Massachusetts and Connecticut Pass Global Warming Bills
This summer both Massachusetts and Connecticut signed bills to reduce their states' global warming pollution. Connecticut's bill calls for 10 percent reductions below 1990 levels by 2020, and 80 percent below 2001 by 2050. Massachusetts's bill calls for a 10 to 25 percent cut in global warming emissions below 1990 levels by 2020 and an 80 percent reduction below 1990 levels by 2050. Thanks to the tireless efforts of citizens, scientists, and a coalition of environmental organizations, Massachusetts and Connecticut join four other states in passing similar legislation on mandatory reductions--California, Hawaii, New Jersey, and Washington.
On June 2 2008, Connecticut Governor Jodi Rell signed the bill that was approved unanimously by the Connecticut State Senate requiring substantial reductions in emissions of global warming pollution in the state. At the end of July 2008, Massachusetts legislators passed and Governor Deval Patrick signed the Global Warming Solutions Act. The bill makes it clear that Massachusetts will be a leader in the clean energy economy, and it will help set the stage for national climate change policy.
Both these bills show the continuing momentum for strong climate action and help lay the groundwork for federal policy.
