Committee Description
The House Committee on Global Warming and Climate Change, on which I serve as Chair, was created in early 2009. The Committee is charged with considering all matters related to the Commonwealth's climate policy, including but not limited to greenhouse gas emissions, the climate impacts of renewable energy development and climate change adaptation and mitigation. The Committee shall also serve in an advisory capacity to other joint committees that consider legislation with significant climate impacts, including but not limited to environment, natural resources and agriculture, transportation, energy, housing and economic development and emerging technologies. The Committee may participate with other committees in joint hearings at the request of the Speaker or by agreement of the committee chairs
I am proud to serve as Chair of a Committee tasked with reviewing such an important topic. I believe that not only is climate change the defining environmental issue of our time, it is something that affects our daily lives,
our economy, our security, and our planet. I look forward to continuing to help Brookline and the Commonwealth find the best strategies and solutions to confront climate change.
Committee Events 2009-2010
Late June, 2010- Reducing Emissions in the Transportation Sector- What are MassDOT, EOEEA, and others doing to target transportation emissions?
More information coming soon!
May 12, 2010- Film Screening on Ocean Warming and Acidification
In May, I co-hosted, with Representative Matthew C. Patrick (D-Falmouth), a public screening of A Sea Change, a documentary film about the effects of climate change and acidification on the world’s oceans. The film screening complemented our Committee’s past informational hearings-one of which was hosted by Representative Patrick in Falmouth- on the science of climate change, its effects on our oceans, coasts, and coastal infrastructure, and strategies for minimizing damage. The screening event featured an introduction and question and answer session by the film’s Associate Producer, Ben Kalina.
A Sea Change follows retired history teacher Sven Huseby on his journeys to Alaska, California, Washington, and Norway, during which he speaks with oceanographers, marine biologists, climatologists, and artists, and becomes aware that climate change is a crisis affecting not only our atmosphere, but also our world’s oceans. Huseby learns that excess carbon dioxide is dissolving in our oceans, changing sea water chemistry and harming the entire food chain of marine life. While full of scientific facts, A Sea Change also portrays Huseby’s emotional journey, as his endearing correspondence with his grandson pushes him to ponder the legacy we are leaving for future generations.
I decided to host this film screening with Rep. Patrick because we have been hearing more and more reports about the harmful effects of the increasing temperature and acidity of our oceans due to climate change, and I wanted to help my fellow legislators become aware of the problem.
I hope what people took away from watching this film is that when our oceans and our marine life are harmed, so are we. I also wanted people to understand that this problem is yet another reason why we should be fighting climate change by using energy more efficiently and creating more renewable energy.
More information about the film can be found at http://www.aseachange.net/
April 13, 2010- Reducing Emissions in the Transportation Sector- An Overview
Location: State House, Boston, MA
Description: Last session, we passed several pieces of groundbreaking environmental and energy legislation that are now being implemented; but we didn’t put enough emphasis on transportation emissions. The transportation sector is responsible for about 36 percent of our state’s carbon emissions and we need to put the brakes on this problem. That’s why I decided that my committee, the House Committee on Global Warming and Climate Change, should host a series of informational hearings on what Massachusetts can do to reduce emissions in the transportation sector.
Our first informational hearing on this topic, held on April 13 at the State House, provided an overview of transportation emissions and discussed how, where, and why people are travelling in Massachusetts. The event featured speakers from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), and the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC).
The information we heard at this hearing made it clear that we need to look at transportation emissions from a larger lens. Not only do we need to get people using more public transportation, we need them to drive less. And to do that we need to develop our cities and towns in a way that gives residents access to necessities like jobs, grocery stores, and other basic goods and services.
Presentations:
Sharon Weber, Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP)
Sharon Weber outlined MassDEP’s 1990 Baseline Emissions and 2020 Projection Report and how the transportation sector relates to the Commonwealth’s economy-wide emissions. According to Weber’s presentation, transportation emissions in Massachusetts have risen by about 15 percent over the last two decades.
Ned Codd, Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT)
Ned Codd explained that this increase in emissions is largely due to the fact that Massachusetts residents are travelling farther and more often, by all modes of transportation. Massachusetts residents travel over 30 percent more miles on public transit today than they did in 1990; they also drive over 10 percent more miles today- or about 800 more miles annually- than they did twenty years ago. In addition, the ownership of light trucks and SUVs, which are notorious for their low fuel-efficiency, also increased from 1990 to 2008, until gasoline prices rose to over $3 per gallon.
Further adding to the problem, said Codd, is the fact that Massachusetts drivers carpool less often than the rest of the country (9 percent of Massachusetts residents versus 12 percent of U.S. residents), with nearly three-quarters of Massachusetts residents driving alone during their daily work commute. However, the work commute is responsible for less than one-fifth of all trips made by Massachusetts residents; the other four-fifths of Massachusetts travel is taken up by unspecified errands, said Codd in one of the more surprising revelations of the day.
Tim Reardon, Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC)
Tim Reardon explained that the amount people drive is highly correlated with population and land use density, access to transit, distance to shops and services, proximity to employment, and income. Reardon also said that those guilty of driving the furthest and driving alone most often live in less-dense, suburban and rural areas.
Even though Massachusetts has a lot of room for improvement when it comes to transportation, we are still ahead of most of the rest of the country when it comes to public transit, walking, and driving. Massachusetts residents are more likely to use public transportation (9 percent) and walk (4 percent) to work as compared to the rest of the U.S. (5 percent and 3 percent, respectively). And despite our tendency to drive alone more often than the rest of the country, we drive fewer miles overall.
February 1, 2010 - National and International Perspectives on Climate Change Policy
Location: State House, Boston, MA
Presentations:
Todd Johnson, PhD, Lead Energy Specialist in the Latin America and Caribbean Region , World Bank
Dr. Johnson discussed his work on low-carbon development for the World Bank, as well as his recent trip to attend the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) meetings (COP15) in Copenhagen. Johnson brings thirty years of experience in international energy and environmental-related fields and has coauthored numerous articles and reports on climate change. Since 1991, he has worked at the World Bank, an international organization providing financial and technical assistance to developing countries for improvements in infrastructure, education, health, public administration, financial development, agriculture, and environmental and natural resource management.
Kevin Knobloch, President, Union of Concerned Scientists
Mr. Knobloch discussed national climate change policy. Knobloch is knowledgeable in a wide range of environmental, energy, and arms control issues, with thirty years of experience in policy, media, and advocacy. For the last six years, he has served as President of the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS), arguably the world’s leading science-based nonprofit advocacy group working to bring scientific integrity to the decision making processes in government policy, corporate practices, and consumer choices. Knobloch represented UCS at the United Nations International Climate negotiations in 2005 and again in 2007.
December 9, 2009 –Climate Change Adaptation, Part III: Public Health and Natural Resources
Location: State House, Boston, MA
Presentations:
Human Health and Welfare
Paul Epstein,M.D., Associate Director, Center for Health and the Global Environment at Harvard Medical School
Natural Resources
Andy Finton, Director of Conservation Science, The Nature Conservancy in Massachusetts
Description: This was the final installment of a three-part series of informational hearings on what the state is doing to adapt to climate change, focusing on the work of the Climate Change Adaptation Advisory Committee. The Advisory Committee, created in 2008 by the Global Warming Solutions Act, is tasked with studying and making recommendations to the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs on strategies for adapting to climate change. The Advisory Committee will submit a report to the Legislature on its findings by early 2010.
The December 9 hearing provided a briefing to legislators and the public on strategy recommendations from the Climate Change Adaptation Advisory Committee, with regards to public health and natural resources.
November 10, 2009 - Climate Change and Security
Co-Hosted by: Representative Steven D’Amico and Chairman Frank Smizik
Location: Seekonk High School, Seekonk, MA
Presentations:
Local Security
David Janik, South Coastal Regional Coordinator, MA Office of Coastal Zone Management
David explained how communities and their infrastructure on the southern coastline of Massachusetts will be affected by climate change from more extreme storms to floods and sea level rise.
National and International Security
Alex Cornell du Houx, Maine State Representative and Campaign Director of Operation Free
Alex offered a broader view on climate change and how his organization, Operation Free, works towards its mission to “Secure America with Clean Energy.” He discussed how our national security is threatened by climate change and our dependence on foreign fossil fuels. He explained how more extreme weather events and a changing environment will increase global conflict over water, food, and energy supplies, while threatening public health, our military, and our nation’s international bargaining power.
Commander Paul E. Matthews, USN, Naval War College
Matthews discussed his findings on the security risks of climate change, through his work as a naval oceanographer and member of the U.S. Navy's Task Force on Climate Change. He joined the Naval War College faculty in September 2009 after completing a tour on the Joint Staff in the Intelligence Directorate, on which he served as the Meteorology, Oceanography (METOC), and Geospatial Intelligence Future Capabilities Officer, providing expertise for all Joint capabilities in those areas going through the Joint Capabilities Integration and Development System.
Dr. Christopher Jasparro, National Security Decision Making Department at the Naval War College
Jasparro discussed his findings on the security risks of climate change, through his work as teaching Security, Strategy, and Forces (SSF) and Strategy & Theater Security (STS) and is the NWC Africa Area Study Coordinator. His areas of topical expertise are transnational/irregular security threats and environmental security. His is an Asia-Pacific regional specialist with additional background in African regional studies. He is also a former U.S. Navy Reserve officer.
November 6, 2009 - Reducing Household Energy Use: What can be done at the household level to help the Commonwealth reduce greenhouse gas emissions?
Co-Hosted by: Representative Matthew Patrick and Vice-Chairman Will Brownsberger
Location: The Falmouth Senior Center, Falmouth, MA
Presentations:
Megan Amsler and Staff, Cape and Islands Self Reliance Corporation
Maggie Downey and Joe Soares, Cape Light Compact
Description: This informational hearing educated legislators, local government, and the public about what options are available to consumers to lower energy use at the household level. Presenters discuss such topic as home energy audits available through private companies and utility companies, energy efficient appliances, and residential renewable energy options.
November 3, 2009 - Climate Change Adaptation, Part II: Key Infrastructure, Local Economy, Local Government, and Land Use Planning
Location: State House, Boston, MA
Presentations:
Key Infrastructure
Sandy Taft, National Grid
Ray Jack, Falmouth Department of Public Works
Local Economy and Government –
Karen O'Reilly, AIU Holdings
Missy Stults, ICLEI
Land Use Planning
Marc Draisen, Executive Director, Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC)
Description: This was the second of a three-part series of informational hearings on what the state is doing to adapt to climate change, focusing on the work of the Climate Change Adaptation Advisory Committee. The Advisory Committee, created in 2008 by the Global Warming Solutions Act, is tasked with studying and making recommendations to the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs on strategies for adapting to climate change. The Advisory Committee will submit a report to the Legislature on its findings by early 2010.
The November 3 event provided a briefing to legislators and the public on strategy recommendations from the Climate Change Adaptation Advisory Committee, with regards to adapting infrastructure, local economy, local government, and land use planning to the impacts of climate change.
October 28, 2009 - Climate Change Adaptation, Part I: Climate Change Science and Coastal Zone
Location: State House, Boston, MA
Presentations:
Science and Data
Rob Thieler, United States Geological Survey
Coastal Zone and Ocean
Bud Ris, President and CEO, New England Aquarium
Description: This was the first of a three-part series of informational hearings on what the state is doing to adapt to climate change, focusing on the work of the Climate Change Adaptation Advisory Committee. The Advisory Committee, created in 2008 by the Global Warming Solutions Act, is tasked with studying and making recommendations to the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs on strategies for adapting to climate change. The Advisory Committee will submit a report to the Legislature on its findings by early 2010.
The hearing on October 28 focused the science and data of climate change and adaptation strategies for the coastal zone and the ocean.
October 26, 2009 - Green Communities Act Briefing: A Guide for Municipalities
Co-Hosted by: Representative Sean Garballey and Chairman Frank Smizik
Location: Community Safety Building, Arlington, MA
Presentations:
Mark Sylvia, Director, Green Communities Division of MassDOER
Joanne Bissetta, Regional Coordinator, Green Communities Division of MassDOER
Julian Prokopetz, Environment America
Marc Breslow, Ph.D., Founder of Sustainable Arlington and Director of Transportation & Buildings Policy, Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy & Environmental Affairs
Description: The purpose of this hearing was to educate town officials and legislators on the technical and financial resources available to them in becoming a “green community” as a part of the Green Communities Grant Program.
October 6, 2009 - Reducing Emissions from the Transportation Sector: What’s next for transportation reform?
Location: State House, Boston, MA
Description: Representative William Brownsberger hosted a roundtable discussion on how to reduce emissions in the transportation sector. Participating attendees included Jeffrey Mullen, Secretary and CEO of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), staff from MassDOT’s Sustainable Transportation program, legislators, and environmental and public transit advocates.
October 2, 2009 - Climate Change Adaptation in Coastal Communities
Informational Hearing
Co-Hosted by: Representative Cleon Turner and Chairman Frank Smizik
Location: Yarmouth Senior Center, West Yarmouth, MA
Presentations:
Andrea Cooper, Shoreline Floodplain Management Coordinator, MA Coastal Zone Management
Stephen McKenna, Cape & Islands Regional Coordinator, MA Coastal Zone Management
Matt Pelikan, Islands Program Director, The Nature Conservancy
Dan Fortier, Dennis Town Planner
Maggie Geist, Association to Preserve Cape Cod
Paul Niedzwiecki and Ryan Christenberry, Cape Cod Commission
Description: Presenters discussed how coastal communities can prepare for and adapt to the effects of climate change. They addressed available adaptation options and tools relative to storm surge, salt marsh changes, building codes, erosion, and other climate change issues.
May 6, 2009 - Screening of “The Greening of Southie”
Location: State House, Boston, MA
Description: “What happens when you’re asked to build the city of tomorrow… today? Set on the storied streets of South Boston, The Greening of Southie is a feature documentary about Boston’s first residential green building, and the men and women who set out to construct it. From wheatboard cabinetry to recycled steel, bamboo flooring to dual-flush toilets, The Macallen Building is something different––a leader in the emerging field of environmentally friendly design. But green building has its challenges, and the jobsite has its skeptics. And when things start to go wrong, a young developer has to keep the project from unraveling.”
April 29, 2009 - Global Warming Solutions Act and Green Communities Act Implementation
Informational Hearing- “Massachusetts: National Leadership in Climate and Clean Energy”
Location: State House, Boston, MA
Presentations:
Laurie Burt, Commissioner, Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (Mass DEP)
Philip Giudice, Commissioner, Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER)
Description: MassDEP and DOER provided a summary of their progress implementing the Global Warming Solutions Act and the Green Communities Act, both passed in 2008. They also unveiled MassDEP’s 1990 Baseline and 2020 BAU Projection Report.
Information About Climate Change
My new Committee is just getting off the ground, so check back soon for updates on our priorities. In the meantime, I encourage you to check out some of these sites, where you can learn about -- and take action locally -- on issues relating to the challenge of global climate change.
Local Organizations:
Brookline Selectmen’s Climate Action Committee
CCAB: Climate Change Action Brookline
State and Regional Organizations and Initiatives:
Conservation Law Foundation
Environmental League of Massachusetts
Environment Massachusetts
Environment Northeast
Massachusetts Green Communities Programs
Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection- Global Warming Solutions Act Implementation
Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
Massachusetts House Committee on Global Warming and Climate Change- mass.gov Website
Massachusetts League of Environmental Voters
Mass Climate Action Network
Mass Audubon
Northeast Climate Impacts Assessment
RePower America
National and International Climate Websites:
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
National Resources Defense Council
Sierra Club
The Nature Conservancy
Union of Concerned Scientists
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
United States Environmental Protection Agency Climate Change Resources
United States Global Change Research Program
World Health Organization
Reports:
Confronting Climate Change in the Northeast
Falling Behind: New England Must Act Now to Reduce Global Warming Pollution
Global Climate Change Impacts in the United States
Growing Cooler: Evidence on Urban Development and Climate Change
National Climate Change Advocacy
CLEAN Letter to President Obama and Congressional Leaders,
Re: Federal Green Jobs and Clean Energy Legislation
In January 2010, I helped gather the signatures of 52 Massachusetts State Representatives and Senators onto a national, bi-partisan letter urging Congress and President Obama to pass comprehensive clean energy jobs legislation. The letter was signed by over 1,200 legislators in 49 states.
House Resolution Urging Federal Government to Pass Green Jobs and Clean Energy Legislation
I sponsored a resolution in the Massachusetts House of Representatives, which passed in February 2010, calling on the federal government to foster the development of cleaner energy and new renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and tidal power. The resolution also urges Congress to help ensure our national and energy security by helping to end our reliance on foreign oil and energy sources. CLEAN members have introduced similar resolutions in at least 19 other states.
Op-Ed Supporting Federal Clean Energy Jobs Legislation
I drafted an Op-ed piece that sets forth the reasons why we must undertake a clean energy strategy which can be found here.
Committee Documents
Coming Soon...
Report from the Committee on Environment, Natural Resources & Agriculture
The 2007-2008 legislative session was, far and away, the "greenest" session in the history of the Massachusetts state legislature, and as Chairman of the Committe on Environment, Natural Resources & Agriculture, I was proud to play a significant role in much of the good work we got done. From comprehensive energy reform to a Global Warming Solutions Act, from an oceans management act to a bill encouraging the development of alternative biofuels, we helped position Massachusetts as a national leader in our much-needed transition to a green economy.
For a complete round-up of our policy successes from the 07/08 session, please click here. |
