PITTSFIELD - State Sen. Benjamin B. Downing, D-Pittsfield, has been appointed to a new policy working group, the Biofuels Task Force, by Senate President Therese Murray, D-Plymouth. Downing's appointment comes one week after he and Murray toured Berkshire Biodiesel's Pittsfield facility.
Established by the leadership on Beacon Hill, the Biofuels Task Force has been created through an agreement between Murray, Speaker of the House of Representatives Salvatore F. DiMasi, D-Boston, and Gov. Deval Patrick. Under this agreement, the task force will examine and make recommendations for legislation to promote the development of an advanced biofuels industry in the state.
"Massachusetts has an opportunity to pull ahead of the pack in biofuel innovation and lead the nation in clean energy policy and practices," said Downing in a statement. " I am grateful to have the confidence of the Senate President as I address these pressing issues."
As part of its work, the task force will develop a strategic framework to accelerate the research, development and deployment of commercially viable biofuels. Existing barriers to advancing biofuel innovation in the commonwealth will also be considered and legislative or administrative solutions to overcome those barriers will be filed by the task force with its final recommendations. The panel will also research the availability of federal grants for the advancement of biofuels.
In developing its recommendations, the task force will consult with the New Fuels Alliance, a national organization committed to raising the awareness of the economic and environmental benefits of non-petroleum fuel, and at least one distributor of petroleum products in Massachusetts.
"I am proud to announce the appointment of Senator Downing to the Biofuels Task Force," Murray said. "He has demonstrated a true commitment to the advancement of clean energy in Massachusetts, and he has a keen understanding of the challenges that lie ahead of us. Senator Downing and his fellow Senate appointees will be a great asset to this task force. The Senate has made it clear that we are committed to clean air and reducing our dependence on foreign oil. The Biofuels Task Force will help us reach our goals."
The task force will be comprised of nine members and chaired by the state secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs. The House and Senate as well as the governor each have three appointments to the body. Downing is one of three state senators on the panel; he will be joined by Sens. Pamela P. Resor, D-Acton, and Bruce E. Tarr, R-Gloucester.
The Biofuels Task Force will file a report of its findings and recommendations with the governor and with the clerks of the House and Senate on or before March 31, 2008.
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Lanesborough Town Meeting to Vote Budget, Bylaws & Vehicle Purchases
By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
LANESBOROUGH, Mass. — Tuesday's annual town meeting includes a $14 million operating budget, new short-term rentals, accessory dwelling units and sign bylaws, and free cash article appropriations.
Voters will gather at Lanesborough Elementary School on June 9 at 6 p.m. to decide on 20 warrant articles.
The fiscal 2027 budget is up a little over 10 percent. Some of the main increases are the Mount Greylock Regional School District and McCann Technical School: the McCann assessment is up more than 30 percent based on factors including enrollment and the school renovation project, and Mount Greylock's is up 11 percent.
Article 11 is for the town to vote to approve from free cash the sum of $16,298.48 for the McCann Technical School roof and window replacement project so as not to impact the budget. Article 3 is appropriate $7,586,284 for Mount Greylock Regional School assessment.
Another notable increase was in life and health insurance, showing an increase of about 26 percent.
Ambulance Director Jen Weber is planning 24-hour coverage, which means more staff and a hike in her budget. One of the articles asks the town to appropriate $234,100 to operate the Ambulance Enterprise Fund for salaries and expenses.
Many town departments are looking for new vehicles. The Fire Department is looking to replace its outdated 1996 fire engine. There are two articles related to the truck at a total of $813,366. Article 12 would transfer $225,000 from free cash into the Fire Truck Stabilization Fund; Article 13 would transfer $605,000 from the fund and authorize the borrowing of $208,366.08.
The total includes a $100,000 contingency cost to cover any additional costs if a 2026 model-year chassis cannot be secured before new emissions standards go into effect in 2027.
The board at its last meeting moved the $225,000 transfer to come before the borrowing article, changing the stabilization number. If the $225,000 is not voted on, then they will amend the next article's number on the floor, subtracting the $225,000. This shows the borrowing number significantly lower.
Article 17 asks for the transfer of $80,000 from free cash to replace a police cruiser.
Police Chief Rob Derksen's aim is to replace one vehicle every other year, meaning the oldest vehicle gets replaced about every 10 years.
He stressed that if delayed this year, the town may have to double up in a future year to get back on schedule, and that paying later usually costs more. The article will ask for $80,000 from free cash, the vehicles used to be funded by the BHRD.
Lastly, the Highway Department is looking to replace a 2014 International dump truck that will be a total of $330,000 and will take two to three years to receive.
Money will be used from last year's approval of $250,000 from free cash for the replacement of a 2012 highway front-end loader that was underspent $49,261. Town meeting is being asked to approve a transfer of $53,274.85 from free cash and the use of $227,464 from funds from the Sale of Town Real Estate to fund the balance.
Other free cash proposals include $1,200 to purchase software to support tracking and ongoing maintenance schedules of town-owned vehicles; $42,000 for the replacement of the Highway Department's storage shed roof, $200,000 to reduce the tax levy.
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