Mass Audubon's Statement on Failed Passage of Climate Bill

BOSTON—A last-minute attempt by the state legislature to pass a crucial climate bill that would have streamlined the permitting process for clean energy initiatives failed on Wednesday, putting the Commonwealth’s claims as a global leader in climate and clean energy policymaking in question. The proposed energy siting and permitting legislation is too important to wait another two years for a legislative fix, and Mass Audubon is incredibly disappointed in this outcome.

The following statement has been issued in response:

“It’s incredibly disappointing that the legislature failed to pass legislation that would streamline permitting for clean energy projects while reducing their impacts on nature and communities," said Michelle Manion, Mass Audubon's Vice President of Policy and Advocacy.  "After experiencing the hottest year on record, we cannot afford to wait any longer to deliver policies that meet the moment on climate change. The energy siting and permitting legislation represents a consensus of Mass Audubon, the Commission on Energy Infrastructure Siting and Permitting, members of the House and Senate, and the Healey Administration, which is why we call on legislative leadership to find a way to quickly approve energy siting and permitting this month.”