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Beacon Hill Weekly Roundup - 3/6/09
Jack Clarke, Director of Public Policy & Government Relations
Jennifer Ryan, Assistant Director for Legislative Affairs
This Week:
DCR Forestry
The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is undertaking a public engagement "Forest Vision" process to review policies and practices for management of forestlands under its care and control. Mass Audubon has issued a position statement on DCR forestland management issues that should be addressed and resolved through this process. For more information, contact Heidi Ricci at hricci@massaudubon.org.
New Energy Efficiency Initiative
The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center will provide close to $1.9 million in grant funding for the development and implementation of energy efficiency programs, announced Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Ian Bowles last week. Part of a state-wide effort to reduce energy consumption and costs, the Massachusetts Energy Efficiency and Building Science Training Initiative will result in workers learning skills like installation of programmable thermostats, high-efficiency lighting, insulation, and low-flow water devices. It is the Clean Energy Center's goal to award grant money to applicant groups with plans for ongoing training programs within their workforces or organizations. Applications are due by April 24, 2009. Please see the press release for more detailed information.
Legislative Update
For those following legislation, the House of Representatives on Thursday listed by bill number 3,159 individual pieces of legislation. Copies and updates can be found by clicking on the links at the end of The Roundup. Mass Audubon will read and analyze each bill for relevance to protecting the nature of Massachusetts. We will undertake the same analysis of all Senate bills once posted by the Senate Clerk's Office.
Calendar
Mass Audubon's 17th Annual Birders Meeting
Saturday, March 7, 2009
8:30 a.m.-- 4:45 p.m.
Worcester Technical High School, Worcester, MA This annual meeting, sponsored by The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Mass Audubon, will feature presentations on topics including birds and climate change, avian research on wildlife refuges, and invasive plants and birds, as well as vendor tables and reflections by author Kenn Kaufman and Lee Allen Peterson, son of "America's Greatest Naturalist," Roger Tory Peterson. Registration required. For more information, please visit the Birders Meeting website or contact Linda Cocca at 781-259-2150. Joint Committee on Ways and Means 2010 Budget Hearing - Energy and Environment, Transportation Friday, March 13, 2009
10:00 a.m.
Mass College of Pharmacy auditorium, 9th Floor
19 Foster St., Worcester, MA 01608 The Great Marsh Symposium: A Coastal Treasure in our Backyard
Saturday, April 11, 2009
8:30 a.m.-- 2:30 p.m.
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters
6 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport
$15, registration required
To register, please call 978-462-9998, or download a registration form.
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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