rich 1.0 Action Network https://actionnetwork.org <link href='https://actionnetwork.org/css/style-embed-v3.css' rel='stylesheet' type='text/css' /><script src='https://actionnetwork.org/widgets/v6/letter/strengthen-the-ma-houses-climate-bill?format=js&source=widget'></script><div id='can-letter-area-strengthen-the-ma-houses-climate-bill' style='width: 100%'><!-- this div is the target for our HTML insertion --></div> Progressive Mass https://actionnetwork.org/groups/progressive-mass https://can2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/letters/photos/000/124/506/normal/renewable_energy_graphic.jpg Yesterday, the Massachusetts House of Representatives released their (significantly changed) version of the MA Senate’s Next Generation Climate bill that passed earlier this year. Amendments were due 5 pm, and they are voting this afternoon. If that process sounds bonkers to you, that's because it is. But on to the bill. The main part of the House bill is emissions targets for 2030 and 2040, which require the state to reduce emissions by 50% and 75% below 1990 levels respectively, and a commitment to a statewide zero emission target by 2050. (Note that "net zero" allows for continued fossil fuel extraction. You just need to offset it. It's kind of like buying indulgences.) The bill also contains various provisions to expand renewable energy in an equitable way across the state. But here's what's missing A commitment to 100% renewable energy or changes to the RPS Environmental justice language A commitment than monies raised by a market-based compliance mechanism (e.g., carbon pricing) will be prioritized for communities most in need Deadlines that reflect the urgency of the crisis The House is voting today. Time to contact your reps. The House starts voting this afternoon. Can you contact your state rep in support of the following amendments? Amendment list: 7, 17, 21, 31, 52, 56, 62, 101 You can email them here -- or find their number to call here. Key Amendment List #7 Establishing a Net Zero Stretch Energy Code (Gouveia), which requires the creation of a net-zero building code #17 Clarification of Indirect Emissions (Rogers), which would ensure that gas leaks, landfill emissions, and agricultural emissions get counted in the bill's definition of "indirect emissions" #21 Definition of Non-Carbon Emitting (Ehrlich), which removes landfill methane, anaerobic digester gas, and biomass fuel from the definition of "non-emitting" energy sources #31 Clean Energy Implementation (Decker), which accelerates the annual increase in renewable energy required by the renewable portfolio standard #46 Heating and Transportation Clean Energy Transition (Decker), which sets requirements to reduce emissions in the heating and transportation sectors #52 Environmental Justice (Madaro), which provides critical protections for low-income residents, people of color, and limited English proficient communities and establishes a definition of environmental justice population. #56 Investing in Working & Environmental Justice Communities (Robinson), which ensures that at least 40% of revenue generated from carbon pricing scheme be rebated to low-income households #62 Accelerating Emission Target Deadlines (Sabadosa), which moves up the deadline for the Baker administration to issue 2030 and 2040 targets as well as regulations to achieve net zero by 2050 #101 Rooftop Solar (Lewis), which would require rooftop solar panels to be installed on new residential and commercial buildings https://actionnetwork.org/letters/strengthen-the-ma-houses-climate-bill