Issue Position: Environmental Issues

Issue Position

Preserving our Neighborhoods

I grew up in these communities, and Megan and I are raising our three sons here because of the natural beauty and open air resources our neighborhoods offer us.

As your State Representative, I will work tirelessly to preserve the natural charms of our towns and to combat the rising tide of urban and suburban sprawl by utilizing Smart Growth initiatives designed to improve our neighborhoods without damaging their unique character. I will work to pass legislation that updates antiquated zoning laws and enable our cities and towns to reduce unwanted sprawl. I will also use the power of my office to oppose developers who refuse to work cooperatively with neighbors and town officials and to support those who seek to redevelop our existing inventory of commercial and residential properties so that we can repurpose dilapidated and abandoned properties.

Additionally, we can (and should) expand mixed use housing options in our downtowns so that our seniors can choose to stay and enjoy the towns they have built and the next generation of residents can raise their own families here.

Combating Pollution and Climate Change

Massachusetts has made great strides in proving that sound environmental policies can also be highly beneficial to the economy. We can do more. I am in favor of the Commonwealth's march towards zero waste and will sponsor legislation to update the bottle bill and increase our recycling efforts.

As your State Representative, I will work to enact legislation forcing manufacturers to shoulder an increased share of the growing burden of e-waste recycling and disposal. Additionally, I will work to improve and adequately fund our public transportation system and infrastructure. Investments in both of those measures will not only save us money, but will also curb significant air and water pollution.

Climate Change is real. Global Warming is real. We must remain a national leader in the fight against climate change and its potentially devastating effects. I will use my experience and relationships on the federal level to advocate for increased incentives for initiatives that will reduce our carbon footprint and will allow us to redevelop hazardous "brownfield" sites in our towns.

I will be a staunch advocate for the renewable energy industry and will promote our state as the most attractive destination for start-up companies in the burgeoning "green economy" space. Together, we can support the phasing out of coal in Massachusetts and commit to expanding clean and renewable energy sources across the state.

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