Local Action Can Solve a Global Problem

Human activity dumps six billion tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere every year. To stop global warming, we must stop the dumping. New England is responsible for 150,000,000 tons of carbon dioxide every year. If it were a country, New England would be 27th on the list of international carbon dioxide polluters, just behind the Netherlands and ahead of more than 175 other countries.

Decision-makers in New England can make a big impact on the global problem by attacking greenhouse gas emissions at their local sources. Power plants contribute more than one-third of U.S. carbon dioxide emissions; cars and light trucks contribute another third. To reduce New England's contribution, the region should adopt the following policies:

Clean Electricity

Cap and ratchet down on power plant global warming pollution. Require that electricity suppliers provide 20% of their electricity from clean, renewable power sources like solar and wind by 2020. Increase energy efficiency in each sector by 20% by 2010. Reject nuclear power and its radioactive pollution. Include auctioning in any CO2 Cap and Trade policy - polluters must buy credits not be given them.

Clean Transportation

• Clean up cars and trucks by requiring all vehicles sold in New England to meet the strict California emissions standards.
• Cut down on vehicle use by developing more clean, efficient, accessible and affordable public transportation options.
• Support a long-term plan for controlling sprawl.
• Reduce diesel emissions

Clean Government

• Purchase 20% of state facility electricity from new, clean renewable sources by 2010
• Green the state fleet by requiring that each vehicle is the most efficient available for the intended use.
• Reduce state government's energy use 25% by 2010.