The Global Warming Solutions Act, filed by Senator Marc Pacheco, D-Taunton, would commit the commonwealth to reduce global warming pollution 20 percent by 2020, and 80 percent by 2050, the levels that scientists agree are necessary to avoid the worst consequences of global warming. Students across the state today are calling on the Senate to pass a bill which contains these science based targets, making the Commonwealth a leader on the issue.

“This is an historical opportunity to make Massachusetts a leader on the defining issue of our generation” said Andrea LeClair, a senior at Westfield State College who is a resident of Boxford and alumni of Masconomet Regional High School class of 2003. “Our future is at stake, and we must rise to the challenge – the first step is committing to reduce our state’s global warming pollution 20% by 2020. We have to get on the right track, right away!”

Saffron Zomer, program director for MASSPIRG Student, says that the targets are crucial. “The task ahead is huge. But if we commit to the right goals, we’ll know that we’re heading in the right direction.” Shorter term goals, like 2020, are especially important according to Zomer, because they ensure that the state will turn its emissions trajectory around quickly.