Last week I participated in a Climate Action Lobby Day at the State House organized by 350.org. Taking its name from the 350 parts per million of carbon in the atmosphere that is deemed a “safe” level (we are now over 400ppm), 350.org is an international, environmental organization addressing the climate crisis. We gathered in a conference room set aside for our use (coffee, fruit and pastries were a welcome surprise at 10:00 a.m.!) and were addressed by Senator Mark Pacheco, Democrat representing the 1st Bristol and Plymouth district and chair of the Global Warming and Climate Change Committee.
Senator Pacheco told us that what we were trying to achieve that day was the promise of a definite date when the Senate would vote on bold action to address the climate crisis. In January 2019, eighty-one legislators, from both parties had signed a “New Year’s Resolution” to support a variety of climate solutions, including setting a goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. It was now November and time was running out. He was prepared to use a procedural measure to bring a climate bill to the floor if need be, but was hoping that wouldn’t be necessary.
Each of us had a folder with a map of the State House, plus talking points that might help us when we got to our legislators’ offices; in my case that was Senate President Karen Spilka and Representative Jack Lewis. After talking with our legislators or their aides, and leaving with them materials related to the need for bold action on climate now, we went to the Senate Gallery. We might have had to stay there for quite a while, but word came that Senator Pacheco had managed to secure a promise from Senate President Karen Spilka that bold climate action would be voted on by January 31, 2020. Back in the conference room, Senator Pacheco credited our presence in the State House with his success in finally getting the promise of a date. It didn’t seem like much to us, but Senator Pacheco was satisfied that the day’s goal had been achieved.
So we went home earlier than expected, but proud that our participation had helped move things along.
Jenny Allen for the Green Team