Lobby Day for Nature

Citing a once-in-a-generation chance to meaningfully address chronic underinvestment of nature and climate, clean up our air, water and landscapes, and build communities that are more resilient to a changing climate, members of several environmental groups lobbied Massachusetts lawmakers this week.

Massachusetts constituents along with representatives from Mass Audubon, the Appalachian Mountain Club, Mass Rivers Alliance and Mass Land Coalition met in-person and online with state representatives and senators to advocate for nature and climate funding. Individuals shared why nature matters and asked for spending on nature-based solutions, such as significant increases in the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) program, which is far oversubscribed. The lobby effort occurred as the legislature is finalizing next year's budget with a multi-billion dollar surplus plus $2.5 billion in Covid relief funds and monies from the federal infrastructure bill that haven’t been allocated.

Andover residents met with Rep. Tram Nguyen on Tuesday and with Maria Villalona, who works in Sen. Barry Finegold’s office, on Thursday. The constituents thanked the Senator and the Representative for being strong environmental supporters to date. Constituents asked that each legislator go further, allocating more funds for the MVP program and moving climate mitigation and climate resiliency to the top priority in their legislative work.

Visits to nature preserves and state parks were up substantially during Covid times. At the same time, Massachusetts ranked 50th out of 50 states on a per capita expenditure on open space. The constituents emphasized that this is unacceptable and that Massachusetts needs to be investing in nature-based solutions. Some of the nature-based solutions mentioned included trees providing shade which is especially critical as heat waves increase in duration and intensity, trees absorbing carbon, natural infrastructure reducing the impact of river flooding, solar and wind energy, and open spaces providing sources of relaxation, recreation and opportunities to marvel at our earth.

Listen to WAMC, northeast public radio, interview Michelle Manion, Vice President of Policy And Advocacy at Mass Audubon, as she shares her goals in the lobbying effort.