Mass Audubon is part of Nature for MA, a diverse coalition of over 50 conservation, environmental, and community organizations advocating right now to lawmakers to pass An Act providing nature for all (H.901/S.597). This bill would secure over $100 million per year to conserve and restore land to preserve biodiversity, protect clean drinking water, ensure climate resilience, and increase access to nature for underserved communities.
The bill’s hearing with the Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources will take place on July 1 at 1:00 pm.
We need to show up and speak up to make sure the members of the Committee know how important this bill is for nature and people.
There are two ways you can help
Show Up in Person
We will gather at the Massachusetts State House on Tuesday, July 1 at 12:30 pm outside Hearing Room A-1. Depending on the order of the testimony that day, we hope to be done before 4:00 pm. The goal is to fill the hearing room with nature advocates while our team is testifying to show the broad support for the bill—but you don’t need to give oral testimony. Let us know you’re coming
Send in Comments
If you can’t come in person, you can still help by emailing committee members. The email should be submitted no later than July 15 at 5:00 pm.
Email Comment Template
Please personalize this email and share your own perspective and/or story about the importance of protecting nature, preserving biodiversity, protecting clean drinking water, and ensuring climate resilience. It’s helpful if the emails aren't all identical and each is somewhat unique.
Email to: [email protected]
Subject Line: In support of H.901 and S.597, An Act providing nature for all
Email Body:
Sen. Rebecca L. Rausch, Senate Chair
Joint Committee on Environment & Natural Resources
State House, Room 215
Boston, MA 02133
Rep. Christine Barber, House Chair
Joint Committee on Environment & Natural Resources
State House, Room 167
Boston, MA 02133
Dear Chair Rausch, Chair Barber, and Honorable Members of the Committee on Environment & Natural Resources:
I live in FILL IN CITY/TOWN and am writing as a concerned [CHOOSE ONE youth/citizen/parent/etc]. about the ongoing threat of climate change, the loss of biodiversity, and the fact that not all residents have access to the benefits of nature. I write in support of H.901 (filed by Reps Blais and Montaño) and S.597 (filed by Senator Feeney) An Act providing nature for all.
I am a volunteer with [INCLUDE ORG LIKE Mass Audubon] and Nature for Massachusetts, a diverse coalition of over 50 conservation, environmental, and community organizations advocating for more funding to protect and restore nature.
Massachusetts has made a promise to be net zero by 2050, and to conserve and protect 30% of the state by 2030 and 40% by 2050. However, the state has not taken the steps needed to reach these goals.
The bill, An Act providing nature for all (H.901/S.597) would secure over $100 million per year for a Nature for Massachusetts Fund to conserve and restore land to preserve biodiversity, protect clean drinking water, ensure climate resilience, and increase access to nature for underserved communities.
It is crucial that the Nature for All legislation be passed in order for Massachusetts to meet our goals for protecting our environment.
Please report H.901 and S.597 favorably to create a long-term, sustainable funding stream to protect our natural resources. The environment we inhabit is essential to fighting climate change, and we must act now.
Appreciatively,
YOUR NAME
YOUR MAILING ADDRESS
YOUR PHONE NUMBER
Questions?
If you have any questions about the hearing or other ways to get involved, send us an email!
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