Boston, MA—A regional Report Card released today by a coalition of environmental advocates in the United States and Canada gives Massachusetts a B- for its actions to reduce global warming pollution. The state received a C+ in 2005 and a C- in 2006. This year’s improvement can largely be attributed to the Patrick administration’s determination to make clean energy a top priority as well as the collaborative efforts of legislative leadership on comprehensive energy legislation. However, the state is still not on track to meet the targets in the regional agreement signed in 2001and more must be done.

“Since taking office a little less than a year ago, the Patrick Administration has taken real steps to put Massachusetts back on track to meet science-based global warming pollution reduction targets,” said Katy Krottinger, Clean Energy Coordinator for Clean Water Action and report author. “The next challenge will be economy-wide limits to get us on a climate leadership track, like other coastal states-Hawaii, New Jersey, California and Florida.

In June of this year, all of the New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers recommitted to the 2001 regional climate agreement (http://www.negc.org/documents/NEG-ECP%20CCAP.PDF). The agreement outlines global warming policies that the states and provinces should be implementing and commits the region to the following goals:
Reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2010
Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 10% below 1990 levels by 2020.
Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 75-85% in the long-term

The Report Card not only gauges how well the states and provinces are implementing global warming policies but also whether or not they are on track to meet the 2010 pollution reduction target. Massachusetts is leading the region with a C pollution reduction grade. According to emissions data, Massachusetts had roughly the same amount of greenhouse gas emissions in 2004 as in 1990. This is not indicative of sound climate policy but rather the undesirable exodus of people and business from the Commonwealth. If Massachusetts is to stabilize and then decrease its amount of carbon dioxide pollution, stronger and more comprehensive legislation must be passed.

Signing onto the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) was one of Governor Patrick’s first acts as governor. Since then, Massachusetts was the first state in New England to announce that 100% of its RGGI pollution permits would be auctioned off in a “polluter pays” type program. The administration also made a public commitment to meet all new electricity needs with efficiency within the next three years.

While steps have been taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, there is no comprehensive, state-wide policy that caps emissions and sets science-based reduction targets. An economy-wide cap with short, medium, and long term emission reduction targets is vital to avoiding the worst impacts of global warming.

"The report of the Northeast Climate Impacts Assessment, released in July of this year, paints a sobering picture of what's at risk here in Massachusetts if global warming remains unchecked" said Ned Raynolds, Northeast Climate Policy Coordinator for the Union of Concerned Scientists.  "By late this century, for instance, summers in Massachusetts could resemble summers today in South Carolina." 

"The Global Warming Solutions Act would implement into statute a significant reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and would make Massachusetts a national and international leader in developing bold, innovative solutions to the negative effects we are beginning to face from global warming," said Senator Marc R. Pacheco (D-Taunton), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Global Warming and Climate Change. "Recently, the Global Warming Solutions Act was reported favorably from the Joint Committee on the Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture and it is my hope that Massachusetts continues to make strides, focusing on renewable energy, spurring job creation in the new "green" economy, and protecting our precious natural resources, to benefit the citizens of the Commonwealth."

Energy efficiency is the most cost-effective way to make reductions in global warming pollution. Massachusetts must expand current electricity efficiency programs to capture all cost-effective efficiency, create mandatory efficiency programs for home heating fuels-oil and natural gas, update efficiency incentives for utilities, and expand incentives for green buildings.

“We are excited that Speaker DiMasi prioritized our energy crisis and passed a strong energy bill out of the house,” said Ben Wright, Global Warming Advocate with Environment Massachusetts, “The efficiency programs and renewable energy goals outlined in the Speaker’s bill have the potential to reduce global warming pollution and save consumers money.”

The transportation sector is the largest and fastest growing emitter of greenhouse gases. The state needs to implement policies to make cars less polluting – like programs that give rebates for cleaner cars – and policies to reduce how much we drive. The state transit system must be extended and better funded to make it more accessible and dependable.
”We can and must do more to give people the opportunity to drive less by expanding public transportation and implementing other solutions that reduce the growing amount of greenhouse gas pollution from cars and trucks,” said Sue Reid, director of the Conservation Law Foundation’s Massachusetts Clean Energy and Climate Change Initiative.

“One area where there is great room for improvement is where and how we develop,” said Nancy Goodman, Vice President of Policy for Environmental League of Massachusetts.  “Locating jobs and housing in proximity to each other and making our communities walkable can have a significant impact on how much we drive.  Any gains we have made in vehicle fuel efficiency and emissions technology are being negated because every year we are driving more.”     

Massachusetts’ policy grade of a B- ties it with Connecticut and Maine for first place out of the six New England states and gives it a four-way tie for third place out of the eleven states and provinces. Quebec, with a B+, has the best grade in the region.