Posted on behalf of Katie Chin, New Media Coordinator of Students for a Just and Stable Future
On this historic 40th anniversary of Earth Day, participants in The Leadership Campaign have once again reminded us all of the courage necessary to create the just and stable future called for in 1970. The Leadership Campaign is a Massachusetts coalition of students, community members, and members of the faith community. Together they have introduced legislation demanding that Massachusetts create a plan to reach 100% clean electricity by 2020. Since the introduction of “An Act to Create A Repower Massachusetts Emergency Task Force” on December 7, 2010 the campaign has worked diligently towards gaining support throughout the state for this bold and important bill.
Currently the bill is held up in the House Committee on Rules, headed by Representative John Binienda. Representative Binienda has the power to release the bill. He has claimed that he supports the goal of 100% clean electricity by 2020, but has nonetheless been blocking the bill and thus has prevented it from receiving a fair hearing. Today, the campaign conducted a stand-in direct action.
At eleven o’clock this morning, a group of students walked into Binienda’s office and told his staff that they were not leaving until the Representative explained why he has failed to release the bill, despite claiming to support the bill’s goal. Every fifteen minutes, more students joining those already in his office, escalating the pressure and attracting statehouse media to the scene.
After one round of students was peacefully escorted out the office by security, a second round of students immediately re-entered his office. Eventually, Craig Altemose, Coordinator of The Leadership Campaign, was able to speak with Binienda on the phone. Below is the video of their conversation. Binenda said he would release the bill but did not give a time frame.
At the same time, Jamaica Kelley, the organization’s State Legislative Coordinator, met with Speaker Robert Deleo and his constituents from the First Church of Winthrop. Speaker Deleo is also an important target related to the success of the bill on the House side. In the meeting, the Speaker stated that he wants Massachusetts to be a leader on climate issues. We will find out this afternoon if he’s actually willing to push the bill.
Members of The Leadership Campaign are now meeting to discuss what to do next. Check out our blog for an update on the current status of our bill and the live blog taken during the morning lobby efforts of earth day.
Video: Conversation with Binienda
THIS is what Earth Day is all about. Even if we do have to call it Eaarth Day from now on. Let’s roll.
I was standing behind Craig when he was on the phone with Representative Binienda. I gotta say, he represented the millenial generation incredibly well. Every time Rep. Binienda tried to say “these things take a long time” or “I need to confer with the other representatives”, Craig would bring it back to the urgency of this issue and the fact that it has already been five months since the bill was introduced. It could not have happened without all of the youth, faith leaders, and supporters from all over Massachusetts who were there today. We still have a ways to go to pass this bill, but I am more confident today that it can happen. Don’t back down, people!
Way to go! You asked for such clear and simple action, and powerfully made the case for it, yet his replies were so evasive (though full of rhetorical support for your cause). You guys are showing us what you mean by “the courage to lead!” Keep it up — we need you to!!!
Great job guys! That’s how you do it, keep the pressure on!
Yeah, awesome work, this is what leadership, organizing and direct action are all about. Don’t back down.
Very inspiring. I wonder why it has taken a link from twitter to get this news to me? Was there any press there? I want to get involved.
Patrick,
Are you in Massachusetts? We did get some coverage from the Boston Globe, the Worcester Telegram & Gazette, and Unvision (and coverage of other parts of our Earth Day events from Fox 25, New England Cable News, and the Metro).
Craig,
Yes, I live in Northbridge. I usually only get my local news from the NPR stations and an occasional newspaper but we don’t get one delivered to the house. So if it wasn’t covered on NPR then that explains why I only found out about it off my twitter feed.
I am serious though, I found the story very inspiring, and actually gave me a bit of hope. I would like to get involved.