Massachusetts has led the way in moving toward a coal free future. Once Salem Harbor Station closes in 2014, only two plants will remain that burn coal to generate the Bay State’s electricity: Mt Tom in Holyoke and Brayton Point in Somerset. With projects like Cape Wind and other off shore wind projects moving forward, it is time that Governor Patrick and his administration put forward a plan to retire these last plants and make Massachusetts an example for the rest of the country

The Global Warming Solutions Act was passed in 2009, and although the political landscape has changed since then, the residents of Massachusetts still want the Bay State to be a leader in clean energy and reduction of greenhouse gases. This past weekend, Greenpeace volunteers took advantage of the St Patrick’s Day holiday to ask Patrick to be a Saint by making sure the GWSA is being enforced and we are reducing emissions that contribute to global warming. They took this message to the residents of Boston by educating on the dangers of coal and why we need to join in solidarity with the communities of Salem, Holyoke, and Somerset. With pots of coal and leprechauns, over a hundred people had their photo taken asking the governor to make sure the Global Warming Solutions Act is being enforced and to end coal in Massachusetts by 2020. (See photos and video here!). The response was overwhelmingly positive.

To get involved in the campaign for a coal free commonwealth, please come to the next Greenpeace volunteer meeting.