Issue Position: Environmental Sustainability

Issue Position

Massachusetts must be a national leader in combating climate change and promoting environmental sustainability.

As Selectman, I've worked on local strategies to make Lexington greener and healthier. I've helped the communities I've worked for win "Leading by Example" awards in the environmental arena. I've also shepherded large scale solar projects through the process and made policy decisions guiding energy efficiency choices for a number of municipal buildings as both a staff person and an elected official. Whenever I am faced with a decision regarding energy efficiency, I always choose the most efficient option, even if that means paying more up front.

In the Legislature, I will stand firm on the provisions of the Global Warming Solutions Act and push for better planning to ensure we can meet and exceed our targets. I will strongly advocate for important initiatives including raising the cap on solar net metering, retrofitting State facilities and switching our public vehicle fleet to energy-efficient vehicles. I will look for ways to hold energy companies accountable for plugging their leaking gas pipes to reduce this major source of methane pollution. I will push State agencies to help communities set net-zero energy consumption goals. I will oppose efforts to expand gas pipelines, especially those coming from fracking, or being built through pristine lands. I will promote State efforts to work with local communities to prepare for and adapt to the effects of climate change. Climate must be considered in everything that we do because it is the most pressing struggle we face. Getting it wrong is not an option for our planet and we owe it to our children and grandchildren to lead on this issue.

Source