Real Results For Massachusetts' Environment
1. Saving The Boston Harbor Islands
After billions were spent cleaning up Boston Harbor, we should be celebrating our great success, not entertaining a proposal to hand over this public space to build a natural gas terminal in the Boston Harbor Islands State Park and National Recreation Area. Environment Massachusetts stopped this proposal last legislative session and will continue leading the opposition to this scheme.
2. Capping Global Warming Pollution
Environment Massachusetts staff helped persuade Gov. Patrick, in the first weeks of his administration, to rejoin a regional plan to cut global warming pollution from power plants, the second biggest source of pollution in the state. Environment Massachusetts staff were also stakeholders in the development of the regional plan.
3.Fighting For Cleaner Cars
On June 18, 2004, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection adopted the nation’s toughest standards for pollution from cars and trucks. Auto-makers will be required to sell cars in Massachusetts that use top-shelf technology to protect public health and the environment.
4. Promoting Energy Efficiency
Over $1 billion will be saved on energy bills because of the 2005 Energy Effiiciency Standards bill Environment Massachusetts helped to pass.
5. Keeping the Arctic Drilling-Free
Despite the power and influence of the Bush administration and ExxonMobil, the support of Environment Massachusetts’ members has helped prevent Congress from opening the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to drilling every time it has been proposed.
6. Reducing Toxics
Environment Massachusetts helped pass the Mercury Reduction bill, signed into law in July 2006, which phases out the use of mercury-containing products where cost-effective and safer alternatives are available.
7. Pushing For Renewable Energy
The proposed plans for Cape Wind have been subjected to 6 years and 17 state and federal agencies’ worth of review. Environment Massachusetts is campaigning for decision-makers to finally give one of the biggest renewable energy projects in the country the green light, so Massachusetts can start on the path to energy independence.
8. Cleaning Up The “Filthy Five”
Environment Massachusetts fought for new clean-air standards for Massachusetts’ top five pollution-emitting power plants, the Filthy Five. As a result power plants throughout the state have agreed to dramatic cuts in their smog and soot pollution.
9. Preserving Our Natural Resources
As part of the Forests and Parks Partnership, Environment Massachusetts worked with the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs to set aside 100,000 acres of forest reserves to protect our most precious and diverse natural habitat from unwise use.
10. Protecting Open Space
Too many Massachusetts public spaces are vulnerable to sale or lease. Environment Massachusetts is taking action to curb the loss of public lands by requiring adequate replacement lands and citizen involvement in decisions regarding our treasured public places.
