AT THIS CRITICAL moment, the Massachusetts Legislature’s failure to pass comprehensive climate legislation and a major economic development bond bill is deeply concerning. It sends a troubling message that urgent climate action can be derailed by inertia and divisive politics, even in states with a history of progressive environmental leadership. This failure undermines our efforts to combat climate change and sends a strong message to presidential candidates that the climate economy can easily be undermined.

Nationally, the upcoming political race will determine the course of our climate future for the next generation. With federal climate policies hanging in the balance and under attack by the Supreme Court, state leadership is crucial. Massachusetts had the opportunity to set an example for other states and the federal government by demonstrating that ambitious climate action is possible and beneficial for the economy and public health. It failed.

The consequences of continued legislative inaction would be dire. They have the potential to set back the development of renewable energy projects by a decade and cause companies willing to invest in Massachusetts to walk away. It will be nearly impossible to meet our 2030 and 2050 emission reduction targets and an equitable net-zero future. Delayed progress on addressing climate will also negatively impact health care, housing, workforce development, and other public policy priorities.

This missed opportunity to pass a consensus climate package that reconciles the differences between the bills passed by the House and Senate is indeed a setback. These bills would improve siting and permitting, accelerate the development of energy storage systems, expedite the adoption of clean energy, modernize our grid infrastructure, increase community engagement, enable the shift to electric transportation, and integrate new heating solutions into our energy delivery systems.

Additionally, efforts to position Massachusetts as a global hub for climate innovation were halted as the climate tech proposal in the Mass Leads Act, Gov. Healey’s economic plan, also failed to emerge from conference committee. These measures enjoy broad support in both the House and Senate and hold the potential to drive forward this burgeoning industry. Continued inaction would have a devastating chilling effect on the state’s climate transition.

On Friday, responding to a call from the governor to get the economic development bill passed, House and Senate leaders announced that they are willing to call a special session of the Legislature to take up the measure.

We must recommit ourselves to moving both initiatives forward with great haste.

The economic potential of these initiatives is enormous. According to an analysis from the UMass Donahue Institute, the proposed climate tech initiative contained in the Mass Leads Act could generate $16.4 billion in economic activity and create 7,000 jobs over the next 10 years. Massachusetts risks falling behind without strategic investments as other states and countries invest billions to attract and grow this sector. Our state has a robust climate tech ecosystem but will lose its competitive edge if we do not invest strategically.

Gov. Healey’s vision for climate tech is about more than just investment. It is about catalyzing growth, promoting entrepreneurship, and positioning Massachusetts as a leader in climate tech innovation.

Massachusetts has a track record of making strategic investments to propel economic activity in key sectors, such as life sciences. This investment will strengthen that legacy. Through the forward-looking work of the Legislature, the administration, Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, advocates, and the clean energy and climate tech industries, we have begun to build a world-leading climate economy hub in the Commonwealth. The Mass Leads Act laid out the investments needed to accelerate that project and firmly establish our leadership status while growing our economy.

Additionally, this year, a historic coalition of stakeholders came together to propose recommendations on essential changes to siting and permitting rules for clean energy projects and infrastructure. We cannot afford to lose momentum on these reforms, new procurement requirements for renewable energy and energy storage systems, and the many other important provisions included in the bills passed by both the House and Senate.

With federal climate action uncertain, state leadership is more critical than ever. Massachusetts has a history of pioneering environmental policies, from the Green Communities Act to the Global Warming Solutions Act. The state must continue this legacy by taking decisive action on the climate economy.

The role of state leadership extends beyond policy implementation. It is about setting an example and inspiring other states to follow suit. By passing comprehensive climate legislation, Massachusetts can demonstrate that ambitious climate goals are achievable, can drive economic growth, and improve public health.

The current inaction on the climate bill and the Mass Leads Act is a setback, but it is not the end of the road. Lawmakers must regroup, reassess, and recommit to passing robust climate legislation in the immediate future. Here are some steps that can be taken.

The Legislature should complete its negotiations and suspend the rules to allow for formal votes on both bills in 2024. This is not normal practice in Massachusetts, but we are living in unprecedented times, and the cost of inaction is too high. Citizens and advocacy groups must continue to pressure lawmakers to prioritize climate action and keep the momentum going.

While state legislation is crucial, local governments can also play a significant role. Cities and towns across Massachusetts can adopt their own climate action plans, setting ambitious goals for reducing emissions and increasing renewable energy use. The private sector also has a critical role in addressing climate change. Businesses must be encouraged to adopt sustainable practices and support climate legislation. Collaboration between the public and private sectors can drive innovation and investment in green technologies.

As we continue on this journey of climate innovation and economic transformation, let us not repeat the mistakes of the past, where systemic barriers and inequalities perpetuated injustice. Let us seize this opportunity to build a future where climate action is synonymous with equity, all communities have a seat at the table, and everyone shares prosperity.

The Legislature’s failure to act before the end of formal sessions this year is a stark reminder that we must redouble our efforts to ensure that climate stewardship and the climate economy stay front and center for all future candidates and leaders.

Joe Curtatone is the president of the Northeast Clean Energy Council.