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January 14, 2021 (BOSTON, MA) – Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has vetoed a far-reaching climate bill that would have put the state on track to slash emissions and protect communities from the climate crisis. Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) released the following statement in response.
“On Earth Day, we cheered as Governor Baker declared net-zero emissions by 2050 an enforceable mandate under the state’s landmark climate law,” said CLF President Bradley Campbell. “With the stroke of his veto pen, the Governor has mocked this commitment he trumpeted just nine months ago. This irresponsible veto – admittedly at the behest of special interest lobbyists – deprives the Commonwealth’s families and businesses of the tools they need to cut emissions in a just and economically beneficial way. The Governor has drastically set us back in reaching our climate goals.”
The legislation included important provisions to determine how environmental justice communities are defined. It also updated the state’s landmark Global Warming Solutions Act, giving leaders a path for how to specifically reduce emissions to meet the ambitious goals laid out for 2050. With the legislative session officially over, there is no time for lawmakers to override the veto.
Legislators have promised to re-introduce the bill this session.
CLF experts are available for further comment.
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