Remember to Vote in the Senate Primary!

The Senate Primary is today, so remember to go vote!

Whoever is elected to serve as the new Massachusetts Senator in January's special election will have the chance to vote on important climate legislation. Since primaries are all-important here in heavily Democratic Massachusetts, the winner of next week's Democratic primary will have a good chance at taking part in the debate over climate legislation. With that in mind, it would be a good idea to go over each of the candidate's positions on climate change and the environment.

Scott Brown (R):

"I support common-sense environment policy that will help to reduce pollution and preserve our precious open spaces. I realize that without action now, future generations will be left to clean up the mess we leave. In order to reduce our dependence on foreign oil, I support reasonable and appropriate development of alternative energy sources such as wind, solar, nuclear, geothermal and improved hydroelectric facilities. I oppose a national cap and trade program because of the higher costs that families and businesses would incur."

Mike Capuano (D):

"Every year that we fail to take action only makes the changes required to stop global warming that much more drastic. Mike is hopeful that this year we will finally see real progress on this serious issue.  The House recently passed a bill to freeze emissions at 17% below 2005 levels by 2020 and slowly reduce them to 83% of 2005 emissions by 2050. He fought to strengthen the bill by:

• Advocating for strong building code provisions so that new homes and commercial buildings are energy efficient,
• Pushing for a strong renewable electricity standard to require that a certain percentage of a power company's portfolio came from renewable sources,
• Calling for more funding to be dedicated to green jobs."

Martha Coakley (D):

"Martha believes America needs a comprehensive approach to lowering our energy costs, meeting our energy needs and protecting our environment. Martha knows we need affordable, sustainable and diverse energy supplies that maximize the use of energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies....In Washington, Martha will continue her commitment to combat global warming by supporting the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009, as well as the more recent Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act that Senator Kerry introduced. These comprehensive bills will make the United States a leader in the fight against global warming. "

Alan Khazei (D):

"Alan's Six-Point Plan:
1. Pass Clean Energy Legislation Now
2. Invest in Renewables
3. Quadruple Clean Energy R&D
4. Close the Commercialization Gap
5. Improve Efficiency
6. End Big Oil Subsidies"

Steve Pagliuca (D):

"We must continue to invest in clean, renewable energy and set an example to the rest of the world. Right now, the US is second only to China in greenhouse gas emissions – this has to change. I am proud of our efforts in Massachusetts to make us a more energy responsible state, and I support Governor Patrick’s programs such as the Green Communities Act....I strongly believe that our continued investment in clean energy technologies will create jobs in Massachusetts, help reduce our reliance on coal and lower our energy costs."

Jack E. Robinson (R):

GOAL: Cleaner & greener environment with lower energy costs. The Environment can’t ruin our Economy, but the Economy shouldn’t ruin the Environment.

Promote renewable and sustainable energy sources like nuclear, wind and solar. Support Cape Wind.

Oppose “Cap-and-Tax” proposals, but support goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 20% by 2020.

Kerry-Boxer Senate “Cap & Tax” Bill needs to be reworked. Add to Kerry-Boxer bill an additional credit mechanism where for every one ton of carbon emissions released into the atmosphere, a polluter must invest in new clean/green projects that will remove four tons of carbon from the air by 2020 (4:1 removal ratio)."

I encourage you to follow the links and learn more about each candidate's plans for helping our environment.

Who do you think has the best plan to combat climate change? Will this affect your vote? Let us know what you think by commenting!