Environmental Bond Bill could have long-term impacts
The Senate recently passed a major piece of environmental legislation that contains specific provisions for western Massachusetts. Known officially as “An Act Providing for the Preservation and Improvement of the Environmental Assets of the Commonwealth†(S 2312), the Environmental Bond Bill would, over the next several years, address a range of pressing matters concerning our environment, including the Ashuwillticook Trail, improvements to state forests and parks, and a public lands proposal known as the Common Ground Initiative.
If approved by the House and signed by the Governor, this bill would provide $993 million for important state environmental programs such as farmland preservation (the Agricultural Preservation Program), watershed protection and pollution prevention.
During debate, the Senate adopted several amendments that I offered related to the Ashuwillticook Trail and the Common Ground Initiative. As many of you know, the Ashuwillticook Trail provides year-round recreational opportunities for people of all ages. It also connects communities, reduces congestion, and promotes energy conservation. One amendment that I sponsored would provide $1.4 million for the southern extension of the Ashuwillticook Trail. Funding would be used for the acquisition, design and construction of the trail south of the Berkshire Mall Road heading into Pittsfield. Bringing the trail south would provide unique environmental and economic opportunities to the City of Pittsfield. The paved trail currently runs north from the Lanesborough/Pittsfield line through Cheshire. Construction of the northern extension, that will reach downtown Adams, is expected to be completed by Fall 2003.
All four of the amendments I offered related to the Common Ground Initiative were included in the legislation. Last fall, I introduced the Common Ground Initiative, which aims to prevent illegal dumping in state forests and parks. The initiative has received support from the Department of Environmental Management (DEM), the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife (DFW), the Massachusetts Environmental Police, the State Police, and local officials.
Included in the bond bill is a provision that will allow DEM to increase the monitoring and patrolling of our state parks and forests to prevent illegal dumping. The bill will also increase the fine for dumping in state parks. Currently, the fine for illegal dumping in state forests and parks is $3,000 for the first offense, and $10,000 for subsequent offenses. The bill will increase the fines for dumping in state forests and parks to $5,500 for the first offense and $15,000 for additional offenses. The section also mandates that permanent signs indicating the penalties for violating the law against dumping be placed on all DEM lands. The bill also earmarks $500,000 for enforcement of the law that makes dumping illegal.
Additionally, the Environmental Bond Bill includes my amendment that will create a commission to study the implementation of a program to allow no-cost waste disposal on one or two selected days. While it’s a poor excuse, the higher costs of waste disposal have apparently led some citizens to illegally dump on our state lands. An ‘Amnesty Day’ will encourage disposal of waste at proper facilities.
The implementation of the Environmental Bond Bill coincides with the Senate’s goal of preserving our natural resources and promoting economic growth, while at the same time maintaining fiscal responsibility. We are fortunate in Massachusetts, especially in the western part of the state, to have a wealth of environmental assets that make the region exceedingly attractive to tourists. Employers consistently report that the commonwealth’s abundance of recreational opportunities and natural beauty is a major reason employees choose to live and work here. This bond bill strengthens our commitment to the environment, and at the same time does not compromise our ability to address the current budget problems we are facing.
The Environmental Bond Bill enjoys a broad base of support from more than 150 cites, towns, nonprofits groups, sportsman’s associations and community organizations. Locally, I have met with members from the Berkshire County League of Sportsmen, the Berkshire Natural Resources Council, the Nature Conservancy (Berkshire Chapter), the Sheffield Land Trust and many other citizens. These individuals and groups recognize that environmental education, land conservation, and historic preservation are critical to the commonwealth’s long-term health and prosperity. Bob Durand, Secretary of the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs, has also lent valuable support to this bill.
The Environmental Bond Bill would be part of the capital budget, which in the form of bonds gives the Governor the authority to borrow money to meet the capital needs of the commonwealth. The state government sells bonds or notes on the market to fund capital projects that we could not otherwise afford on a “pay as you go†basis. Funding for this bond bill does not come out of the operating budget and will not put a further strain on funding for education and social programs.
The legislation was passed by the Senate on April 11, and has moved to the House for consideration. I encourage supporters of the bill to contact their Representatives and the Governor about this important opportunity for our future.
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