Yesterday, down in DC, before the garbage fire of Trump’s State of the Union address, House Republicans voted -- yet again -- to roll back energy efficiency standards and programs. It’s clear why: they know that energy efficiency means less in profits for the dirty energy CEOs who fund their campaigns.

But then why are Massachusetts House Democrats doing the same?

Yesterday, Massachusetts House Democrats advanced a redrafted version of their formerly corporate-lobbyist-written energy bill.

Although there are some good things in the bill (more on that below), there’s a big poison pill: a $1 BILLION cut to the Mass Save budget.

This would effectively shut down Mass Save in 2027, taking with it the tens of thousands of clean energy jobs that are supported by energy efficiency and electrification work. It would immediately strip Massachusetts families' ability to get the energy efficiency and electric upgrades that can result in healthier, more affordable homes while likely causing enormous cost to restart the program. Let's be clear: when the Legislature cuts that much funding from a program, it's never just temporary.

Meanwhile, gas bills have been increasing 10% each year thanks to continued gas pipeline spending, something the bill does nothing about.

Can you call your state representative today and urge them to stop scapegoating Mass Save while utilities spend billions on fossil fuel infrastructure and lobbying?

Here’s a sample script from our friends at Mass Power Forward:

“Hello, I am your constituent [YOUR NAME] calling from [YOUR ADDRESS]. I am calling about H.5151, the Energy Omnibus Bill. While there are some exciting provisions in the bill that we have advocated for around solar energy and clean heat, as well as curbing toxic biomass, I urge you to oppose the $1 billion cuts to Mass Save. Mass Save is saving us $2.72 for every dollar invested. We need to take on the biggest sources of high utility bills: utility companies spending billions on dirty, expensive fossil fuel infrastructure and millions on lobbying and executive salaries. I will follow up with specific amendment numbers when we have them.”

Calling is more valuable than emailing, but if you only have time to send an email, we’ve got you covered with a template here as well.