Sleeping out for clean energy

BOSTON--On April 21, the eve of the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, more than 100 students and activists came to "sleep out" in front of the Massachusetts State House in the Boston Common to push state representatives to vote on a bill that would mandate 100 percent clean energy in the state by 2020.

"No less than 100 percent and no more than 350 [parts per million of carbon dioxide]" is the goal of the Leadership Campaign, which organized the sleep-out. The campaign was formed in October 2009 by a group of students headed by Craig Altemose.

Altemose was present in the early morning on April 21 when police demanded that those camping out take down the tents. He and 15 others were given citations for breaking the law (sleeping outside is not permitted after 11 p.m.). Those who were cited spent the rest of the night sleeping peacefully (or as peaceful as possible in downtown Boston) under the stars.

This was the tenth "sleep-out" since the birth of the bill. Activists spoke out at a rally prior to the sleep-out to call attention to the current climate crisis.

Reverend Dr. Jim Antal, president of United Church of Christ, spoke about the church's history in fighting for social justice, including being involved in the abolitionist movement, the Boston Tea Party and alerting the public about toxic waste dumping in low-income communities. He said that there is no reason why Massachusetts can't lead the nation on the issue of clean energy as well.

Some in Massachusetts may be more inclined to pay attention to climate change after having, in some areas, 15 inches of rain in 17 days--causing businesses to close and houses to flood. One of the speakers at the rally stated that she had 24 inches of water in the basement of her Arlington home. That is why she was there to help lead the campaign to reduce carbon emissions that in turn disrupt the environment.

She quoted Susan B. Anthony, stating:

Cautious, careful people always casting about to preserve their reputation or social standards never can bring about reform. Those who are really in earnest are willing to be anything or nothing in the world's estimation, and publicly and privately, in season and out, avow their sympathies with despised ideas and their advocates, and bear the consequences.

The Leadership Campaign will be continuing its political action this summer.