Systemic changes needed in incentives for the use of solar energy

The USPack facility, Hi-Gear’s manufacturing facility on Whitney St. in Leominster, is solar-powered thanks to panels on the roof, one of the company’s green efforts to reduce its carbon footprint. (Courtesy of HI-GEAR)

A recent article, “Community Solar Strengthens Energy Ownership,” published by the Boston Herald presented an exciting alternative to “predatory leasing programs” for community solar investment. Climate change (now and in the future) affects each of us, and each of us has the opportunity to take action for a livable future. The climate crisis is not a future inconvenience or a petty partisan issue, and we cannot treat it as such.

This article provided a glimpse into a future where communities can take the initiative to invest in and profit from renewable energy. This type of financial incentives has proven to be the most effective strategy in implementing cleaner solutions at local and national levels.

Carbon Cashback policies also use our current economic systems to drive change by taxing greenhouse gas emissions and returning those revenues to society in the form of dividends to promote energy sources that prioritize our future.

Climate change is an especially critical issue for me as a high school student, and our actions now will determine the fate of the planet for the rest of my life. I invite you to join us in advocating for systemic change and uniting against climate change.

Mia Brillantes

Somerville, MA

Honoring public servants during Public Service Appreciation Week

Please join me in celebrating the invaluable contributions of our nation’s public servants.

Every day, public servants perform critical work that makes our society function. We rely on government officials for our everyday safety through emergency services and crime and terrorism prevention; to ensure that we build and maintain the physical infrastructure that allows us to move from place to place, communicate over long distances, power our homes or drink clean water; educate our children; administering critical social programs such as Social Security and Medicare; and a lot more.

Too often, their work goes unnoticed until something goes wrong. But government officials work every day to provide a stable foundation for all of us to enjoy life and freedom. We should thank them more often – at least once a year.

That’s why, since 1985, the first week of May has been celebrated as Public Service Recognition Week (PSRW). I hope you will join me in expressing your appreciation for those who serve our communities and our country.

Karol Szlimon

Dracut, M.A

The time for secrets is over

As a curtain of secrecy covers the Massachusetts Legislature, citizens remain unaware of how their taxes are spent and how decisions are made. It’s time to shine a light on this opaque institution and demand transparency.

State Auditor Diana DiZoglio’s proposal to audit the Legislature is a key step toward achieving that goal. With over 74,000 signatures already collected on the ballot question, it is clear that citizens are demanding accountability. However, we need an additional 13,000 signatures for the voters’ referendum question to appear on the ballot in the November 2024 elections.

By examining the legislature’s activities, decision-making processes and budget allocation, the audit will identify shortcomings and promote reforms. This is not a partisan issue, but a matter of good governance. An audit will help ensure that our government works for us, not against us.

We urge citizens to continue to show their support by signing the petition and spreading the word. Every signature counts and every vote matters. We also call on the legislator to put aside political opposition and support control. Together we can create a government that is transparent, accountable and responsive to the needs of its citizens.

The time of secrecy is over; time for truth and transparency. Let us unite to demand an audit of the Massachusetts Legislature. Sign the petition, contact your representatives and let your voice be heard. Together we can create a better future for our country and our citizens.

Ronald Beaty

West Barnstable, MA

Bird flu threatens the country’s dairy supplies

The deadly flu virus is no longer just for birds!

The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has just decided that dairy cows must be tested for the deadly bird flu that has already killed millions of chickens in the US. The unprecedented transmission of the H5N1 virus to cows has raised public health concerns because cows are mammals, just like humans.

While the exact cause of the epidemic remains uncertain, the horrific conditions on modern factory farms make egg and dairy production extremely susceptible to disease outbreaks. Sick, crowded, highly stressed animals in contact with contaminated feces and urine provide an ideal breeding ground for viruses.

Indeed, 61% of the 1,415 pathogens known to infect humans come from animals.

These include Asian flu, dengue fever, Ebola, bird flu, HIV, West Nile fever, yellow fever and the recent Covid-19 pandemic.

Each of us can help end animal farming and take care of our own health by replacing animal products with delicious, healthy, cruelty-free and organic plant-based meats, cheeses and ice creams offered by our favorite supermarket. This food does not contain flu viruses or government warning labels. Perhaps these were the favorite foods in the Garden of Eden.

Liam Melson

Lowell, MA