In 2008 the League of Women Voters of the United States (LWVUS) designated climate change as a priority issue for action. This is in keeping with the league’s general position of “promoting maximum protection of human health and the environment.”
Through the Green Communities Act, Massachusetts is on its way to a 20 percent reduction in fossil fuel usage by 2020, due in large part to conservation—definitely a model for the country. (Interestingly, 25 percent of Massachusetts electricity comes from 4 plants burning coal from Colombia and Venezuela; energy reduction would also lessen this dependence on foreign fuel.) Research shows buildings account for 40 percent of energy usage and that conservation measures, including stretch energy codes, are among the most effective ways to reduce CO2 emissions.
Given these facts, the LWV of Harvard supports the adoption of the stretch energy code, required if Harvard is to be designated a Green Community. Please attend Special Town Meeting on November 9th and make your voice heard on this important issue.
Maria Kaufmann
League of Women Voters of Harvard
