Rick Dimino

It should be obvious by now, but the next few weeks will determine the federal government’s approach toward climate change and the overall direction of our country. No matter what happens on Nov. 3, however, the commonwealth needs to act on our own state legislation to combat climate change, boost clean energy and reduce carbon emissions.  

Fortunately, House Speaker Robert DeLeo and Senate President Karen Spilka each passed different versions of meaningful climate actions plans this year. It should be a top priority to produce one strong comprehensive bill that  affirms our identity as climate leaders. 

Updated environmental policies are necessary to establish the guidelines and goals that will impact the commonwealth for the next generation. Once the votes are counted from the 2020 election, work at the state level must continue even with all the other legislative issues still in play.  

Massachusetts legislative leaders agreed to extend their own legislative session this year through the end of December to allow for additional time to complete work on many new policies and legislative priorities. The state government is currently operating under a temporary budget, and the list of items pending is extensive. Major pieces of legislation related to health care, police reform, transportation finance, climate change, economic development and more are seemingly on hold as the commonwealth waits for the results of the presidential election that could determine the likelihood of additional COVID-19 aid from the federal government.  

With a to-do list like this, it is unlikely that the commonwealth can complete its work on all of these issues this year, but legislators should make sure action on climate, energy and of course transportation finance, rise to the top. 

Impacts from climate change are more apparent than ever and continue to knock at our doors. The wildfires raging in the West and hurricanes in the Southeast are vivid examples that justify a national response, but for Massachusetts, this is the time to update our own plans for in this region.  

Both the House and Senate plans include an economy-wide commitment of net-zero emissions by 2050 and establish interim emissions reduction targets of 50 percent by 2030 and 75 percent by 2040.  These plans should be put into law this year and we should not wait until next year to make these goals official.  

Build Codes Can Support Emission Goals 

Now is also a chance to re-imagine policies for state building codes and their impacts on the environment.  

Within the city of Boston alone, buildings account for nearly 70 percent of all carbon emissions, therefore any meaningful climate legislation should include steps to assist the decarbonization of new and existing buildings. Mayor Marty Walsh recently voiced his support of a net zero “stretch” building code and there should be an option for municipalities to opt into a net-zero stretch code as a helpful transitional tool to promote low-carbon buildings. 

An updated net zero stretch code could also begin the conversation on the most effective ways to improve the base building codes. Massachusetts should create a more consistent pathway for promoting low-carbon building construction all across the commonwealth. Deep energy retrofits and decarbonization efforts are necessary for many buildings, but this will require financial assistance from state government if we are realistic in reaching our emission goals. Legislators should consider dedicating a portion of any market-based compliance mechanisms to fund subsidies and support energy incentive programs.  

Finally, climate resilience needs will likely need to be considered in our state building code to address climate-related public safety requirements.  

Election Day Matters 

At the federal level, Election Day should inform Massachusetts about what role the White House and Congress will play in helping combat the threats of climate change in the next few years. Massachusetts needs a willing partner in the federal government, but under any scenario, there are steps we can take this year to meet this generational and existential challenge.  

In the next few weeks we should have a sense of action or inaction on a future federal climate plan and the likelihood of additional financial aid to state governments. The money from last March distributed to states through the CARES Act helped to stabilize state budgets, transit systems and many small businesses. Another federal relief bill is long overdue. Congressional Democrats are calling for another round of financial assistance to state governments, and Massachusetts state budget writers are waiting to hear if and when any funding will arrive. Soon we will have clarity on what to expect from Washington.  

Even in this uncertain time and amid the challenges of a global pandemic, Massachusetts leaders should continue to be bold and ambitious with plans for sustainability, resilience and equitable economic growth. We cannot wait until next year for legislation that supports these efforts. Immediately after election day there will be clarity and the imperative to do our work.

Rick Dimino is CEO of A Better City