Warheads to Windmills held our second annual May Lobby Day for climate action and nuclear disarmament at the Massachusetts State House on May 20. We were delighted to partner with the Coalition for Responsible Investment, Massachusetts Peace Action, Jewish Voice for Peace Boston, Third Act Massachusetts, and Mothers Out Front Massachusetts.
Taxpayers and pension holders spoke with legislators about the state pension fund’s investments in the fossil fuel and WMD industries that are driving us toward devastation. Lawmakers were moved by the multigenerational voices, from high school students concerned about their survival to grandparents who are pensioners already – and don’t want their money invested in unconscionable industries. In addition to moral and sustainability arguments, we presented evidence of diminishing returns on such investments.
The legislation:Â
An Act Promoting Responsible Investment (H.1264/S.767) requires the state public fund to divest pension funds from companies involved with the manufacturing, production, or sale of weapons of mass destruction (WMD). These include, but are not limited to, nuclear weapons companies who threaten the entire planet and are bound by international and US law to complete disarmament, and the companies providing WMD overseas to the genocide in Palestine. Over $2 billion of the $100 billion MA public fund is currently invested in WMD entities.
An Act to Mandate the Review of Climate Risk in Order to Protect Public Pension Beneficiaries and Taxpayers (H.2811) is focused on divesting the pension fund from fossil fuels and other industries driving the global climate crisis. Like WMD, fossil fuels are both fiscally and ethically irresponsible – and contradict the state’s climate commitments. As the world moves toward sustainable energy, investments in fossil fuels are growing increasingly unstable. As of 2021, over $2.5 billion of the pension fund was invested in fossil fuels industries alone.
At the heart of both of these bills is the desire for Massachusetts to align its investing with its values. Advocates asked representatives to stop investing in unsustainable, destructive industries which are financially unviable in the long term, and instead bring long-term stability and sustainability to the public fund, the state, and its residents.
Advocates gather in a conference room and go over talking points before hearing from bill sponsors and heading off to lobby meetings. Photos by Frances Jeffries | MAPA
Ahead of May 20th, advocates engaged in training sessions hosted by Warheads to Windmills to learn about these two bills. At the State House, we had the opportunity to hear from the House Bill Sponsors, Representatives Sam Montaño (H.1264), Lindsay Sabadosa (H.2811), and Mindy Domb (H.2811) who shared tips on lobbying in the State House.
Five dynamic teams of advocates spread through the statehouse. Nearly 30 meetings with lawmakers and their staff focused on the committees responsible for moving the bills through the legislature. The day closed with an energizing rally on the steps of the statehouse where other activists joined the call to divest from destruction with chants, songs, and speeches.
Lobbyists joined a rally outside the statehouse following their meetings in support of the divestment legislation. Photos by Anduin DeVos and Carrie Kline
This day of action was a great first step but advocacy doesn’t end here! If you haven’t sent a letter to your MA representatives, this is a perfect opportunity to add your voice to our calls for divestment.
Click to send a letter: MA Money out of Fossil Fuels | MA Money out of WMD