“Live Free or Die,” yet in the case of the climate crisis and the governor’s inaction, it may eventually read “accept reasonable climate change legislation or die.” In 2019, the governor vetoed three climate control bills: 167, 275 and 365. Each one was designed to encourage greater statewide and individual actions to combat this crisis. Let’s lead and not follow on non-fossil fuel energy alternatives.
The governor, in a 2017 interview, stated: “Is carbon the leading reason why the Earth has warmed up pretty much continuously over the last 150 years? . . . It could be.” Governor, the science is “in” and your “measured (moderate) approach” is a code word for inaction in a time of crisis.
Imagine a state where solar energy not only provides clean energy but also an economic stream for the state – net metering. Yet, despite bipartisan support, the governor vetoed SB 365, which would enable schools and hospitals to install energy-saving solar panels.
Imagine a governor stating that a 20-year deadline at a cost of $28 million (the annual budget exceeds $6 billion) is too fast and too costly to create zero emissions for our state vehicle fleet.
Imagine a governor stating that joining a multi-state initiative, the Clean Energy Resources Procurement Commission, is too radical. We need a full-time commission and not a part-time Legislature to tackle this crisis.
Imagine if the governor was the moderate he claims to be.
BRUCE BERK
Pittsfield