBUR (NPR 90.9-FM) on Massachusetts voting records: S.9
Mar 26, 2021
Deval Patrick:
Cut Energy costs and develop renewable energy
I will cut energy costs to consumers through an active conservation education and rebate program.
We will also give fast track and advantageous tax treatment to companies investing and creating jobs in renewable energy production, so that Massachusetts becomes the renewable energy center of the world.
Source: Moving Massachusetts Forward, Patrick’s policy booklet, p. 4
Sep 15, 2005
Deval Patrick:
Support renewable energy like Cape Wind
My Climate Protection Plan will support renewable energy projects whenever the benefits for all of us outweigh the disadvantages. I believe the Cape Wind project in Nantucket Sound is just such a project. I believe that well-designed renewable energy
projects-both large and small-that pass strict environmental scrutiny deserve our support. I also believe we must develop a regulatory framework for managing ocean resources, and that we can do so in the context of advancing the Cape Wind project.
Source: Moving Massachusetts Forward, Patrick’s policy booklet, p.30
Sep 15, 2005
Deval Patrick:
Tax credits for energy efficient cars
My administration will give excise and sales tax credits for consumer purchases of energy efficient cars and appliances, and for the use of energy-smart construction materials. Power plants are essential sources of electric power and good jobs, but
they can run with fewer emissions. We will enforce regulations limiting carbon dioxide emissions from power plants, and work with all operators to cut carbon dioxide emissions from power plants across the entire region.
Source: Moving Massachusetts Forward, Patrick’s policy booklet, p.32
Sep 15, 2005
Deval Patrick:
Foster alternative energy businesses
I will work to make Massachusetts the world’s capital for businesses that develop alternative sources of energy and the next generation of energy-efficient products and technologies.
In partnership with local authorities, my administration will create areas with environmental pre-approval for industrial and commercial development of these businesses.
Source: Moving Massachusetts Forward, Patrick’s policy booklet, p.33
Sep 15, 2005
Deval Patrick:
Convert state fleet to hybrids and fuel-efficient cars
[We should] practice what we preach. As a major owner of buildings and land, and as the owner of fleets of vehicles, the Commonwealth will model the behavior we ask of our citizens. My administration will replace our state fleet with hybrids
or other fuel-efficient vehicles, wherever practicable. We will also require energy-saving products and services in all state-sponsored construction. The state will lead the way as a purchaser of energy generated from renewable sources.
Source: Moving Massachusetts Forward, Patrick’s policy booklet, p.34
Sep 15, 2005
Deval Patrick:
$50 million to help Massachusetts deal with climate change
Patrick took the wraps off a $50 million plan that he says will help prepare Massachusetts for the challenges posed by climate change. The initiatives include a $40 million grant program by the Department of Energy Resources to help cities and towns to
shore up protections around energy services. Another $10 million will be spent on critical coastal infrastructure and dam repair. That includes $1 million for "green infrastructure" projects like beach and dune enhancement.
Source: Reason magazine on 2014 Massachusetts Gubernatorial race
Jan 15, 2014
Don Berwick:
Tax carbon emissions to reduce "undeniable climate crisis"
Berwick is calling for his state to become the first in the nation to establish a tax on carbon emissions. In a post on political commentary site Blue Mass Group, Berwick said an "undeniable climate crisis" was one of the driving factors in his decision
to support a carbon tax. However, he also proposed replacing taxes on pollution with cuts in property and income taxes--something he said could increase Massachusetts' GDP by $450 million per year."As it is written today, our tax system puts more of a
burden on the activities we want to encourage--work and investment--than it puts on pollution," Berwick wrote. "By levying a tax on harmful carbon dioxide emitted into our air, we can raise enough revenue to reduce the income and sales tax burdens for
Massachusetts families and small businesses."
Out of the five Democratic candidates for Massachusetts governor, Berwick is actually one of three that has expressed support for a tax on carbon pollution; [the others are] Joe Avellone & Juliette Kayyem.
Source: ThinkProgress.com on 2014 Massachusetts gubernatorial race
Feb 25, 2014
Don Berwick:
Double state investment in clean energy from 0.6% to 1.2%
Berwick's announcement [calling for a carbon tax] is the latest in a string of statements by candidates for the state's highest office in support of various environmental measures including a carbon tax and cap-and-trade system, signalling the race may
have a strong focus on climate-related issues.Martha Coakley has not publicly come out in support of taxing pollution, saying that she's "not sure it's the only solution" to climate change. Coakley has in the past, however, voiced support for a
national cap-and-trade program.
Berwick has also expressed support for a mandatory cap and trade carbon emissions control system, and has said he would double the state's investment in clean energy from 0.6 percent of the budget to 1.2 percent.
A tax on carbon emissions would be win for environmentalists and those concerned about climate change. If the US itself were to impose a carbon tax of $25 per ton of emissions, it would cut the deficit by $1 trillion over a decade.
Source: ThinkProgress.com on 2014 Massachusetts gubernatorial race
Feb 25, 2014
Ed Markey:
More offshore wind and solar--but no Green New Deal
While Markey and Liss-Riordan agree that the nation must move toward a green economy with sharp increases in offshore wind, solar and geothermal energy, Liss-Riordan argued the Green New Deal and Markey's environmental message contained a good deal
of "lofty language" but not much in the way of financial planning.Markey acknowledged that the Green New Deal does not have "individual prescriptions" on "how to get there," but calls for a "revolution in every city and town and every campus," with
aggressive targets in "every sector" including automotive, industrial, agricultural and manufacturing.
"I know if we have a climate bank with billions of dollars, it could unleash trillions of dollars in investment to increase efficiency," said
Markey, who also called for raising fuel economy standards and tax incentives for those who buy electric vehicles. "We should strip the tax breaks for gas and coal and oil industry and give those tax breaks to wind and solar--we will have a revolution."
Source: Springfield Republican on 2020 Massachusetts Senate debate
Nov 10, 2019
Ed Markey:
Green New Deal has shifted the whole discussion
Markey calls for ramping up renewable energy production and green energy jobs while curbing the impacts of climate change, particularly in vulnerable communities. "The Green New Deal has shifted the whole discussion.
The goals have lifted the gaze of Americans and political leaders," he said. "I'm going to continue to advocate for the Green New Deal, which saves all of creation while investing in massive job creation."
Source: Springfield Republican on 2020 Massachusetts Senate debate
Oct 6, 2020
Gabriel Gomez:
I believe that there is global warming
Q: In a liberal state where the GOP agenda is not all that popular, where do you differ from most Senate Republicans?GOMEZ: Congressman Markey wishes he was running against somebody else. But the reality is he's running against me. I disagree with the
Republican Party in the number of issues. I believe in gay marriage. I'm for immigration reform bill. I'm a green Republican. I believe that there is global warming and that we have something to do with that.
I also firmly believed that we need to have an expanded background check, the Toomey-Manchin bill. I'm ashamed that only four Republicans voted for this bill. And I think the NRA is completely wrong on this bill.
There are a lot of areas I don't agree with, with Republican Party on. And, again, Congressman Markey wishes he was running against somebody else other than me.
Source: Fox News Sunday 2013, on 2014 Massachusetts Senate race
Jun 23, 2013
Geoff Diehl:
Fought linking gas tax hikes to inflation
In 2014, Geoff saved Massachusetts taxpayers from a $2 billion gas tax increase.
The Legislature had voted to link the state gas tax to inflation. Geoff led a grassroots effort for a ballot question to repeal the tax hike. Massachusetts drivers have avoided three straight gas tax increases as a result.
Source: 2018 Massachusetts Senatorial website DiehlForSenate.com
Oct 1, 2017
Geoff Diehl:
A vocal critic of the Transportation Climate Initiative
Carbon-pricing bills have been filed for years on Beacon Hill but have not gathered the necessary momentum to become law. Gov. Baker last month was forced to scrap Massachusetts's participation multi-state cap-and-trade program known as the
Transportation Climate Initiative (TCI) as political support in other states eroded. Republican gubernatorial candidate Geoff Diehl has been a vocal critic of TCI, which would have bumped up the price of gasoline.
Source: Dorchester Reporter on 2022 Massachusetts Gubernatorial race
Dec 23, 2021
Heidi Wellman:
Oppose prioritizing green energy
Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Prioritize green energy"?
A: NO
Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Massachusetts Senate candidate
Mar 7, 2018
Jay Gonzalez:
Accelerate transition to clean energy
Climate change is the biggest threat to our planet and to our future. As President Trump and the Republicans continue to take the country backward, it's more important than ever that we have leadership here in Massachusetts that moves us forward.
Massachusetts should be the first state in the nation to adopt carbon pricing, we should accelerate our transition to clean energy sources, and we should oppose any new gas pipelines that further our dependence on fossil fuels.
Source: 2018 Massachusetts Gubernatorial website Jay4MA.com
Sep 15, 2017
Jay Gonzalez:
Make Massachusetts the first state to adopt carbon pricing
I believe there are major areas where Massachusetts must lead and make progress. I've proposed making Massachusetts the first state to adopt carbon pricing because I believe climate change is the biggest threat to our future.
That's why I also support accelerating our transition to renewable energy sources and oppose new gas pipelines and related infrastructure.
We have to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and start making real investments in our clean energy future.
We also should be intentional about taking advantage of the opportunity to create thousands and thousands of jobs across Massachusetts by making this state the power plug for the world's clean energy economy.
Source: ORMA questionnaire on 2018 Massachusetts governor race
Dec 20, 2017
Jesse Gordon:
Supports wind, solar & alternatives; paid for with a gas tax
Q: The United States must lead the world in tackling climate change, if we are to make certain that this planet is habitable for our children and grandchildren. We must transform our energy system away from polluting fossil fuels,
and towards energy efficiency and sustainability. A: Agree.
Candidate's position on this issue: I support wind, solar, and other alternative energy, paid for with a gas tax; and I support removing all subsidies for oil, gas, and coal.
Source: ORMA questionnaire on 2018 Massachusetts governor race
Jul 31, 2017
John Kerry:
Create new energy sources to end Mideast dependency
We must invest again in America and put our ingenuity to work to unclog our highways, to build a modern transportation network we can be proud of. We must harness the creative genius of our entrepreneurs,
laboratories and universities to create the energy sources of the future, to liberate us from dependence on Middle East oil and do all of this while protecting our precious resources like the Arctic Wildlife Refuge.
Source: Speech at Massachusetts Democratic Convention
May 31, 2002
John Kingston:
Green technology must be economically viable
I favor green technologies that are economically viable as a key part of future economic growth, and believe conservation of our natural resources is our duty. I do not support subsidies of uneconomic technologies that lead to waste of
taxpayers' dollars. I would encourage careful development and deployment of our oil and gas resources, and I would encourage expanded research into next-generation nuclear power resources.
Source: 2018 Massachusetts Senatorial website JohnKingston.com
Oct 15, 2017
Kevin O`Connor:
The Green New Deal will wreck U.S. economy
Climate change is real and especially impactful on our coastal communities, but the Green New Deal would be a disaster for our country. We need to tackle climate change using technology, and be the global leader in the green industry.
The Green New Deal will wreck the American economy and stifle the necessary innovation we need to actually affect positive change on environmental issues.
Source: 2020 Massachusetts Senate campaign website KOCforSenate.com
Oct 6, 2020
Kevin O`Connor:
Net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 through innovation
Dismissing the senator's Green New Deal as "posturing," O'Connor insisted he would be a "pro-environment senator" and said
he supported a free-market think tank's plan to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 through "innovation in terms of energy technology."
Source: The Boston Globe on 2020 Massachusetts Senate debate
Oct 6, 2020
Kevin O`Connor:
Green New Deal would sell out American workers
O'Connor, who says he favors a clean environment and renewable energy, came out swinging against one of Markey's signature efforts: the Green New Deal. O'Connor said policies and deals backed by Markey, including the Paris Agreement, had long "sold out
American workers to China." O'Connor said initiatives that fail to implement emission standards on other countries like China while harming American workers are "terrible" deals.
Source: Springfield Republican on 2020 Massachusetts Senate debate
Oct 6, 2020
Lori Trahan:
Supports alternative energy source with no barriers to entry
Push to expand access to cost-saving renewable energy for low-income households. Lori understands that our environment and our economy will benefit from a fresh commitment to an alternative energy source and
that we must make sure there is no barrier to entry for families seeking to run their homes in a green, affordable way.
Source: 2018 Massachusetts 3rd House campaign website LoriTrahan.com
Oct 9, 2018
Martha Coakley:
Supports cap-and-trade, but not a carbon tax
Out of the five Democratic candidates for Massachusetts governor, Berwick is actually one of three that has expressed support for a tax on carbon pollution. Biotech executive Joe Avellone has said that he would support a revenue neutral carbon tax if
elected, meaning there would be corresponding reductions in personal or corporate income taxes, and Homeland Security official Juliette Kayyem said that she would also support a carbon tax, "as long as it can be done in a revenue neutral way and does not
have a disparate impact on car-dependent communities."Martha Coakley has not publicly come out in support of taxing pollution, saying that she's "not sure it's the only solution" to climate change. Coakley has in the past, however, voiced support for
a national cap-and-trade program.
Berwick has also expressed support for a mandatory cap and trade carbon emissions control system, and has said he would double the state's investment in clean energy from 0.6 percent of the budget to 1.2 percent.
Source: ThinkProgress.com on 2014 Massachusetts gubernatorial race
Feb 25, 2014
Maura Healey:
Will harness all the levers in combating the climate crisis
We have never seen so much coming into the state in terms of funding as we do right now. I think there is an incredible opportunity to deploy that and think about it, particularly when it comes to climate--and I have said that
I will be the most aggressive and insightful and innovative governor harnessing all the levers when it comes to combating the climate crisis right now. I've also talked about the economic imperative and opportunity that that provides--not just for jobs.
Source: WBUR (NPR Radio) on 2022 Massachusetts Gubernatorial race
Feb 3, 2022
Maura Healey:
Create a cabinet-level Climate Chief & electrify everything
Maura will create a cabinet-level Climate Chief who will be responsible for driving climate policy across every Massachusetts agency & ensuring that climate change is considered in all relevant decision-making. The state will lead by example by achieving
net-zero emissions by 2030 across state operations and rapidly transitioning the state fleet to electric vehicles.Maura will reinvigorate the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (CEC) to spur clean tech job growth. With its strong relationships in the
private sector and with our world-class academic institutions, the CEC has helped boost the clean energy sector in Massachusetts, which has grown 68% since 2010, with over 100,000 people employed as of 2021.
In the next two decades, we need to
electrify everything--including our buildings and transportation system. We can do this. Our state is home to industrious & innovative workers who can lead this swift transition. Doing so will create jobs, improve public health, & strengthen our economy.
Source: 2022 Massachusetts Governor campaign website MauraHealey.com
Jun 7, 2022
Mike Lee:
I believe that there is global warming
Q: Markey's main argument against you is that if you win, you're just going to be another vote for the Republicans in the Senate.(VIDEO CLIP): REP. ED MARKEY: They want and need him in Washington in order to advance a radical Republican agenda.
GOMEZ: See, Congressman Markey wishes he was running against somebody else. I disagree with the Republican Party in the number of issues. I believe in gay marriage. I'm for immigration reform bill. I'm a green Republican.
I believe that there is global warming. I also firmly believed that we need to have an expanded background check, the Toomey-Manchin bill. I'm ashamed that only four Republicans voted for this bill. And I think the NRA is completely wrong on this bill.
There are a lot of areas I don't agree with the Republican Party. [That's why] Congressman Markey wishes he was running against somebody else other than me.
Source: Fox News Sunday on 2013 Massachusetts Senate debate
Jun 23, 2013
Setti Warren:
Support use of wind, solar, & other renewable energy
Solar Share Program: Setti has set aside 0.6 MW of the power produced by Newton's new solar power stations for a first-of-its-kind community solar share program, which will extend energy credits to qualified, low-income households on a zero-cost basis.
This program is part of a larger investment in green energy development that will make Newton a municipal leader in clean, affordable energy policy.
By investing in upgrades to our electrical grid and supporting the use of wind, solar, and other renewable energy resources,
we can cut the Commonwealth's carbon footprint, save money, and create good-paying 21st Century energy economy jobs.
Source: 2018 Massachusetts governor campaign website SettiWarren.com
Jun 1, 2017
Shannon Liss-Riordan:
More offshore wind and solar--and Green New Deal
While Markey and Liss-Riordan agree that the nation must move toward a green economy with sharp increases in offshore wind, solar and geothermal energy, Liss-Riordan argued the Green New Deal and Markey's environmental message contained a good deal
of "lofty language" but not much in the way of financial planning.Liss-Riordan thanked Markey for his environmental focus and said she supported the Green New Deal's goals, but added that the senator had "been in Washington for a long time.
It's time to move beyond talking about these issues, and actually delivering."
"We need a concrete way to pay for this revolution and concrete goals for how we're actually going to shift our energy sources to renewable sources," said Liss-Riordan,
who called for carbon pricing as a method to help fund innovative ways to combat climate change. "Nobody is talking about how we are going to pay for these revolutionary changes we're going to need."
Source: Springfield Republican on 2020 Massachusetts Senate debate
Nov 10, 2019
Shiva Ayyadurai:
Innovation, not regulation
We need to move beyond the debate of whether "climate change" is occurring or not. It doesn't matter. We need tangible solutions to these real problems. Innovation, NOT regulation, is the only way to solve these problems.
We need to throw out every career politician who gets in the way of unleashing incredible innovation, which already exist, but cannot reach the market because they do not line the pockets of these politicians and their lobbyists.
Source: 2018 Massachusetts Senatorial website shiva4senate.com
Oct 15, 2017
Shiva Ayyadurai:
Climate change cause irrelevant; focus on solutions
He says it doesn't matter whether climate change is caused by human activity -- as the vast majority of climate scientists have concluded --
because it's more important for the country to focus on developing solutions, through engineering and entrepreneurship, to curb its effects.
Source: MetroWest Daily News on 2020 Massachusetts Senate race
Oct 22, 2018
Sonia Chang-Diaz:
Next-generation roadmap for climate policy
S.9: An Act creating a next-generation roadmap for Massachusetts climate policy.Summary by WBUR (NPR 90.9-FM) 1/4/2021 : Massachusetts would adopt some of the most aggressive greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets in the country,
dial up thousands of more megawatts of cleaner offshore wind power, encourage natural gas utilities to explore other services they could provide in the future, and put an explicit emphasis on helping the most overburdened communities cope
with the effects of climate change under a compromise climate policy bill.
Legislative Outcome:
Passed Senate 39-1-0 Rollcall #19 on Mar/15/21; State Sen. Sonia Chang-Diaz voted YES; Passed House 145-14-1 on Mar/18/21; Signed by Governor Charlie Baker on Mar/26/21.
Source: WBUR (NPR 90.9-FM) on Massachusetts voting records: S.9
Mar 15, 2021
Steve Grossman:
Allocate 1% of state budget to climate change & clean energy
Grossman called for allocating one percent of the state's budget
to deal with the challenges of climate change and to create jobs in clean energy.
Source: Wicked Local Brookline on 2014 Massachusetts governor's race
Feb 14, 2014
Page last updated: Feb 18, 2023