Listen up, town meeting: Time's up for gas

[[{"fid":"125564","view_mode":"default","fields":{"format":"default","alignment":"","field_cut_line[und][0][value]":"","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":false,"field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":false},"type":"media","field_deltas":{"1":{"format":"default","alignment":"","field_cut_line[und][0][value]":"","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":false,"field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":false}},"link_text":null,"attributes":{"style":"margin: 8px; float: left;","class":"media-element file-default","data-delta":"1"}}]]We're facing a climate crisis globally and feeling it locally. Massachusetts is one of the fastest warming states, so we have to take action now to protect our children's future. Brookline, a community of 60,000 bordering Boston, has committed to reach zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. 

Since more than half of our greenhouse gas emissions come from buildings, decreasing investment in fossil fuel systems and appliances in buildings is a logical first step. 

That's why we filed a warrant article (a resolution added to the agenda for the town meeting) to prohibit new gas piping in new construction and major renovations. It's the easiest and most cost effective time to move toward fossil-fuel free building stock with a goal of “protecting the health, safety and welfare of the inhabitants of the town from fuel leaks and explosions and from air pollution, including that which is causing climate change…” 

Daria Mark works with Mothers Out Front in Brookline, MA.