The Healey administration is holding another dog and pony show that includes bringing nukes back to Massachusetts. To do this the administration wants to repeal an act that requires a referendum that gives the people the right to choose their energy future when it comes to nukes and nuclear waste.
We can do better. Let the Healey administration know, going backward is not an option!
Our legislators need to know that the people of Massachusetts must determine their energy future if nuclear power should return to the state. Our legislators need to hear that the repeal of this Act is controversial and has to be tabled. This is the first step to defeating Healey’s push for nukes.
Subject suggestion: Protect my right to decide my energy future!
(ensure your subject is unique so that emails do not get blocked)
Dear [inset Senator/Representative & their Last Name],
I am writing to urge you to block any repeal of the Acts of 1982, chapter 503, which forbids developing new nuclear power in Massachusetts unless there is first a statewide vote and a permanent repository for high-level radioactive waste. The repeal of the 1982 statute is in section 45 of bill H.4144 and section 80 of bill H.4744, but may also be introduced in other bills in the future. Repealing this citizen initiative that won by about 2/3 majority across the state would be undemocratic, to say the least. Please block any repeal of chapter 503 of the Acts of 1982.
If the governor and legislators believe nuclear power should return to Massachusetts, they should make the case publicly and allow the people to decide. That is what the principle of consent demands. This is an issue to be decided with robust public discourse and voter consent. In order to foster public trust, there must be transparency and inclusivity in determining our clean energy policy. The people of Massachusetts were clear: determining the state’s nuclear future is our right. Please defend our ability to make and uphold democratic decisions!
Best,
[insert your name]
[insert your address to demonstrate you live in their district]
Call to Action Vermont
In Vermont, Gov. Phil Scott, long a proponent of nuclear energy, threw his weight behind a bill Tuesday that could usher in a comeback for nuclear in 2026.
The governor voiced support for ideas included in H.601, a bill introduced by House Minority Leader Rep. Pattie McCoy, R-Poultney, earlier this month. That bill would alter an existing state law—the Renewable Energy Standard—that requires all Vermont utilities to reach 100% renewable energy like solar and wind by 2035. Under the bill, the law would be renamed the Clean Energy Standard and would include zero-emission sources of energy like nuclear power.
In addition, this bill could undo a 2006 law requiring public engagement around new nuclear plants in Vermont. It could also make changes to nuclear waste storage at the state’s former nuclear site, potentially allowing to take waste from other states. It would take away the ability for the state to determine its energy future. How? Until now the Vermont legislature determined whether Vermont would go nuclear. Scott wants to end that by taking away legislators' power to act. This is unacceptable! These legislators represent us.
Tell your legislator that we want the people to choose their energy future. Call or email your Vermont legislator here and ask 5 friends to do the same:
Defend democracy—and tell your legislator that nuclear power is not clean nor green!
Protect MA environmental efforts, oppose Rep. Cusack's energy bill H.4744 and remove section 80!
Please join our letter campaign to tell Rep. Cusack that bill H.4744 is not the answer to the climate crisis. Call your friends and family to the same call of action and wake people up to the danger we’re in. Sign the letter campaign here. Thank you for your help!
CORRECTION—THE BILL DID NOT PASS THE HOUSE!
PLEASE CONTACT YOUR REP AND ASK THEM TO VOTE NO—
IF AND WHEN IT IS BROUGHT!
House Writes its own Energy Bill H4744
Last week, House Rep. Cusack submitted Bill H4744 to replace Healey’s Energy Bill H4144.
H4744, An Act relative to energy affordability, clean power, and economic competitiveness—is now in the hands of the Ways and Means Committee.
Cusack’s justification for H4744 is "fiscal responsibility". While he raises real issues, he wants to take a wrecking ball to MassSave and other important energy saving programs that benefit all families and support lower energy use and cut carbon use. This Bill rollbacks many gains made to address climate disruption, carbon reduction. It also continues to support the resurrection of nuclear power, while undermining the peoples’ voice to choose their energy future under section 80.
We are facing real problems regarding high energy bills and escalating costs of living. But this Bill isn’t the answer. This appears to be an industry backed Bill to keep failing polluting industries alive. This is unacceptable! This legislation must be fought and fought hard. And section 80, just like section 45 of the Healey Bill, must be removed.
This Bill is moving fast! Please contact the Committee and your legislator to tell them that this Bill in its present form is unacceptable and that the renewal of nuclear power is intolerable.
Thank your legislators who oppose this Bill. Call your friends and family to the same call of action and wake people up to the danger we’re in.
Thank you!
Find your legislator here: https://malegislature.gov/Search/FindMyLegislator Find Bill H4744 here. (H4744, Section 80, line 2041, located on page 97 of 108 pages, tersely repeals the Anti-Nuclear Power and Waste Storage Law that we need.)
Oppose Rep. Cusack's Bill, rolling back MA environmental efforts!
Here is a fast and easy link to contact the House Ways and Means committee. There is still time today and tomorrow to affect votes.
Click this link to send a letter to all 60 members of the Ways and Means Committee. You can edit it with your comments.
For more pointers and information about Healey's poison pill, please view this webinar, organized by Massachusetts Peace Action, co-sponsored by the Commonwealth Coalition For Democra
