An Op-ed by Jeff Ross

[Jeff Ross is a Cambridge resident and human rights attorney. He is running for the Middlesex, Suffolk and Essex seat in the State Senate, which includes parts of North Cambridge. The primary is Sept. 11.]

Massachusetts faces one great challenge and one great opportunity. The challenge: To protect our environment, reduce the threat of global warming while sustaining economic growth. The opportunity is the same as the challenge.

Though some conservatives insist we cannot meet the challenge without destroying the opportunity,

Massachusetts is proving them wrong. We can, however, do better.

Massachusetts is already starting to grow our economy with great paying jobs, and increasing our tax base by encouraging new business in fields such as renewable energy, green building and recycling.

Cambridge is booming with businesses that recognize, value and capitalize on the urgent need for environmentally sound products, services and development.

From Metabolix, Inc., which develops biodegradable plastics, to Tiax LLC, which creates batteries used in hybrid vehicles to the Cambridge Cohousing development, which was featured by the EPA in its study of energy efficient housing.

There are dozens more, all successfully meeting both the challenge and the opportunity.

If elected state senator for the Essex, Middlesex and Suffolk seat recently vacated by Jarrett Barrios, I will continue to promote development in renewable energy and energy conservation, and strongly support business initiatives that take a responsible approach toward our environment.

Such support from the state has already helped create great jobs and position Massachusetts as a leader in these areas.

The challenge and the opportunity, however, still remain. We can and must do more to plan for the future of our state and region.

Our natural wealth of talent should be fostered and supported by the state.

As Senator, I will work hard to foster partnerships with the area’s colleges and universities to develop and grow alternative and efficient energy projects and developments throughout the district.

Cultivating such development will serve the twin goals of protecting our environment while encouraging graduates to remain in the state and significantly growing our tax base.

We in Massachusetts need leaders with a strong vision and a good sense of balance to plan for a truly sustainable future.

We can meet the challenge head-on, we must take advantage of the opportunity, and with your vote on Sept. 11, I would like to do exactly that.