Climate & Energy - Fifth Middlesex Senate District
Preparing Massachusetts for a Clean Energy Future
Massachusetts has committed to leading the transition to a cleaner, more resilient energy system. The challenge is not only reducing emissions, but ensuring the transition strengthens the economy, creates opportunity, improves affordability, and positions Massachusetts as a leader in the industries that will define the next generation.
At a Glance
Both candidates support continued climate leadership. Lipper-Garabedian points to a legislative record across three terms, including comprehensive climate bills and her role chairing the Emerging Technology Caucus, where she's convened sessions specifically on climate tech. McDonald centers MassSave, citing a proposed $1 billion cut she opposes, and proposes a "Make Polluters Pay" bill to fund a climate resilience superfund.
The Question Candidates Answered: "I support policies that position Massachusetts as a global leader in clean energy, climate innovation, and decarbonization while ensuring the transition strengthens our economy, creates opportunity, and remains equitable."
Kate Lipper-Garabedian: I support this principle
How would you advance this principle if elected? I will continue fighting for a cleaner, greener Massachusetts by advancing state policies for renewable energy, emission reduction, and air and water protections.
As State Representative and the 2025 Keep Massachusetts Beautiful Legislator of the Year, I have been an outspoken supporter of policy that makes MA greener and more sustainable. At the State House, I have supported comprehensive climate legislation in each of my three terms that moves the State forward aggressively on electrification and carbon reduction, recognizing the existential crisis that climate change poses for our world. In my District, I have developed and hosted annual Recycling & Sustainability Days to encourage local climate action, partnering with and elevating civic leaders. I have developed and produced a Community Conversation series that has included two programs on climate action – one demystifying solar energy, heat pumps, and electric vehicles and a more recent one the harmful impacts of the Trump Administration's policy and funding initiatives, focusing on climate efforts. Finally, as House Chair of the Emerging Technology Caucus, I developed a meeting this session on climate tech, facilitating presentations and conversations with MassCEC, MITRE, and SeaAhead.
What would success look like? I will continue this advocacy in the Senate, including advancing clean energy investments, strengthening emissions standards, protecting natural resources, and expanding public transit. Supporting green jobs, climate resilience infrastructure, and equitable policies ensures environmental sustainability while promoting economic growth and healthier communities. I'm proud that my legislative track record has led to the endorsement in the Senate race from Environmental League of MA Action Fund, recognizing my commitment to clean air, clean water, energy affordability, and a bold climate future.
Carey McDonald: I support this principle
How would you advance this principle if elected? Climate action has been a priority for me since I first ran for office. The climate crisis is already affecting our communities, from rising temperatures to worsening storms and more flooding. I've sponsored the creation of Malden Community Electricity, which has saved residents millions of dollars while using more clean energy, and was a leader in creating the city's first Climate Action Plan to lower our emissions and protect our neighborhoods. I'm proud to be endorsed by 350 Mass Action, one of our leading climate activist organizations, and by Clean Water Action.
As a state senator, a top priorities would be protecting Mass Save, While the MA House voted to cut Mass Save by $1 billion, I would protect this program that puts money in our residents' pockets to make their homes more energy efficient. This is essential for meeting the state's climate goals, since so much of our emissions comes from old buildings. Maintaining financial incentives is also essential for developing the green economy, so businesses and tradespeople know what the market will be and can plan for it.
I would also support streaming permitting for local clean energy production like solar panels, and passing the Make Polluters Pay Bill to create a superfund for climate resilience projects.
What would success look like? I'm fully committed to maintaining the states climate and emissions reductions targets, which we can easily measure. We should help communities create interim benchmarks, like we have through Malden's climate action plan, do know where we need to be by 2030, 2035 and 2040 to stay on track.
I also want to make sure we are prioritizing our environmental justice neighborhoods for investment. That includes protecting communities from heat island effects, such as through cooling stations and more home energy conversion to get AC, as well as improved air quality monitoring.
Ryan O'Malley: not available