Call to Action Massachusetts

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.

Sample Email to your MA Legislator:

Find the contact info for your legislators: https://malegislature.gov/Search/FindMyLegislator

Feel free to personalize/edit this email!

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, section 80 of bill H.4744, and section 34 of bill H.5554—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. 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! 

Sincerely,

[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 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:

https://legislature.vermont.gov/people/

Defend democracy—and tell your legislator that
nuclear power is not clean nor green!

Sample Email to your VT Legislator:  

Dear [inset Senator/Representative & their Last Name],

Regarding H.601, please do not support the effort to undermine the Renewable Energy Standard and include nuclear power as clean. We have just spent more than half a billion ratepayer dollars cleaning up the mess at Vermont Yankee and still have fifty eight casks of high-level radioactive waste parked by the Connecticut River with nowhere to go!

Additionally, H.601 includes the Governor’s plan to eliminate the requirement that the General Assembly vote to approve any new nuclear plant siting in Vermont. Our legislators must retain that power!

H.601 would also allow for the storage of nuclear waste from outside of Vermont. No Thanks!

Sincerely,

[insert your name]

[insert your address to demonstrate you live in their district]

 Protect MA environmental efforts, oppose Rep. Cusack's energy bill H.4744
and remove section 80!