Whereas, climate change is an existential threat to the Commonwealth, with impacts that will be felt in every region of the state; and
 
Whereas, communities will be impacted by a future of extreme weather, such as more intense storms, droughts, and heat waves; and
 
Whereas the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has committed to achieving Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050; and
 
Whereas, many cities and towns across the Commonwealth have adopted their own ambitious emissions reductions goals; and
 
Whereas, meeting these emissions reductions goals require dramatically curtailing emissions from buildings and transportation; and
 
Whereas, achieving these emissions reductions will require sustained investment from the state government to support and collaborate with local efforts; and
 
Whereas, to curtail transportation emissions, the Commonwealth’s transportation systems must provide robust, efficient, and affordable public transportation options across the state; and
 
Whereas, effectively reducing transportation emissions requires integrating public transportation options into a multi-modal transportation network that allows residents to safely walk or bike to and from transit hubs; and
 
Whereas, in order to meet the Net Zero goal, future construction of new buildings in Massachusetts must be net-zero or net-zero ready.
 
Now, therefor be it Resolved that the 2023 Massachusetts Democratic Convention calls on the Healey-Driscoll administration and our elected state legislature to pursue the following actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across all regions of the Commonwealth:
 

1. Accelerate the construction of West-East commuter rail through Fair Share Amendment funding for project staff and development of a firm timeline to provide accessible rail service for Western Massachusetts;

2. Increase investment in Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs) to expand service, provide for convenient connections between RTAs, and move towards fare-free transit to make public transit more convenient and accessible;

3. Increase funding for the Chapter 90 program to invest in municipal creation and maintenance of sidewalks, multi-use paths, and bikeways to expand and connect pedestrian and bike infrastructure as part of a carbon neutral multi-modal transportation network;

4. Develop plans to ensure state highways provide adequate access to charging stations to support the needed transition to electric vehicles; and

5. Expand MassSave’s capacity and reach in improving the energy efficiency of existing housing; and

6. Establish a Zero Carbon Building Fund to help fund the costs associated with the renovation of existing buildings or construction of new buildings to achieve high energy efficiency, electrification, and use of on-site renewable energy generating sources, with prioritization of affordable housing or buildings in environmental justice communities; and

7. Modify the policies and funding formulas of the Massachusetts School Building Authority and Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners to prioritize and fund net-zero energy buildings to ensure future public schools and libraries are net-zero or net-zero ready.