Climate change is the most serious environmental challenge facing Boston — and the world — so addressing this danger is our primary environmental focus.  We must reduce energy consumption and replace fossil fuels with renewably generated electricity. Mitigating climate change also produces other environmental benefits, such as improving local air quality, conserving natural resources, and preserving open space. My blueprint presents a comprehensive approach to the local and global issues we face in Boston today. My policies will simultaneously address climate change, reduce air pollution, create jobs, and save money for Bostonians.

Mayor Menino’s administration produced the Boston Climate Action Plan that set greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction goals of 25% by 2020 and 80% by 2050 through an extensive action list.  Recently the Boston Green Ribbon Commission issued its “Memo for Boston’s Next Mayor” on the next steps to implementing the Plan.  I wholeheartedly support these steps.  But while the Plan describes a path to meet the 2020 goal, implementation is the hard part.  And establishing a trajectory to meet the 80% GHG reduction goal will be an even more formidable challenge.  Lastly, while reaching GHG reduction goals is critical for stabilizing climate, Boston must also prepare for sea-level rise, some of which is now inevitable.  Managing this next phase will require dedication and deft management.

I have demonstrated these qualities on environmental issues even before climate change become apparent.  I was Associate Commissioner of the Boston Department of Parks for 13 years, a co-founder of the Boston GreenSpace Alliance, founder of the Friends of Savin Hill Park, founder of the Dorchester Court Work Program that enlisted juvenile offenders to maintain our open spaces, a leader in the passage of the original Bottle Bill and supporter of expanding it, and a member of 350.org.

Top Priority Environmental Initiatives

Reducing Costs Through Lower Energy Use

• Accelerate the trajectory of Renew Boston, whose energy conservation mission is central to achieving the 2020 GHG reduction goal
• Support the recently enacted Building Energy Rating and Disclosure Ordinance
• Require new buildings meet stringent energy standards by reducing the size threshold for LEED certification or compliance with ASHRAE Advanced Energy Design Guides
• Improve efficiency by producing heat and electricity together (cogeneration) in city district heating systems

Expanding Renewable Energy

• Establish a renewable energy requirement for city buildings.  15% now and 30% by 2020
• Promote renewable energy programs at city schools
• Support a growing Renewable Portfolio Standard for utility customers as technology costs decline
• Encourage cost-effective residential solar energy self-generation utility regulations

Improving Mass Transit

• Work with the MBTA to establish 24/7 service
• Ensure Boston residents have the option to use public transit instead of owning a car
• Push for electrifying MBTA bus and commuter rail systems to reduce urban air pollution and greenhouse gases
• Buy more electric municipal vehicles and provide more electric vehicle charging stations
• Give buses and light rail intersection priority, and create dedicated bus lanes in congested corridors and on key routes
• Improve Boston biking by expanding bike paths, lanes, and the Hubway system

Preserving Our Urban Environment

• Incorporate heat island reduction measures in zoning and building regulations
• Support the Grow Boston Greener plan to plant 100,000 trees by 2020
• Expand urban agriculture to provide fresh food, create jobs, and reduce food transportation energy
• Incorporate energy usage and carbon emissions targets in City master planning

Protecting Our Infrastructure

• Identify and begin the long-term preparations for protecting Boston from sea-level rise and catastrophic storms
• Preserve marshland and other low-lying areas as buffer zones for flood protection through the Conservation Commission

Supporting Innovation

• Continue the successful expansion of the Innovation District to maintain Boston as a center of clean technology investment and commercialization
• Formalize collaboration with local universities and research facilities to strengthen those institutions and apply their capabilities for the benefit of Boston’s citizens