The majority of Americans are alarmed or concerned about climate change. This was evident as climate change became a major issue for voters in the recent election and likely led to the election of President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris
I am part of the population that is deeply concerned about climate change and the effects on the health and vitality of our communities. In the Pioneer Valley, we’re experiencing an increase in the number of summer days above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, an increase in respiratory and vector-borne diseases, and an increase in the frequency and magnitude of droughts and extreme precipitation.
As Massachusetts adopts legislation and policy for transitioning from fossil fuels to clean energy, it is important to adopt mechanisms that level the playing field and financially disincentivize burning fossil fuels, generate revenue to be invested in resiliency, clean energy, and infrastructure projects, and protect low to middle-income communities and businesses from bearing a disproportionate financial burden.
I want to commend Sen. Jo Comerford and Rep.Susannah Whipps for co-sponsoring H.2810. This bill will adopt a carbon fee to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, provide rebates to households and businesses, create green jobs, fund resiliency, green energy, and efficiency projects, and is centered on social justice and protecting and benefiting low to middle-income and rural communities. H.2810 complements the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) and can complement the Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI).
In 2021, it’s important that we engage in rebuilding and enhancing the resiliency of our communities and economy for climate change while centering legislation, policy and actions on social justice and leaving no one behind. I hope that all the Massachusetts legislators will support H.2810 as I believe this bill is an important step toward achieving this goal.
Meagan Sylvia
Wendell