Washington (January 14, 2014) – After a year that saw unprecedented storms, accelerating sea level rise, and unusually warm ocean water, Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick today announced a plan along with major investments to address the present and future impacts of climate change on Massachusetts. Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), lead co-Chair of the Climate Clearinghouse and co-chair of the Bicameral Task Force on Climate Change, praised the announcement. 

 

“As we saw with Superstorm Sandy, climate change already is affecting Massachusetts and the New England region in a major way. We need to be prepared to protect vulnerable communities and infrastructure against extreme weather, new health threats, and rising seas that accompany a warming planet. Governor Patrick’s climate change preparedness initiative is a responsible and forward-looking investment in the future of the Bay State. From hardening the electricity grid to protecting our long, densely populated coastline, we must take steps now to ensure Massachusetts is a safe and healthy place to live for future generations. 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.”