Our Agenda for a Net-Zero Commonwealth

The urgency of the climate crisis demands state leadership, and Massachusetts is uniquely positioned to drive thoughtful, scalable solutions. Our Commonwealth has the institutional, intellectual, and financial resources to build a clean energy future that makes our communities healthier and our economy thrive. However, we are not on track to meet our state-mandated climate targets. We need our leaders to take action. This is where the Environmental League of Massachusetts (ELM) steps in with a clear agenda to create our net-zero future.  

ELM employs thoughtful advocacy and strategic partnerships to transform Massachusetts into a thriving, inclusive clean energy economy. Our approach focuses on seizing our state’s greatest opportunities to reduce emissions: catalyzing our clean energy transition, greening our buildings, and electrifying our transportation. We are forming a brighter future by pursuing solutions that will protect our natural resources, create economic opportunities, and advance environmental justice and public health. 

As we build a more vibrant Commonwealth, we are demonstrating to the country and the world that a clean energy future is good for our environment, economy, and communities. 

Our Priorities

Catalyzing the Clean Energy Transition

A successful clean energy transition will lower residents’ bills, provide them with reliable energy, and make their communities healthier. Learn More

Modernizing Transportation

Decrease emissions from transportation by accelerating the transition to electric vehicles. Learn More

Greening our Buildings

Ensure new buildings are constructed to the highest standards and begin to address retrofitting existing buildings. Learn More

Building Our Green Economy

Make Massachusetts become one of the best places to start, staff, and grow ideas, companies, and technologies that address environmental challenges. Learn More

Advancing Environmental Justice & Public Health

Ensure the transition to clean energy is prioritized in communities with poor environmental quality, that have been overburdened by energy infrastructure, and that have been excluded from decision-making and economic opportunity. Learn More

Protecting Natural Resources

Protect our natural land, air, and water, which play a crucial role in reducing emissions, making our communities more resilient, and improving public health. Learn More

The Green Budget

Resource our state environmental agencies so they can carry out their essential and broad responsibilities. Learn More
Catalyzing the Clean Energy Transition
Modernizing Transportation
Greening our Buildings
Building Our Green Economy
Advancing Environmental Justice & Public Health
Protecting Natural Resources
The Green Budget

Our Legislative Priorities

ELM’s top legislative priorities target emissions reduction in the Commonwealth’s most carbon-intensive sectors, support equitable, sustainable growth of our renewable energy economy, and work to protect our health, natural resources, and environmental justice populations.

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Massachusetts Passes Sweeping Climate Legislation!

On November 20, 2024, Governor Maura Healey signed two major pieces of climate legislation into law.

We are proud of our work to help craft these and build support among government officials, corporate leaders, and advocates. Learn more about these new laws. 

Learn more about these new laws

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Key issues

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Corporate council members

Holding Decision Makers Accountable

The pace with which Massachusetts is passing groundbreaking new climate laws is increasing. We must now ensure that these laws are effectively implemented and lead to tangible, measurable results.

ELM not only devotes our energy to passing smart legislation, but also to the next steps in the process, be it regulations, scaling up pilot programs, or securing funding so projects can be realized. We use our platform, expertise, and relationships to promote transparency and monitor whether funding is spent appropriately, deadlines are met, and essential new programs reach their potential and serve all residents. 

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