Just a quick list of some Environmental Bills that passed this Session, and some that didn’t:
Passed:
- Tree removal on Properties controlled by DEEP
- Restoration of Eel Grass
- Harvesting of Horseshoe Crabs
- Limiting nighttime lighting of State-owned buildings at certain times for the protection of birds
- Managing waste and creating a waste authority
- Authorizing the establishment of a Seabird and Shorebird Protection Program
- Authorizing certain killing of Black bears, Prohibiting Bird Feeders and other unintentional feeding
Failed:
- The use of certain Rodenticides
- Use of Neonicotinoids
- Greenhouse Gas emissions
- Zero carbon emissions
- Intentional release of certain balloons
- The State Plan of Conservation and Development
- Financial Incentives for certain Streamside River buffers
Note on Pesticides: Senate Bill 963, a bill banning of neonicotinoids, and Senate bill 962, which sought to restrict the use of deadly rodenticides, were critical measures for protecting our pollinators and bird populations. The Senate co-chair of the Environmental Committee refused to raise these bills in his chamber, and both failed.
The bill on banning release of helium balloons, but only after removing the fine! More work needs to be done on this bill. We must continue to press for NO RELEASE.
— Gerri Giordano, FGCCT Legislation Chair