Dear intrepid, hardworking pipeline fighters!
We are so close to something truly historic! Over a week ago, the Senate passed S2400, its version of the energy omnibus bill, setting the stage for conference committee negotiations with the House to send a final bill to the governor. Though the House Bill, H4385, was a solid starting point, the Senate bill significantly improves the House's version in a few key ways:
1. It increases the amount of offshore wind energy that utility companies must purchase from 1200 megawatts to 2000 megawatts.
2. It doubles the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS), the rate at which utility companies MUST increasingly buy from renewable energy sources.
3. It outright BANS the pipeline tax from being used against ratepayers by the Department of Public Utilities in the future.
4. It provides for the decommissioning of the Pilgrim nuclear power plant.
We need these provisions. They are absolutely essential to securing the clean energy future for which we have been fighting for so long. We can't stop now!
The House and Senate have named Senator Ben Downing, Senator Marc Pacheco, Senator Bruce Tarr, Representative Brian Dempsey, Representative Tom Golden and Representative Brad Jones to a conference committee which will negotiate the two bills.
Call your representative and ask them to speak to Speaker DeLeo and the conferees about standing up for these priorities, especially if your representative signed the Kulik letter (see the highlighted column in the attached document below). This was the letter in which nearly 100 state reps said they were against the pipeline and pipeline tax. This is their last chance to push their leadership and stand up for what they believe in.
While our House delegation needs pushing, our Senate leaders also need support to remain strong in negotiations. Call your senator and ask them to speak with Senator Downing about standing firm on the Senate's hard-won priorities.
Please contact legislative leadership to ask them to include these policies in the final bill. If speaking to a House rep, ask them to speak to Speaker Deleo in particular. If talking to a Senator, ask them to speak with Senator Downing.
House Switchboard: (617) 722-2000
Senate Switchboard: (617) 722-1276
Look up your state representative or senator here.
Additional phone extension information can be found here.
As I said, we are so close to something truly historic! But we need every last bit of effort we can muster to win. Now is the time to stand up and make your voice heard. PLEASE MAKE THE TWO CALLS!
I know so many of us are deeply focused on the People over Pipelines March, but please find a few moments to call--the timing is truly critical--and please let me know when you have!
This where the rubber meets the road, folks--the last PUSH WHICH COULD KILL THE PIPELINE!!
Gratefully,
Carolyn
We are so close to something truly historic! Over a week ago, the Senate passed S2400, its version of the energy omnibus bill, setting the stage for conference committee negotiations with the House to send a final bill to the governor. Though the House Bill, H4385, was a solid starting point, the Senate bill significantly improves the House's version in a few key ways:
1. It increases the amount of offshore wind energy that utility companies must purchase from 1200 megawatts to 2000 megawatts.
2. It doubles the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS), the rate at which utility companies MUST increasingly buy from renewable energy sources.
3. It outright BANS the pipeline tax from being used against ratepayers by the Department of Public Utilities in the future.
4. It provides for the decommissioning of the Pilgrim nuclear power plant.
We need these provisions. They are absolutely essential to securing the clean energy future for which we have been fighting for so long. We can't stop now!
The House and Senate have named Senator Ben Downing, Senator Marc Pacheco, Senator Bruce Tarr, Representative Brian Dempsey, Representative Tom Golden and Representative Brad Jones to a conference committee which will negotiate the two bills.
Call your representative and ask them to speak to Speaker DeLeo and the conferees about standing up for these priorities, especially if your representative signed the Kulik letter (see the highlighted column in the attached document below). This was the letter in which nearly 100 state reps said they were against the pipeline and pipeline tax. This is their last chance to push their leadership and stand up for what they believe in.
While our House delegation needs pushing, our Senate leaders also need support to remain strong in negotiations. Call your senator and ask them to speak with Senator Downing about standing firm on the Senate's hard-won priorities.
Please contact legislative leadership to ask them to include these policies in the final bill. If speaking to a House rep, ask them to speak to Speaker Deleo in particular. If talking to a Senator, ask them to speak with Senator Downing.
House Switchboard: (617) 722-2000
Senate Switchboard: (617) 722-1276
Look up your state representative or senator here.
Additional phone extension information can be found here.
As I said, we are so close to something truly historic! But we need every last bit of effort we can muster to win. Now is the time to stand up and make your voice heard. PLEASE MAKE THE TWO CALLS!
I know so many of us are deeply focused on the People over Pipelines March, but please find a few moments to call--the timing is truly critical--and please let me know when you have!
This where the rubber meets the road, folks--the last PUSH WHICH COULD KILL THE PIPELINE!!
Gratefully,
Carolyn
USE THIS CALL SCRIPT:
Dear Representative/Senator:
Thank you for working to advance comprehensive energy legislation, H4377 and S2400. I am calling to ask you to push for a strong final clean energy bill. Here are my priorities regarding the legislation:
1. I oppose the "pipeline tax," and urge you to protect ratepayers and our environment by prohibiting subsidies for new gas pipelines, as the Senate has done.
2. I support procurement of 2000 megawatts of offshore wind. I am pleased both chambers have chosen to support offshore wind, and urge you to go big so we can have economies of scale!
3. I support doubling the Renewable Portfolio Standard to 2%, which will increase the amount of electricity utility companies have to purchase from renewable sources.
4. I support provisions within the House energy bill which would require the repair of all gas leaks during road projects (including "grade 3" or non-hazardous leaks), and support provisions within the Senate energy bill related to collective bargaining for these repairs.
5. I support decommissioning planning and financing for Pilgrim Nuclear Power Plant.
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