State Rep Jennifer Benson on carbon pricing

While President Trump wants to increase fossil fuel production, over 30 states, two-dozen cities, and half the Fortune 500 companies already have plans to slash emissions and switch to renewable energy. Many states are sure to follow, and the Northeastern states are looking to Massachusetts to be the leader.

State Representative Jennifer Benson’s carbon pricing bill, An Act to Promote Green Infrastructure, Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions, and Create Jobs, (H.1726), would put a fair price on carbon dioxide emissions by establishing a fee and rebate system on carbon to reduce the use of fossil fuels by encouraging energy efficiency and the use of clean energy sources.

The Act aims to preserve our environment and strengthen our economy. It would promote green infrastructure, create jobs, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the Commonwealth’s carbon footprint, which would help the state meet emission mandates set by the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2008, committing our State to emissions reductions of 25% by 2020.

In this presentation, Representative Benson will explain her thoughtful approach to drafting this comprehensive piece of legislation; how it would reinvest funds back into transportation, resiliency, and clean energy projects; and, how it would offer protections to low-and moderate-income households. She will also tell us what we can do to promote clean energy and a strong economy in Massachusetts.