As the new home of MASSPIRG's environmental work, Environment Massachusetts can be contacted regarding this news release.
Advocates to Testify at Public Hearing
BOSTON
–The Massachusetts’ Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is
leading the way for New England to adopt the toughest tailpipe
emissions standards in the country. The DEP will hear public comments
on October 17th on their proposed Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHG)
standards. The GHG standards are the first tailpipe emissions standards
to tackle carbon dioxide emissions, which are the leading cause of
global warming.
“Massachusetts
produces more than our fair share of carbon dioxide, and emissions are
on the rise. Massachusetts’ transportation sector emissions of carbon
dioxide jumped by 9 percent between 1990 and 2001,” said Brooke
McConnell, Transportation Advocate for the Massachusetts Public
Interest Research Group (MASSPIRG). “The Greenhouse Gas Emissions
standards will help Massachusetts address the threat of global warming,
enhance our oil security, and protect our public health,” said
McConnell.
Scientists
estimate that high levels of carbon dioxide in the air could cause the
average temperature in Massachusetts to increase by 4 to 10 degrees
Fahrenheit over the next century. This could result in massive
flooding, air pollution, and further public health problems. “It is
critical that Massachusetts issue a strong rule in order to meet the
commitments the Commonwealth has set in its Climate Protection Plan,”
said Brian Thurber, Clean Water Action Energy Coordinator. “The 2010
timeline for meeting the first benchmark in the Plan is fast
approaching, and we won’t be on track to make the necessary reductions
without this key ingredient.”
“These
new standards will reduce global warming pollution, help protect public
health and benefit consumers at the gas pump. Given the lack of federal
action, we commend Massachusetts and the other New England states for
moving forward with this win-win solution,” said Seth Kaplan of the
Conservation Law Foundation.
“Massachusetts
has traditionally been a national leader in bringing cleaner cars to
the roads and we are hopeful that the DEP will continue to lead that
charge by adopting these crucial tailpipe standards,” said McConnell.
