The solution proposed by the gas companies is "business as usual" Since THE COMMONWEALTH is moving forward with its ambitious mandate to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, it is imperative that we have  real  plan for implementation the real one  solutions. Failure to adopt a concrete plan means, at best, gradual, uncoordinated and ineffective action. At worst, it could mean major disruption and damage to workers and ratepayers. A full 27 percent of the state's emissions come from buildings, mostly from burning gas for heating, cooking and hot water, meaning any plan to significantly reduce emissions must address the construction sector. Climate-damaging emissions are not the only problem caused by the use of gas in buildings. It is unhealthy - when it is burned, harmful pollutants and carcinogens are released into the air inside and outside the home. It's not safe—explosions caused by old, deteriorating gas lines have caused several recent tragedies in Massachusetts and elsewhere. It's getting more expensive—not just in the bills ratepayers now have to pay for expensive gas, but also in the fees we'll have to pay (billions of dollars, I mean) for pipeline replacements that are already scheduled for the distant future. The global consensus is that we must stop using the gas quickly to avert catastrophic warming. But knowing we need to disconnect two million Commonwealth households from gas and figuring out how to do it are radically different beings. (Cynthia Creem, Jennifer Armini, Steven Owens, CommonWealth)