SENATE DOCKET, NO. 960        FILED ON: 1/19/2017

SENATE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No. 453

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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PRESENTED BY:

Jason M. Lewis, (BY REQUEST)

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To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General
Court assembled:

The undersigned legislators and/or citizens respectfully petition for the adoption of the accompanying resolve:

Resolve to review, consider, and evaluate, and to establish a suitable body and/or Special Commission to consider Climate Change Economic Consequences.

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PETITION OF:

SENATE DOCKET, NO. 960        FILED ON: 1/19/2017

SENATE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No. 453

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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In the One Hundred and Ninetieth General Court
(2017-2018)

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Resolve to review, consider, and evaluate, and to establish a suitable body and/or Special Commission to consider Climate Change Economic Consequences.

Resolved, 2.) It appears, and it is generally agreed, that Climate Change, is occurring, across our Planet Earth, and that there are actual present consequences, and potential actual future consequences of these circumstances. It has generally been determined that there is a global warming phenomena, that this can also lead to various extremes, that cause rises in water levels, extreme variations in temperature, risks of extreme droughts, and other effects.

3.) While there are numerous arguments regarding causation, its extent, and its potential severity, there is little argument, as to the reality of these circumstances.

4.) Important aspects of government, public policy, and public services, include providing for the public good, in terms of public health, public safety, and reasonable protection of property, both public, and private.

5.) Recent disasters, and continuing erosion, especially along the Massachusetts coast, numerous flooding events within the Commonwealth, and other severe weather events, have caused damage to the Commonwealth, its citizens, its businesses, and its economic costs; and potentially presage many further, potentially damaging events.

6.) While larger policies, can most effectively be dealt with by the broader Federal agencies, and government; and various international agreements; there are numerous practical circumstances, that should be addressed, and measured, in terms of looking forward, for the reasonable security of our Commonwealth.

7.) It is in the interests of all residents of our Commonwealth, their local governments in the municipalities, and other public agencies, to anticipate such costs, needs for various actions, and what amounts of financing, may be needed, as part of responsible public services, and long-term planning. This will assist residents, home owners, businesses, institutions, and other stakeholders, in their long-term planning, as well as their ordinary operations.

8.) Therefore, this Resolve, creates a Climate Change Economic Consequences Commission, to collect data (including both existing, and new needed data); assess various likely, and possible, scenarios, relating to climate changes, environmental variations, and other reasonable adjustments of public policy; and to report on various levels of cost, appropriate descriptions of insurance, and financing; in terms of individuals, possible disasters, and other related matters, that are important to the people of our Commonwealth.

9.) Membership – The membership of this Commission shall be appointed as follows: A total membership of twenty-one (21); five (5) appointed by the Governor, five (5) by the President of the Senate, five (5) by the Speaker of the House; and the remaining six (6) by the first fifteen (15), from individuals of the Commonwealth applying, including representatives of organizations, scientists, local city and town municipalities, and ordinary citizens.

10.) Duration of Commission – This Commission shall hold regular hearings, across the Commonwealth, and file reports, on an at least annual basis, completing its business, not later than five (5) years after its establishment.