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Beacon Hill Weekly Roundup - 12/18/09
Jack Clarke, Director of Public Policy & Government Relations
Jennifer Ryan, Assistant Director for Legislative Affairs
This Week:
Mass Audubon’s Position on Biomass
Mass Audubon has released its position statement on biomass. We oppose the permitting, construction, and operation of electric generation woody biomass facilities until 1. state forestry regulations are revised and 2. federal and state renewable energy regulations and tax credit programs are modified so that biomass facilities only receive financial incentives to the extent a facility produces more energy per unit of carbon emitted than the average fossil fuel plant. Mass Audubon also calls for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to establish a no net loss of forests policy. View the full position statement for more information
Recent Advocacy Activity
This week Mass Audubon testified on An Act to Protect the Natural Resources of the Commonwealth (H. 3438, S. 396), also known as the Public Lands Preservation Act (PLPA). This bill, a Mass Audubon legislative priority, would require an alternatives analysis before converting parks, forests or other public conservation land to other uses, and would also require suitable replacement land (resulting in "no net loss" of protected land). During a busy week for environmental bills, Mass Audubon also testified on legislation regarding mosquito control (H. 721, H.722, H.805, S. 426, H.704) and diversion of water from the Taunton River by the City of Brockton (H. 703). For more information, view our complete testimony: Mosquito Control (H. 721, 722, 805) Mosquito Control (S. 426, H. 704) Brockton Water Brockton Water Fact Sheet PLPA PLPA fact sheet A Win for the Community Preservation Act A key bill (S.90) that would help cities and towns make the most of Community Preservation Act funds has just cleared a major hurdle, after the joint legislative committee reviewing the bill recommended that it be approved by the Legislature. As a founding member of the Community Preservation Coalition, (www.communitypreservation.org), Mass Audubon testified in support of the bill. For more information, view the related press release.
Changes to the Massachusetts Lobby Law That Could Affect You
Beginning January 1, 2010, a new statute that governs lobbying will go into effect in Massachusetts. Based on the new more narrowly defined law, it is likely that some individuals that were exempt will now have the register. Previously, there was a 50 hour/$5,000 per six month period allowance before you had to register. The new law drops the thresholds to 25 hours/$2,500 per six month reporting period. We suggest that organizations review the new statute and guidance from the Secretary of State and determine if staff will need to register. This statute only pertains to individuals who are paid by their organization and lobby town officials on state issues, legislators, or members of the executive branch. It does not apply to federal lobbying. Secretary of State Website Are You Lobbying? Lobbying in Massachusetts Education Seminar (note: you will have to complete this course if you are a registered lobbyist)
Lights Out Boston! Update
Mass Audubon was selected as a community partner in Boston's new holiday tradition, 31 Nights of Light, which began on December 1. Using new energy-saving LED lights on the fifty-first floor of the Prudential Tower, The Shops at Prudential Center lights the top of the Tower a different color every night during the month of December. LED lights are up to 90 percent more energy efficient than incandescent lights and last up to 10 times longer. On Wednesday, December 30, Mass Audubon members are invited to visit Prudential Center when the top of the tower will be lit with green energy-saving LED lights. On that date, Mass Audubon members will receive a special Holiday Savings Pass good for more than 40 discounts at shops in the Center, as well as special dining offers that evening. To receive the discount pass and dining offers, present your Mass Audubon member card at the customer center desk in the center court located in the Belvedere Pavilion across from the post office. For more information and directions, visit the Prudential Center's website.
Calendar
Taking Action on Global Warming Solutions
Beginning this month, subcommittees of the Massachusetts Climate Protection and Green Economy Advisory Committee will begin meeting to discuss strategies for achieving the Global Warming Solutions Act's goal of 80% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. These meetings are open to the public and you can find information about the meetings, as they are scheduled, and the subcommittees at: http://www.mass.gov/dep/public/committee/cpge.htm . Register now for the 9th annual NOFA 5-day Course in Organic Land Care
January 13, 14, 15, 19, and 20, 2010 (snow date Jan. 21)
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge
Newburyport, MA This intensive five-day course covers all aspects of organic landscaping from soil health, site analysis and rain gardens to pest management, planting, invasives and running a business. Optional accreditation exam given on Day Five. For info and online registration: www.organiclandcare.net or call coordinator Kathy Litchfield at (413) 773-3830 or email Kathy@nofamass.org.
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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