Dear friends,
I am writing to ask you to join me in supporting a call for urgent action to address the converging crises of climate change and an unraveling oil-addicted economy. On November 4, the Secure Green Future (SGF) public policy question will appear on the ballot in 11 State Rep. districts across the state. This question provides voters an opportunity to ask our legislators to take the urgent and decisive steps that are needed to secure our future.
The SGF question asks that we set a goal of 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 — just 12 years away. This is clearly a more serious commitment than the 10% minimum reduction called for in current Massachusetts policy. It is consistent with Al Gore’s recent call for completely renewable electricity in 10 years (although SGF involves looking beyond electrical power to better address transportation and food). One way of reaching an 80% goal is described in “Plan B” developed by Lester Brown and the Earth Policy Institute. Plan B involves a widespread mobilization to build a renewable energy grid that would tap wind and solar energy to power plug-in hybrid vehicles. Such ideas need to be put on the table, and SGF will do this.
The SGF question also calls for fundamental changes to our economy — moving forward to embrace a green economy based on conservation, recycling, renewable energy, and sustainable agriculture. The real point of the SGF question is not to prescribe any particular mix of technologies or even to suggest that 80% reduction is a perfect number. Its purpose is to show public support for getting started on serious, transformative action before it is too late.
To show that support for SGF extends beyond the 11 districts on the November ballot, we have launched a statewide SGF petition that can be signed by people anywhere. Please return the form below to let us add your name to our list of endorsers. Also check off the boxes on the form to let us know if you can offer support in any other way.
More information on SGF, including the list of 11 districts, explanatory flyers, and other information can be obtained on our website, http://masschc.org/Secure_Green_Future.php
Many thanks for all you are doing to bring us closer to the secure green future we all deserve!
(signed) ____________________________
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P.S.
Here is the full text of the Secure Green Future ballot Questions:
Shall the representative from this district be instructed to vote in favor of legislation that:
- reduces greenhouse gas emissions in Massachusetts by 80% by 2020, and
- phases out tax incentives for energy-intensive projects, while expanding job creation programs for locally-owned businesses and cooperatives involved in renewable energy, conservation, and sustainable agriculture?
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SGF INDIVIDUAL ENDORSEMENT RESPONSE FORM
Return to: [email protected]
Yes, I endorse the Secure Green Future call for decisive action on climate change and moving toward a green economy.
Name: _______________________ Street Address: _______________________
Town ________________ Zip: __________________
Phone: _______________________ Email: _______________________
Note: If you would be so kind as to provide us with an email address, we will send you our biweekly newsletter to let you know how the SGF campaign is going.
OTHER WAYS TO HELP:
(Answer Y=Yes, N=No, M=Maybe)
___ I will lend my name to the public endorser list on the Secure Green Future website
___ I will participate in local voter education efforts about the Secure Green Future question.
___ I would like to get involved in the statewide Secure Green Future petitioning.
___ I will help spread the word by sharing this appeal to my friends
___ I will seek organizational endorsements from the following organizations:
_____________________________________________________
___ I am happy to do the following tasks to support this ballot question (e.g. research, writing, phone calls, website, or general volunteering):
_______________________________________________________
___ I will write a check to help CSGF publicize the SGF question (see below)
___ Please call me to discuss ideas for how I could get involved.
Return to: [email protected]
If you would like to make a donation, please send a check to our ballot committee:
Committee for a Secure Green Future
9 Lake Boone Drive
Hudson, MA 01749