Recent Developments In MA Environmental Policy + 2 Service Opportunities For ELS

I apologize for the long post but I wanted to include everything so people can scroll through to see if there is a policy, legislation or funding issue that interests them personally. At the bottom of this bulletin are links to two environmental community service opportunities I thought might interest people.

From the Mass Audubon Advocacy Group:

A Season of Success!

This has been one the most successful years for energy and the environment on Beacon Hill, brought about by a new administration, a new focus for the legislature, and changing public attitudes about energy and the environment. It’s a new landscape for energy and environment, with major energy legislation including net-metering and incentives for renewable development, ocean management, caps on emissions, significant investments in land protection and new funding for the state’s ailing park system, and restoration of funding for endangered species protection. There was a distinct focus on energy, whose traditional, fossil fuel based production is the greatest threat to the environment. The new incentives for renewable energy production may both better protect the environment through emissions and source-point pollution reduction, as well as spur on Massachusetts’ sleepy economy.

POLICY

Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative In one of his first acts in office, Governor Patrick signed RGGI, joining other northeast states in their commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and making Massachusetts first in the nation with the auction of greenhouse gas emission allowances. The auction begins September 25th. Although cap and trade programs alone are not the answer to global warming, RGGI will spur reduction of emissions through encouragement of renewable energy and in improved technologies.

No-Net Loss of Open Space A Mass Audubon priority. The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs have been effective in their review of Article 97 land taking bills, requiring mitigation when appropriate. Looking to the future, Mass Audubon will continue to advocate for codification of the EEA policy, the Public Lands Protection Act, which did not pass this session.

LEGISLATION

The Environmental Bond A Mass Audubon priority. At over $1.5 billion, this is the largest investment in environmental programs ever, with $50 million per year set aside for land protection, funding for enforcement, endangered species protection, planning for climate change, and a state income tax credit for land protection. The Governor has until Sunday to sign the Bond. Thank you to those who have called the Governor’s office asking him to sign the Bond with the tax credit included, his office has been flooded with calls! Look for a complete analysis in the next Roundup.

Ocean Management Act A Mass Audubon priority. Passage of this Act provides for the development of a first in the nation comprehensive ocean management plan protecting sensitive marine life and habitats, promoting renewable energy and guiding responsible use. The draft plan will be available for public comment next summer. See the Mass Ocean Coalition website for full coverage and updates.

The Green Communities Act A priority for the Speaker of the House and the administration, this Act overhauls the Commonwealth’s energy policy, encouraging renewable energy development and investment in conservation and efficiency. Mass Audubon worked on language to encourage responsible siting of renewable energy facilities, including hydroelectric.

Global Warming Solutions Act In a thrilling, down to the wire victory, this passed in the last hours of the legislative session with the House standing in applause. The Act sets state limits on greenhouse gas emissions, 25% by 2020 and 80% by 2050, making Massachusetts a national leader in climate change policy. Mass Audubon successfully worked to include a climate change and adaptation commission, finding ways to help nature cope with climate change. The Governor has until Sunday to sign Global Warming into law.

Green Jobs Creates a Clean Energy Technology Center, supporting research, development, and job training. The Governor has until Sunday to Green Jobs into law.

Biofuels Exempts advanced (cellulosic), non-food based biofuels from state gas taxes.

Phosphorous Act Bans phosphorous from dishwasher detergent, protecting rivers, streams, and wetlands from nutrient loading and degradation.

STATE FUNDING

Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program A Mass Audubon priority. The Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program's mission is to protect the rare species of Massachusetts, their habitats, and the full range of natural community types to conserve the biodiversity of the Commonwealth. After five years of neglect, state funding was restored this year!

Riverways Program A Mass Audubon priority. Funded at Mass Audubon recommended levels of $50,000 more than requested by the administration, this program protects Massachusetts rivers and streams

Resource Management Plans A Mass Audubon priority. The legislature overrode the Governor’s veto of $100,000 for Department of Conservation and Recreation Resource Management Plans.

What remains to be seen is the impact of expedited permit review, siting of renewable energy facilities, criteria and standards for environmental impact review of wind turbines, and development of a biofuels industry that does not encourage destructive forestry practices. As the administration moves towards implementation of the many environmental successes of this session, we will continue to be engaged.

Service Opportunties:

Be The Change 2008

http://sites.google.com/site/bethechangeboston2008/Home

GreenBuild Conference- 11/19-11/21

http://www.greenbuildexpo.org/