Today I went to the State House, along with a large group of other people, and met my State Senator and State Representative.
In Massachusetts the State Senate wants Massachusetts to take the lead on improving energy policy to address climate disruption. But all such legislation dies in the House of Representative. The Rep was supportive of his constituents' concerns, but utterly dismissive of the chance of getting any legislation passed. "If it costs the utility companies money, it's not happening." I get the feeling that he introduces, co-sponsors, and votes for pro-climate legislation to humor the people who vote for him, but regard the effort as otherwise futile.
Apparently this is because leaders in the House listen to the utility companies more than they listen to the people of Massachusetts. There is one Rep in particular, from Winthrop. The utility companies have him totally by the ear. He puts progressive energy legislation to death for them.
Have you been to Winthrop? It's right on the beach. The ironic thing is that global warming is going to destroy Winthrop. People who own property in Winthrop should be freaking out about climate change, and asking "is there anything we can do?" But the people of Winthrop do not know, or do not care.
In Massachusetts the State Senate wants Massachusetts to take the lead on improving energy policy to address climate disruption. But all such legislation dies in the House of Representative. The Rep was supportive of his constituents' concerns, but utterly dismissive of the chance of getting any legislation passed. "If it costs the utility companies money, it's not happening." I get the feeling that he introduces, co-sponsors, and votes for pro-climate legislation to humor the people who vote for him, but regard the effort as otherwise futile.
Apparently this is because leaders in the House listen to the utility companies more than they listen to the people of Massachusetts. There is one Rep in particular, from Winthrop. The utility companies have him totally by the ear. He puts progressive energy legislation to death for them.
Have you been to Winthrop? It's right on the beach. The ironic thing is that global warming is going to destroy Winthrop. People who own property in Winthrop should be freaking out about climate change, and asking "is there anything we can do?" But the people of Winthrop do not know, or do not care.