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Beacon Hill Weekly Roundup - 6/5/09
Jack Clarke, Director of Public Policy & Government Relations
Jennifer Ryan, Assistant Director for Legislative Affairs
This Week:
Global Warming Initiatives
EEA Begins Climate Change Adaptation Process Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Ian Bowles (EEA) appointed a Climate Change Adaptation Advisory Committee to help Massachusetts prepare for the effects of global warming. As required by the Global Warming Solutions Act, the committee will develop adaptation strategies in anticipation of impacts like sea level rise, increased frequency of flooding, and drought. Members hail from a variety of sectors, including transportation, energy, public health, land conservation, and government. The committee will meet several times throughout the year and report their recommendations to the legislature by the end of December. Mass Audubon president Laura Johnson will represent us on the committee Visit the committee website to learn more: http://www.mass.gov/dep/public/committee/ccaac.htm. Mass Audubon Weighs in on Greenhouse Gas Report This week, Mass Audubon submitted comments on the Statewide Greenhouse Gas Emissions Level: 1990 Baseline and 2020 Business As Usual Projection (Baseline Report). We support the goal of reducing the state's emissions and recognize the importance of baseline data as a starting point for environmental action. However, as discussed in a previous Roundup, we strongly recommend that the carbon sequestration value of forests be considered in these baseline figures.
Opportunity for Public Input: Wind Siting
The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and Department of Energy Resources (DOER) will host two public listening sessions focused on the development of wind power on state-owned lands. Leading the meetings will be DCR Commissioner Rick Sullivan, DOER Commissioner Philip Giudice, and state legislators. Members of the public will have the opportunity to submit testimony during these meetings. Meeting schedule: Wednesday, June 17, 2009
6:00 p.m.
Massachusetts Maritime Academy
Admiral's Hall
101 Academy Drive
Bourne, MA Wednesday, June 24, 2009
6:00 p.m
Berkshire Community College
Main campus
K111 Theater
1350 West Street
Pittsfield, MA Please view the press release for more information. You can also reference our previous Action Alert regarding wind siting.
FY2010 Budget Activity
Mass Audubon sent a letter this week to House-Senate budget conferees urging support for amendments that would retain funding for two of our priorities. The amendments, sponsored by Representative Straus and Senator Joyce, would provide $200,000 for the Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP) and $125,000 for the Blue Hills Trailside Museum, respectively. We also hope to see $48,175,400 go to Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) Urban and State Parks, as requested in an amendment filed by Senator Petruccelli.
Ocean Management for the Bay State
Last year, the Massachusetts Ocean Management Act was signed into law by Governor Patrick as a first-in-the-nation effort to manage state ocean waters. Mass Audubon was appointed by the Governor to the 17-member Ocean Advisory Commission to represent the Commonwealth's environmental interests and work with the administration to write the ocean plan.
Calendar
Governor Patrick will hold a second round of community meetings focused on difficult choices facing the state in these challenging economic times. These meetings will take place in communities throughout the state, and will allow the public to provide input and ask questions. See the schedule to find an upcoming meeting near you. The Patrick administration has also recently launched an online forum where members of the public can participate in similar discussions: http://forum.state.ma.us/
Please contact us if you have any questions at: action@massaudubon.org.
About The Beacon Hill Weekly Roundup
The Beacon Hill Weekly Roundup tracks the legislative priorities of Mass Audubon, focusing on the protection of the nature of Massachusetts. We encourage you to forward this newsletter to friends, family, and colleagues and to enlist their support.
If you are not already a member of Mass Audubon's Action Network, we encourage you to join by filling out our online form or by e-mailing us. Membership dues provide vital support for Mass Audubon's advocacy work on Beacon Hill and across the state. If you are not already a Mass Audubon member please join today.
Legislative Tool Kit
Stay In Touch
Senators and Representatives need to hear from their constituents! Contact your legislators and share with them the environmental issues that are important to you.
Find out who represents you in the Senate and House.
Senate and House Sessions Go Live
Consistent with the theme that decision-makers act differently when they know they are being watched, House and Senate sessions are now available on live webcast. Tune in to view live web stream broadcastings of the Senate and House and watch as the Massachusetts legislative process unfolds!
Current Legislation
Access the text of current legislation, bill histories and Massachusetts General Law by visiting one site. We encourage you to visit The General Court's website frequently as it is an important tool for conservation advocates like you!
How to Lobby
Discover effective ways to convey your environmental interests to your Senator or Representative.
View Mass Audubon’s How to Lobby document, and get started now!
How the Law is Made
Learn about the steps a bill takes before becoming law. You can also use our graphic charts to guide you through the life of a bill, from when it is first filed, to when it is signed into law.
 Mass Audubon Advocacy
6 Beacon Street, Suite 1025
Boston, MA 02108
617-523-8448 (phone)
617-523-4183 (fax)
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