How fitting it is that Masscahusetts Governor Deval Patrick and Boston Mayor Marty Walsh took to the New England Aquarium situated along the banks of Boston Harbor on this rainy Tuesday afternoon to discuss climate change? Introduced by Bud Ris, CEO of the Aquarium, who noted jokingly that all in attendance were sitting “about three-feet below what we call ‘wicked high tide,'” the governor and mayor pledged to kickstart a number of environmental initiatives in hopes of saving money, property and livelihoods in the long run.
The duo, along with a collection of state-elected officials, undersecretaries and proponents of environmental preparedness, announced an $50 million investment to help keep much of the Bay State’s coastline properties out of the bay.
“I believe that we have a generational responsibility to address the multiple threats of climate change,” said Governor Patrick to those in attendance. “Massachusetts needs to be ready, and our plan will make sure that we are.”
The essence of the initiatives is to properly arm residents, businesses and other entities in the face of the likes of Hurricane Sandy in 2012 which caused approximately $65 billion in damages, the recent pummeling of snow from Winter Storm Hercules, and to do so using the greenest energy technology possible.
Governor Patrick touted the commonwealth’s energy efficiency rating, leading the nation three years running in the category and calling for all applicable groups and organizations to bring home a fourth.
Of the $50 million to be dispersed by the governor, $40 million will go towards cities and towns to allow them to harden energy services at critical sites using clean energy technology,” while the remaining $10 million will be put in the service of “critical coastal infrastructure and dam repair,” as noted by Governor Patrick.
Weighing in all the way from the nation’s capital in Washington D.C. was junior Senator from Massachusetts Ed Markey, who praised the governor for his proactive stance on environmental actions and his willingness to increase the likes of clean energy in the face of climate change.
“Governor Patrick’s climate change preparedness initiative is a responsible and forward-looking investment in the future of the Bay State,” said Senator Markey. “The federal government should learn from states like Massachusetts that are moving aggressively to fight climate change and prepare for its impacts, and I applaud Governor Patrick and his administration for confronting this generational challenge with urgency and resources.”
Mayor Walsh reaffirmed his campaign promise to make positive environmental steps a priority of his administration. Speaking briefly, he pledged his unwavering support and any municipal resources to the governor’s initiatives, recognizing that Boston in particular is on the front lines of dealing with the wrath of Mother Nature, and hopes to avoid the same tragedy Hurricane Sandy brought upon New York City and much of coastal New Jersey.
