ELM Releases FY2011 Green Budget
By George Bachrach and Nancy Goodman
Some argue we can do more with less. In truth, we can only do less with less. In FY ’01 the budget for environmental agencies represented a meager 1% of the state budget. In FY ’10 that percentage has dropped to .6%. We are moving in the wrong direction.
Green report spotlights in-the-red enviro budget
From The Green Blog on Boston.com
Less than one penny of every dollar spent in the state now goes to maintain parks, monitor toxic chemical use and ensure Bay State residents’ air and water are clean, according to the Environmental League of Massachusetts’ most recent – and depressing -annual green budget report.
Charles Baker's Views on Climate Change
As Massachusetts begins implementing nation-leading efforts to combat climate change, the Governor's views on this issue are crucially important. Recent statements by gubernatorial candidate Charles Baker raise serious questions.
Special Budget Update!
The Environmental Budget continues to Shrink
The Governor's FY 2011 budget was released on Wednesday, January 27th and as expected, the environmental agencies have been hit once again. The cuts amount to 6.4% on top of even more significant cuts the Governor made this fiscal year...
Gazebos & Gotcha
By George Bachrach
Brian McGrory is a very good columnist. But the recent column ("Structural Failing" Boston Globe Metro section p. 1, 1/27/10) is both unfair and frustrates and demoralizes good government employees and environmental advocates.
Major Energy Efficiency Gains on Tap for Mass
Electricity and natural gas providers in Massachusetts are poised to invest a whopping $2+ billion in consumer energy efficiency measures over the next three years, helping both residential and business consumers reduce their energy use.
Senators Change, Issues Remain
By George Bachrach, ELM President
ELM congratulates Scott Brown on his election to the United States Senate. We look forward to working with him and advancing public policy that will protect the environment. In the aftermath of the election, certain observations are important.
ELM Co-Sponsored an Environmental Forum
The four Democratic candidates for US Senate (Michael Capuano, Martha Coakley, Alan Khazei, Stephen Pagliuca) participated in a Forum on the Environment and a Green Economy on November 17th at noon.
Making the Climate Connection
ELM is pleased to announce that we recently received a significant grant from an anonymous foundation to build a broadly-based network of engaged and influential people from diverse backgrounds who share a common concern about the impact of climate change and who will take action to influence public policy over the long-term.
Young Environmentalist Program
With generous support from the Grantham Foundation, ELM launched a “Young Environmentalist” program in the fall of 2009. The goal of the program is to provide training and employment opportunities for young people new to an environmental career.
Utility Rates and Energy Efficiency
The objective is to create economic incentive for utilities and consumers to increase energy efficiency. Ultimately rates might increase, but consumption and bills would decline. The Attorney General has been skeptical of allowing rate increases and whether this would result in increased energy efficiency.
Inaugural Event: Luncheon Meeting
The ELM Corporate Council held its inaugural meeting over a lunch hosted by Council Member Legal Sea Foods on October 8, 2008.
Greening Boston Taxis: Gas Guzzlers or Hybrids
With support from the Cook Trust, ELM has partnered with the City of Boston in their efforts to convert Boston’s taxi fleet to fuel efficient hybrids. In 2008, ELM President George Bachrach testified at city hearings on taxi rate increases arguing that rate increases required a better (and greener) ride. Bachrach also wrote a Boston Globe op-ed piece in support of the city’s efforts.
Rural casinos leave a huge carbon footprint
IF YOU'D like to get a glimpse of Governor Deval Patrick's vision for "destination" casinos, take a virtual trip south of the border to Foxwoods, somewhere in the wilds of southeastern Connecticut.