HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 1748        FILED ON: 1/17/2019

HOUSE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No. 749

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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PRESENTED BY:

Michael S. Day, (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:

HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 1748        FILED ON: 1/17/2019

HOUSE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No. 749

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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In the One Hundred and Ninety-First General Court
(2019-2020)

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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, 1.) 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, exaggerated extremes in

storms, and other effects.

2.) While there are numerous arguments regarding causation, its extent, and its potential

severity, there is little argument, as to the reality of these circumstances.

3.) Important aspects of government, public policy, and public services, include, but not

limited to, providing for the public good, in terms of lives, public health, public safety,

and reasonable protection of property, both public, and private.

4.) 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.

5.) 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; and its cities, and towns.

6.) It is in the interests of all residents of our Commonwealth, that their local governments in

the municipalities, and other public agencies, be able 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.

7.) 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.

8.) 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, insurance adjusters, financial

organizational planners, infrastructure experts, and ordinary citizens.

9.) Duration of Commission – This Commission shall hold regular hearings, at least four per

year, across the Commonwealth, and file reports, on an at least annual basis, completing its

business, not later than five (5) years after its establishment.