ELM Commends Sen. Timilty for Record on Environment

From the Office of the Senator: Senator Walter F. Timilty (D-Milton) was recently commended by the Environmental League of Massachusetts (ELM) for his support of the organization’s priority budget amendments during the Fiscal Year 2018 Senate Budget process.

The Green Budget Coalition, led by ELM, prioritizes state parks, clean water, and environmental protection. An amendment filed by Senator Michael F. Rush (D-West Roxbury) will provide funding to the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) for staffing and operations of state parks and recreation facilities. Timilty cosponsored the amendment, which is a top priority for the Green Budget Coalition.

“Our Commonwealth has a proud tradition of vibrant natural resources and access to space for outdoor recreation,” said Timilty. “Recent budget cuts have put a strain on DCR’s ability to not only fully staff these properties, but to maintain them as well. This amendment will provide DCR with the resources necessary to ensure open, staffed, and well-maintained facilities can be enjoyed by residents across Massachusetts.”

Another amendment, filed by Senator Jamie B. Eldridge (D-Acton) and supported by Timilty, will fund the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, augmenting the department’s ability to fulfill its mission, which includes the protection of rivers and wetlands, cleanup of contaminated sites, and the fight against climate change.

In addition to budget amendments, Timilty cosponsored several of the ELM’s legislative priorities.

An omnibus clean energy bill filed by Senator Marc R. Pacheco (D-Taunton) and cosponsored by Timilty includes incentives for renewable energy sources and storage; the development of a climate change adaption plan; and financing for residential property owners to enhance the energy efficiency of their homes.

“We are lucky to live in a state with access to a wide-range of natural resources,” said Timilty. “We must be proactive stewards of our environment to protect against the colossal threat posed by climate change and preserve our planet for generations to come.”

Two additional pieces of legislation cosponsored by Timilty will protect gas and electricity consumers from paying for leaked and unaccounted for gas and establish a water quality and pollution control program for the Commonwealth.

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