30 September, 2021: Driving to Net Zero – How Massachusetts Can Decarbonize the Transportation Sector
Ceres
Massachusetts’ law requires that the Commonwealth reach net zero emissions no later than 2050. To meet this target, the state must adopt policies to decarbonize each sector of the economy. Massachusetts’ transportation sector emits more greenhouse gases than any other economic sector in the state. Accounting for nearly 40% of annual emissions, urgent action is needed to reduce transportation emissions in the Commonwealth. Furthermore, new research shows that exposure to transportation emissions co-pollutants, especially from medium and heavy duty fleet vehicles, increases the risk of severe illness or death from COVID-19. By electrifying vehicle fleets and adopting air quality policies, the state can reduce emissions while improving public health in overburdened and underserved communities.
In this session, participants will:
– Review how transportation contributes to greenhouse gas emissions in Massachusetts and identify steps needed to decarbonize the sector
– Assess key policy proposals to begin decarbonizing the transportation sector from Members of the House and Senate
– Examine how air quality monitoring targets, and filtration systems can help reduce the burden of transportation emissions on overburdened and underserved communities in the State
Speakers:
– John Carlson, Manager, State Policy, Ceres
– Rep. Joan Meschino, Massachusetts House of Representatives
– Olivia Nichols, Transit Justice Organizer, GreenRoots
– Sofia Owen, Director of Environmental Justice Legal Services & Staff Attorney, Alternatives for Community & Environment
– Staci Rubin, Vice President, Environmental Justice, Conservation Law Foundation (MODERATOR)