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Forum promotes safer alternatives to toxics
On Oct. 24, a State House forum brought together environmental health experts, scientists, legislators and others to discuss safer alternatives to toxic chemicals.
Among those attending the forum, sponsored by the Alliance for a Healthy Tomorrow, a coalition that includes Environment Massachusetts, were Sen. Steven Tolman, Sen. Pamela Resor, Rep. Frank Smizik and Rep. Jay Kaufman. The coalition’s top legislative priority, the Safer Alternatives to Toxic Chemicals Bill, will protect public health and safety by reducing health impacts from many toxic chemicals we are exposed to in everyday life. The bill initially targets ten of the worst toxic chemicals in Massachusetts and phases out their use where safer alternatives are available. This legislation would establish a process for phasing out other chemicals with safer alternatives and for researching and developing safer alternatives where they are currently not available.
Environment Massachusetts hosts night with Nobel Laureate
On Oct. 24, 2006 Nobel Peace Laureate Dr. Wangari Maathai spoke at “Planting Peace,” an event hosted by the Boston Urban Forest Coalition, the Department of Conservation and Recreation and the City of Boston.
Dr. Maathai, founder of the Green Belt Movement, was the first environmentalist and first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. Dr. Maathai shared her message of empowerment and hope for the future through the simple steps of planting and protecting trees in our communities. As Dr. Maathai said, “The planting of trees is the planting of ideas. By starting with the simple step of digging a hole and planting a tree, we plant hope for ourselves and for future generations.”
Environment Massachusetts Advocate Jen Baker helped publicize the event and attended. “A thriving environment is critical for our quality of life. Dr. Maathai and the Green Belt Movement have demonstrated the connections between people, communities and trees. Dr. Maathai’s work on behalf of the environment and peace is truly inspiring,” said Baker.
Bills filed in new legislative session
On Jan. 10 lawmakers filed more than 6,000 bills, covering everything from the Big Dig to energy policy. Environment Massachusetts staff worked with lawmakers from across the state to craft legislation to cut global warming pollution, protect open space and reduce the threat of toxic chemicals. Visit www.EnvironmentMassachusetts.org to see our legislative agenda. Bills will move next to public hearings. Committees are expected to start public hearings this spring.
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