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Policy Participation
Mass Audubon assists with crafting legislation, advising state and national panels on energy projects, and supporting relevant regulatory reform.
- Global Warming Solutions Act
- Massachusetts became a leader in the fight against climate change when the Global Warming Solutions Act was signed into law in 2008. Mass Audubon supported passage of this law, which requires a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions 80 percent by 2050, with an interim reduction of 10-15 percent below 1990 levels by 2020.
- Baseline Greenhouse Gas Emissions: In the first step toward achieving these goals, state government agencies have provided baseline numbers for 1990 emission levels and expected 2020 levels based on current trends. These figures will provide the basis for limiting future emissions. Mass Audubon submitted comments that helped persuade the state to include the carbon sequestration value of forests and other natural areas in the Baseline Report. Mass Audubon also commented on state regulations on greenhouse gas emissions including emissions from biomass burning, and provided input in response to stakeholder comments and final regulations for Renewable Portfolio Standards.
- Biomass: The state is evaluating the effects of forest harvesting and burning of woody biomass for energy generation. Mass Audubon commented on the scope of study for this project, and has since released its position statement on the issue. 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 (PDF 74K) for more information.
- Climate Change Adaptation Advisory Committee: Mass Audubon also was instrumental in ensuring that this new law included a provision for development of measures to help people and nature adapt and cope with climate change impacts that are inevitable even if emissions are stopped immediately. Mass Audubon has a seat on this committee.
- Mass Audubon advocacy and science staff are active advisors in the Cape Wind Stakeholders Process.
- Mass Technology Collaborative
- United States Offshore Wind Energy Collaborative
- Mass Audubon Advocacy is collaborating with MTC and others to form the non-profit US Offshore Wind Collaborative to advance a sustainable offshore wind industry in the US as mitigation against the effects of global warming.
- Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs Work on Wind Energy Siting Standards
- Mass Audubon advocacy and science staff participated in the state's working group that explored potential guidelines for siting land-based wind energy facilities. Of particular interest to Mass Audubon were studies regarding avian and bat collision hazards. This work continues through administrative and legislative channels.
- Massachusetts Wind Working Group
- Mass Audubon helped formulate the mission of this group, and is a member of the Policy Subcommittee.
- Wind Energy Projects Position Statements
- To learn about Mass Audubon's positions on wind energy projects or read Mass Audubon's project comments and advice regarding siting considerations, visit Mass Audubon's wind page.
- Ocean Management Act
Massachusetts has released the nation's first state ocean management plan.
Download the Draft Ocean Management Plan
The goal of the plan, developed in accordance with the Oceans Act of 2008, is to facilitate decisions through a streamlined framework that will promote sustainable ocean development while considering environmental criteria. Mass Audubon was appointed by Governor Patrick as the environmental representative to the 17-member Ocean Advisory Commission, which has assisted EEA Secretary Bowles with writing the plan.
The management plan will now undergo a public review and comment process. Public hearings on the draft are planned for September. The hearings will be followed by a public comment period of 60 days, closing in mid to late November. The deadline for the final draft is December 31, 2009.
Learn more about ocean management:
To receive periodic ocean plan updates, send an e-mail to
join-env-oceanplan@listserv.state.ma.us.
- For more on Mass Audubon's Policy Participation please visit our Advocacy Homepage.
Climate Change and Adaptation
Mass Audubon joined with the New England Climate Coalition in urging the New England Governor's conference to do more to stop global warming.
Mass Audubon has partnered with The Nature Conservancy in their efforts to address the impacts of climate change on our environment, including coastal wetlands, rare species, etc. This falls under the umbrella of adaptation.
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Adaptation is the strategic planning, projects and programs that help plants, animals and natural communities cope with, adjust to, and manage the impacts of climate change. Adaptation can help prevent local extinction of plant and animal species by restoring, protecting and connecting lands and waters. These efforts build healthy and resilient ecosystems and allow species to migrate as temperatures change.
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For more information, see fact sheets on climate change from The Nature Conservancy and Union of Concerned Scientists.
*Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader; click here for more information.
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