Massachusetts Democrats recognize that climate change is real and is already causing disruption and destruction to our property and our lives. The melting of polar ice caps, increased numbers and severity of storms, increased drought and flooding are all changes we cannot ignore. We understand that these changes are a direct result of human activity, primarily greenhouse gas emissions from burning fossil fuels, including coal, oil and natural gas. We understand that the resulting Climate Crisis requires prioritized attention and action on the scale equivalent to a major war. It is urgent that we take immediate action at all levels of government.
- We call on the state party to create the Climate Action working committee called for in the 2013 platform, as a subcommittee of the State Committee no later than one month following adoption of this platform.
- Aggressive repair of gas and oil leaks/spills, to be funded by the industry.
- Neither Democratic candidates nor the Massachusetts Democratic Party take money from the fossil fuel industry.
- A 50% renewable portfolio by 2030 for electricity. All new state vehicles be electric.
- No new fossil fuel infrastructure, ie no new pipelines, including the Kinder Morgan proposed Connecticut Expansion pipeline in the Berkshires through NY, Massachusetts and Connecticut.
- Moving Massachusetts to 100% renewable energy, including electricity, transportation, and the heating of all homes, buildings, and vehicles.
- Passing carbon pricing to reflect the true cost of carbon on our society, the environment, and the world.
- Climate resiliency policies for all government agencies, from state to municipal, to protect public safety, reduce the loss of life, preserve wildlife and all species, and maintain a great quality of life.
- Reducing fossil fuel consumption to the maximum extent possible. This includes rejection of tar sands oil, including the Keystone XL and Northeast pipelines; rejection of fracking; and elimination of coal capacity.
- Disinvesting taxpayer funds from programs and policies that subsidize fossil fuel production.
- Investing in wind, solar, and other renewable energy sources to replace fossil fuels.
- Reducing energy use, by supporting weatherization and insulation of homes and buildings, encouraging zero-emission vehicles, establishing a net-zero energy building code, reducing water and energy consumption, and embracing smart growth development.
- Updating and upgrading infrastructure projects of all types, including transportation systems, with commitments to minimize climate change and its impacts. Upgrading the Massachusetts transportation system to invest in public transportation, including trains, shuttles, and buses, increasing bicycling and walking infrastructure and public ways, and discouraging sprawl development, roads, and highways.