Environmental League of Massachusetts

ELM’s Mission: The Environmental League of Massachusetts is dedicated to protecting the health of our environment and citizenry by safeguarding the land, water and air of our Commonwealth. ELM is focused on environmental advocacy and strengthening the voice and effectiveness of the environmental community. ELM advocates for strong environmental laws and regulations on the broad range of environmental issues, voices the concerns of citizens, ensures that laws are properly implemented and enforced, and educates the public.

President’s Message: from George Bachrach

Waxman-Markey Bill: Too Close to Call

Thirty-three years ago, in 1976, I served as campaign manager for a young Mass. State Representative running as a dark-horse candidate for the US Congress. Remarkably he won, and I served as his first Administrative Assistant. His name is Ed Markey.

This week, on Friday, the US House of Representative is scheduled to debate and vote on the Waxman-Markey bill, historic legislation to control climate change. The American Clean Energy and Security Act (HR. 2454) is critically important. For the first time in our history, we will place a value and impose a cost on carbon emissions that endanger our planet. For the first time we will set clear goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 17% below 2005 levels by 2020 and 85% by 2050. And the revenue from the "cap and trade" regulatory system will be used for energy efficiency, wildlife adaptation and the jobs and technology that come with developing alternative and renewable energy sources.

Ed Markey called the other day to share his sense of excitement and concern for the legislation. Passage is not assured. Provincial and special interests representing regions addicted to fossil fuels or outdated industrial production will resist. Even agricultural interests are wavering as they demand that investments in open space be regulated by the US Dept. of Agriculture and not the US. EPA. According to Markey, even the most optimistic estimates suggest a very close vote.

HR.2454 is not a perfect bill. Some in the business community are violently opposed to what they believe is simply a ‘tax’. Some in the environmental community would prefer fewer free allowances and greater costs imposed on emissions. And others would prefer greater investment in adaptation or efficiency or jobs. Democracy is a messy business, often requiring compromises that stretch our belief systems.

But all of us must recognize the herculean task of marshalling sufficient support and votes to pass this precedent-setting national legislation. We respect the compromise. We are hopeful Members of the US Congress will put parochial interests aside and rise to meet this national and international challenge. Friday is only the beginning. Hopefully, debate leads to a successful House vote. Then on to an uncertain future in the US Senate and, if successful, a Conference Committee leading to final passage.

We commend Congressman Markey for his leadership and determination steering this critical legislation to the brink of passage. We urge you to contact your friends across the country and urge them to contact their Congressman in support of the American Clean Energy and Security Act (HR. 2454).

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