ACTION NETWORK
Climate Action - We advance climate mitigation, adaptation, and resilience strategies to help decrease human impact on the environment and preserve the natural systems critical to life on Earth.
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Action Network is dedicated to advocating and supporting legislation that protects ecosystems, strengthens environmental justice, and advances climate solutions. Through letters, campaigns, and policy engagement, we strive to make advocacy accessible and impactful for all.
Why Advocacy Matters
Advocacy is an essential part of change, where we can put our ideas into fruition and address existing environmental injustices. Education and public outreach are two of the many ways we can take action. By sharing our voices against plastic pollution and the need for sustainable climate solutions, we can build support for our communities and the environment through real legislative change. All we need is your help to continue fighting for justice and help us end plastic pollution today.
Current Legislative Focus:
Climate Change Super Fund Act
MA - H.R.1014 & S.588
This bill establishes a Climate Change Adaptation Superfund in Massachusetts. Companies responsible for over 1 billion tons of emissions during the 1995–2024 period must pay into the fund. Payments are in full or over 24 annual installments based on a statewide climate cost study.
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Shifting Infrastructure Costs to Profiteers: The bill moves the cost of upgrading drainage, elevating sewage plants, and stabilizing shorelines from taxpayers to fossil fuel corporations. Using a strict liability standard, it funds recovery from MA-specific threats like blizzards, floods, and severe storms.
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Mandating Equity for Impacted Communities: At least 40% of funds must benefit environmental justice populations. These are defined by Massachusetts-specific criteria like median income, minority representation, or English proficiency. This ensures support for neighborhoods historically burdened by pollution and climate-driven ecosystem threats.
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Codifying Carbon Attribution and Accountability: Using peer-reviewed methodology, the bill creates a legal framework to hold companies accountable for impacts on Massachusetts agriculture, fisheries, and health. A statewide master plan ensures efficient, equitable funding across all regions, from the coast to the Berkshires.
Current Legislative Focus:
Green Washing Act
MA - H.R.457
This bill seeks to eliminate deceptive environmental claims by prohibiting any person from making misleading representations about a product’s recyclability on packaging or in advertising . It requires companies to maintain verifiable documentation to prove any claims that a consumer good is "biodegradable," "compostable," or "recyclable".
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Mandating Transparency and Verification: Companies using environmental terms or the "chasing arrows" symbol must maintain written attestations that their products are actually recyclable within the Commonwealth . They must also document any significant environmental impacts associated with the product’s production and disposal.
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Enforcing Standardized Labeling: For products made of multiple materials, the bill allows the "chasing arrows" symbol only if it clearly identifies which specific components are recyclable . This action ensures that Massachusetts consumers are not misled by vague symbols on non-recyclable packaging.
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Legal Accountability and Fines: The Attorney General is granted exclusive authority to enforce these standards and may seek injunctive relief against violators . Each violation is subject to a civil fine of up to $1,000 to hold businesses accountable for "greenwashing" practices .
A Starter Guide to Climate Action:
5 Ways to Make Waves
What this means: A strong understanding of climate science and solutions builds credibility and helps you focus on actions that are evidence-based and impactful.
How to do it:
• Read science-based climate research
• Learn how climate change affects your local area
• Understand current policy proposals and solutions
• Stay informed through trusted organizations
1. Education
What this means: Climate change affects people in different ways. Conversations help uncover lived experiences, strengthen trust, and make climate issues feel personal instead of distant.
How to do it:
• Share observations about changes you’ve noticed locally
• Listen to how climate impacts others in your community
• Connect climate topics to health, housing, or cost of living
• Use language that is accessible and easy to understand
• Highlight realistic solutions
2. Communication
What this means: Climate action becomes more effective when it is collective. Organized groups create visibility, accountability, and momentum.
How to do it:
• Join a local sustainability initiative
• Volunteer with environmental organizations
• Attend community events or workshops
• Invite others to participate
• Support or create community-led environmental initiatives that focus on local issues
3. Community
What this means: Change happens when people move together. Collective action multiplies impact and builds momentum.
How to do it:
• Stay informed about local and state legislation
• Contact elected officials
• Attend town halls or submit public comments
• Support climate-focused policy initiatives
4. Policy Change
What this means: Climate solutions require ongoing engagement. Sustained participation builds political will and long-term resilience.
How to do it:
• Track climate initiatives, especially locally
• Continue learning
• Encourage others to remain involved
• Reflect on progress and adjust strategies over time
• Be a part of an environmental group/organization that organizes periodic events