All five constituents at the recent Mass Power Forward Lobby Day meeting with Rep. Ken Gordon were members of the Bedford chapter of Mothers Out Front on March 20. We each shared our stories about the importance of just and equitable solutions to climate change and then took turns presenting the bills prioritized by Mass Power Forward for this current session.
Mothers Out Front is one of over 200 members of the coalition that centers on environmental justice in their work and advocacy. The six bills identified as priorities for this legislative session focus on environmental justice, housing, and climate justice, and 100% renewable energy for all of Massachusetts. Key partners in developing this list were the Environmental Justice Table, Homes for all Mass, and the Mass Renews Alliance (part of a national Green New Deal movement).
Rep. Gordon is a strong supporter of peoples’ rights and meaningful climate action, including the recently passed Next Generation Roadmap climate bill. We thanked him for that and for co-sponsoring the 100% Clean Act (HD3551), one of the six priority bills. We introduced the other bills and he pledged to read them and make an informed decision on co-sponsorship.
Rep. Gordon has consistently filed bills to protect ratepayers from paying for the costs of gas pipeline expansions (HD334). This session he has also filed a bill to severely limit the use of chlorpyrifos in the state (HD1886). These issues, of protecting the health of our citizens and restricting the expansion of fossil fuels in the commonwealth, resonate with the core mission of Mothers Out Front to work for a swift, complete, and just transition away from fossil fuels to clean and sustainable energy sources.
The Bedford chapter of Mothers Out Front looks forward to working with Rep. Ken Gordon to pass legislation that will protect our children’s health and preserve the climate for their future. Thank you, Rep. Gordon!
