August 19, 2020 — When I endorsed Senator Ed Markey for re-election in August of 2019, I did so mainly because of one reason: his record on climate issues. Today, that list of reasons has grown exponentially as Ed has proven himself a true leader for the SouthCoast.
Since the Reagan administration, Ed has led the effort to bring meaningful policy change to mitigate the effects of our warming planet. His work as a young congressman resulted in reduced greenhouse gas emissions nationwide, directly benefiting middle-class and low-income communities. When President George W. Bush refused to take climate change seriously, it was Ed who pressed the administration to take action. The Speaker of the House at the time referred to Ed’s knowledge on climate policy as “dazzling” and his work resulted in better fuel-economy standards and more electric vehicles.
As the Senate co-sponsor of the Green New Deal, Ed understands that we have a unique opportunity to kick-start an entirely new labor market here in Massachusetts. Ed’s vision sees a renewable energy industry that “creates high-quality union jobs that pay prevailing wages, hires local workers, offers training and advancement opportunities, and guarantees wage and benefit parity for workers affected by the transition.” The SouthCoast is the center hub for renewable energy jobs, more than any other part of the Commonwealth, and Ed’s continued leadership in the Senate will allow us to fully realize that.