Who is a member?
Our members are the local governments of Massachusetts and their elected and appointed leadership.
The House’s Green Recovery Task Force looks at ways to support the clean energy economy as it recovers from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
A panel of state representatives convened by the Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy met with stakeholders on Dec. 9 to explore ways to support a “green” economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The House’s Green Recovery Task Force, chaired by reps. Thomas Golden and Carolyn Dykema, was created last June with an initial mandate to review and develop policy proposals to address the needs of the state’s clean energy economy.
In a prepared statement, Golden said, “Once again, we need to roll up our sleeves, take a clear view of our challenges, and forge ahead to identify pathways to a cleaner, more resilient Commonwealth.”
Presentations to the task force have addressed broader environmental and infrastructure challenges and offered recommendations across a range of related issue areas. Past presenters have included representatives from the Metropolitan Area Planning Council, Nature Conservancy, American Council of Engineering Companies of Massachusetts, Greentown Labs and Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, among others.
The MMA emphasized several important areas for cities and towns, including increased funding for the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness program and culvert repair and replacement grants; investment in water infrastructure needs to manage stormwater and replace aging drinking water and wastewater systems; electrification of public transportation and municipally owned or leased vehicles; and expansion of a range of municipal clean energy and energy efficiency initiatives that help contribute to the Commonwealth’s net zero emissions goal.
The MMA also advocated for increased Chapter 90 local road funding as a way to stimulate a statewide economic recovery and make roadways more resilient to flooding and weather-related damage.
Presenting on behalf of the MMA were Newton City Councillor Emily Norton, a member of the MMA Policy Committee on Energy and the Environment, and MMA Legislative Analyst Ariela Lovett.
To follow the work of the Green Recovery Task Force, visit the group’s Twitter page: twitter.com/MAGreenRecovery.