MASSACHUSETTS

The residents and the economy of Massachusetts are facing the burden of high oil prices. Dependence on this and other fossil fuels is also augmenting global warming. The stakes are far too high to ignore climate change. For instance, if we take no action toward solving the climate crisis, Massachusetts alone stands to lose 22,707 jobs. (i)

The heart of our economic woes is our reliance on non-renewable sources of energy. Massachusetts currently relies on fossil fuels for much of its energy. (GRAPH WOULD GO HERE—small and integrated into text) (ii)

But with a new energy plan, we can put people to work fighting global warming.

We have the ability to generate 88% of our energy from renewable sources. (iii) New energy means new jobs for Massachusetts.

Here at home, steps are already being taken to combat global warming. The state agreed to reduce its statewide greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2010, 10% below 1990 levels by 2020, and 75-85% below 2001 levels in the long term. (iv)

This is a great start, but we have to forge ahead with strong leadership if we are to win the battle against climate change.

SOURCES:

i. http://www.bluegreenalliance.org/site/c.enKIITNpEiG/b.3417259/

ii. http://getenergyactive.org/fuel/state.htm

iii. http://www.ucsusa.org/assets/documents/clean_energy/Plugging_In_Renewable_Energy.pdf

iv. http://www.pewclimate.org/what_s_being_done/in_the_states/emissionstargets_map.cfm