Several Major New Environmental Bills Become Law
This was an amazing end of session for the Massachusetts Legislature, with a raft of environmental bills passed in just a few days. Associated Press writer Steve LeBlanc wrote, "Tally up the crush of bills passed during the Legislature's 19-month formal session and it's hard to find a politician or interest group with bigger bragging rights than environmentalists." The environmental bills passed this session include:
* The Global Warming Solutions Act (Chapter 298 of the Acts of 2008), which requires the state to develop programs and policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at least 10% below 1990 level by 2020 and 80% by 2050. The bill requires the administration to hold a hearing to determine the 2020 target, which may be as much as 25% below 1990 levels.
* The so-called Environmental Bond Bill (An Act Providing for the Preservation and Improvement of Land, Parks, and Clean Energy in the Commonwealth, Chapter 312 of the Acts of 2008), totaling $1.78 billion, which provides the state with $366 million to protect open space from the pressure of development over the next five years.
* The Clean Energy Biofuels Act (Chapter 206 of the Acts of 2008), which makes Massachusetts the first state to exempt cellulosic biofuels from state gas taxes. This should help create economic incentives for companies while requiring that the fuels meet strict greenhouse gas reduction standards.
* The Green Jobs Act (Chapter 307 of the Acts of 2008) funds clean energy educational opportunities and a "pathways from poverty" program for new clean energy professions, allows for the creation of a Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Institute at a state college, and an Entrepreneurial Followship program to assist business developers entering the clean energy field.
* The Green Communities Act, (Chapter 169 of the Acts of 2008), which "remakes the electricity marketplace in Massachusetts to favor efficiency over additional power generation, saving energy and money for consumers, and to support the development and use of renewable energy by residents, businesses, and municipalities."
* The Oceans Act (Chapter 114 of the Acts of 2008, which requires the development of a first-in-the-nation comprehensive management plan for Massachusetts's state waters, allows for the development of wind, wave, and tidal power as part of a plan that balances new and traditional uses with preservation of natural resources.
Added on August 18, 2008 by RachelCarson100
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