Waltham, MA – Leading Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Kennealy condemned Beacon Hill leaders after a bill to remove the 2030 climate mandate was blocked this week following intense pressure from green-energy special interests. The proposal – changing the mandate to an advisory goal – would have been a meaningful step toward affordability and saved taxpayers millions. Instead, it was quietly derailed behind closed doors.

Kennealy criticized Democratic leadership for siding with insiders over struggling Massachusetts families:

“This is a textbook example of Democratic leaders governing for special interests instead of the people they represent. We’re heading into a winter where families will be crushed by skyrocketing utility bills – driven directly by the net-zero policies Maura Healey has championed. These net-zero mandates empower bureaucrats to prioritize political ideology over affordability.”

Kennealy noted that the bill had broad, bipartisan interest before being dismantled by the green-energy lobby.

“What could have been a major win for ratepayers turned into yet another Beacon Hill backroom deal. Governor Healey stayed silent while activists railroaded a bill that would have helped families heading into the coldest months of the year. That silence speaks volumes. Beacon Hill is responding to climate activists – not the needs of taxpayers.”

Kennealy reaffirmed that real reform will require decisive leadership.

“There is a clear appetite in the Legislature to revisit these mandates. A governor who actually puts affordability first would seize that opportunity, build a coalition inside and outside the State House, and get it done. That’s exactly what I would have done, and what I will do as governor.”

With Beacon Hill stalled, Kennealy pledged to take immediate action upon taking office.

He vowed to file legislation to roll back burdensome mandates, increase energy supply, and lower costs for consumers – delivering the affordability Beacon Hill refuses to prioritize.

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