Skip to content

Politics

Massachusetts sets stringent emissions curb plans

by Paromita Pain 31 Dec 2010
Massachusetts sets stringent emissions curb plans

Recently the state of Massachusetts has announced plans that would cut emissions of greenhouse gases by cars, business establishments and homes by state by 25 percent below 1990 levels over the next decade. This has been greeted with enthusiasm by environmental activists who say that the state has now set targets at the highest levels mandated by the Climate change Legislation passed in 2008. President Obama had promised to push legislation that would reduce the greenhouse gas emissions by the United States.

The plans are also among the most stringent targets decided on by the state. Massachusetts now joins the ranks of New Mexico and California and other states who have taken affirmative action to curb the ravages of climate change. Differing from California in its approach, Massachusetts's plan of action is based on programs that are at already are in place like constructing energy efficient buildings, renewable energy sources and checks in the electricity sector carefully spelled out in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, a multistate agreement. The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) is the first mandatory, market-based effort in the United States to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Incentive programs

California is more dependent on industry based regulations to meet its targets. Introducing the plan the secretary of energy and environmental affairs, Ian A. Bowles, said the measures would increase jobs. The transportation sector has been proved the worst offender in the emission of greenhouse gases. Data revealed say that 33 million metric tons in 2007 came from the transportation sector.

The state will look into starting programs like a sort of a “Pay As You Drive” program giving drivers an incentive to cut back on unnecessary travel by linking car-insurance premiums to miles driven.

To prevent lower-income drivers from suffering costs the Congress has authorized $15 million in federal Transportation Department grants for such programs. Stricter fuel efficiency standards will also help the state. Importing more hydro powered electricity from Quebec, improving home heating tactics and replacing oil furnaces with energy efficient models were some of the other methods suggested to cut back on emissions.


Trending Eco-Friendly Clothing

Love My Planet Women's Relaxed Fit Hoodie
Earth
Quick Add
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Love My Planet Women's Relaxed Fit Hoodie
Love My Planet women's eco-friendly relaxed fit hoodieSize Guide Centimeters 8 10 12 14 16 18 Bust 84 88 92 97 103 108 Waist 66 70 75 80 85 91 Hips 91 95 99 104 109 116 Bust: Measure around the fullest part of...
£38.00
£38.00
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Penguins Hate Push-Ups Men's Pullover Hoodie
Earth
Quick Add
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Penguins Hate Push-Ups Men's Pullover Hoodie
Penguins Hate Push-Ups men's eco-friendly pullover HoodieSize Guide Centimeters XS S M L XL XXL Height 171 175 179 183 189 195 Chest 86 93 99 104 116 129 Waist 71 76 81 89 99 112 Chest: Measure all round your chest just below...
£38.00
£38.00
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Lightning Bolt Kids Long Sleeve T-Shirt
Earth
Quick Add
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Notify me
Lightning Bolt Kids Long Sleeve T-Shirt
Lightning Bolt kids eco-friendly long sleeve t-shirtSize Guide Centimeters 3-4yrs 5-6yrs 7-8yrs 9-10yrs 11-12yrs Height 98 112 125 136 147 Chest 60 66 70 75 84 Chest: Measure all around your chest just below your armpits. Height: Your natural height If you fall between...
£18.00
£18.00
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Notify me
Union Jack Tote Bag
Earth
Quick Add
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Union Jack Tote Bag
Union Jack eco-friendly colour tote bagProduct Specification Organic Cotton Tote Bag. Twill Weave (170gsm). 37 x 42 cm (7cm gusset.) Made in India / Designed on the Isle of Wight. Wash Cool, Hang Dry.
£16.00
£16.00
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Prev Post
Next Post

Eco-Friendly Shop

Women's Clothing

Eco-Friendly Clothing for Women Our online shop offers a wide range of sustainable women’s clothing products, including t-shirts, hoodies, vests, sweaters, shorts, and...
Shop Now

Men's Clothing

Eco-Friendly Clothing for Men Our online shop offers a wide range of sustainable men’s clothing products, including t-shirts, hoodies, vests, sweaters, shorts, and...
Shop Now

Kids Clothing

Eco-Friendly Clothes for Kids Our online shop offers a wide range of sustainable kids clothing products, including t-shirts, hoodies and jumpers. Our garments...
Shop Now
Someone recently bought a
[time] ago, from [location]

Thanks for subscribing!

This email has been registered!

Shop the look

Choose Options

Earth Times
Sign up for exclusive updates, new arrivals & insider only discounts

Recently Viewed

Edit Option
Back In Stock Notification
this is just a warning
Login
Shopping Cart
0 items

Before you leave...

Take 20% off your first order

20% off

Enter the code below at checkout to get 20% off your first order

CODESALE20

Continue Shopping