State To Address Climate Change
Medford Transcript
4/27/2006
Massachusetts legislators, led by Rep. Jim Marzilli and Rep. Carl Sciortino, are contemplating legislation that would address the problem of global climate change by directing Massachusetts to join eight other northeastern states in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI).
The states have agreed to reduce carbon dioxide emissions 10 percent by 2019 from the region's power plants through a market based cap and trade program. Each state will control the right to emit by setting an emissions cap, but allows companies to trade emissions permits.
The program will address the challenge of climate change while increasing energy efficiency investments and stimulating emerging clean energy technology markets.
Marzilli has filed a strong bill to reduce greenhouse gasses.
"Massachusetts can become a leader in the effort to create a sustainable energy future and strengthen our economy by investing in energy efficiency and renewable resources while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and our dependence on foreign oil," Marzilli said.
He called for auctioning all of the carbon dioxide permits and dedicating the revenue to public benefits. He proposed that 25 percent of the revenue would be dedicated to helping municipal government with their energy needs.
Other funds would be earmarked toward increased support for end-use energy efficiency programs and financial assistance for low income households. The consumer allocation is projected to produce annual regional revenue of between $50 million and $185 million through 2020.
In addition, Marzilli suggested allocating funds from the auction towards job training for fossil fuel sector employees.
Marzilli is expected to participate in plenary panels at the Global Warming International Conference (GW17) this month. He has participated in the last four UN Kyoto climate change negotiations.
Sciortino also supports Massachusetts entry into RGGI, saying, "RGGI gives us a way to reduce climate change gasses and put the burden on the polluters."
Medford residents came to the State House this month to attend a climate change forum.