| The Global Warming Solutions
Act (GWSA) was passed in July 2008. It’s a landmark bill that made make
Massachusetts a national leader in implementing global-warming solutions
and commit the state to making the pollution reductions that scientists
say are necessary to avoid the worst impacts of global warming. The
passage of the Global Warming Solutions Act capped off a session that
saw the passage of many environmental bills.
The GWSA requires the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 80
percent from 1990 levels by 2050, with a reduction of up to 25 percent
by 2020. Gradual reduction of emissions levels will spur innovation and
entrepreneurship in clean energy technologies across the economy. To
facilitate the innovation and economic development necessary to meet
those mandates, the Green Jobs Act (passed at the same time) support
research-and-development, entrepreneurship, and workforce development in
the clean-energy technology industry of the future.
The law establishes a statewide and regional registry of greenhouse
gas emissions. The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will
determine the baseline emissions level of 1990 and calculate the
expected 2020 emissions levels if no new controls were imposed after
January 1, 2009 (the “business as usual” level). The Secretary of Energy
and Environmental Affairs will set a 2020 emissions limit between 10
percent and 25 percent below 1990 levels and adopt a plan for meeting
that limit by January 1, 2011. The Secretary will also set 2030 and 2040
limits, leading up to the required 80 percent reduction by 2050.
While climate change needs to be addressed by global actions, this
legislation will have far-reaching effects by encouraging other states,
the federal government, and other countries to act. By adopting a
leadership role and investing in the development of innovative
technologies, Massachusetts will also position its economy, technology
centers, financial institutions, and businesses to benefit from national
and international efforts to reduce global warming pollution.
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