Media Alert: Tarr on NECN

Expected tonight on New England Cable News, a report by Ally Donnelly NECN on the state of sex offender classification for convicted sex offenders.

I talked with Ally about the ramifications of a recent State Supreme Court decision that could put hundreds of offenders is classification limbo. Tune in tonight at 9 PM.

REAL ID and Assuring Only Lawful Residents Can Receive a License Or ID

Today the Senate Republican Caucus sent this letter to Governor Charlie Baker to ask him to thoroughly review legislation, in the new state budget now on the Governor's desk, that sets standards for compliance with the federal REAL ID law. Specifically, Caucus members want to make certain that only those who are in the country lawfully can receive a state issued ID, permit or driver's license.

REAL ID Letter to Governor Baker by Anonymous xNuOZ0 on Scribd

BAKER-POLITO ADMINISTRATION ANNOUNCES FUNDING FOR GLOUCESTER’S JODREY STATE PIER

The Jodrey State Fish Pier is an asset that’s critical to the survival of the commercial fishing industry, and it must be kept ready and able to land and process fishery products of all kinds. This investment reflects an understanding of that, and support for an industry that is facing threats on so many fronts.

Here is a news release with more details.

Pier renovations will maintain critical maritime infrastructure

Boston – Today the Baker-Polito Administration announced $1.1 million in funding to advance the renovation of the Jodrey State Pier in Gloucester. The funding will support the City of Gloucester’s working port, by ensuring that Gloucester’s commercial fishing fleet maintains reliable access to critical port infrastructure, including cold storage and freezing facilities.

“Our administration is supporting blue jobs with a full range of maritime economic development opportunities, including commercial fishing and lobstering, cargo shipping, tourism, maritime innovation and clean energy,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “This commitment to Jodrey State Pier advances the long-term vitality of Gloucester’s commercial port and the future of our working fishermen and lobstermen.”

“This strategic investment in Gloucester’s waterfront is the result of close collaboration across multiple agencies, under the Seaport Economic Council,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “By rehabilitating and modernizing Jodrey State Pier, we are demonstrating our commitment to deepening the economic impact of state maritime facilities, and providing responsible stewardship of publicly-owned assets.”

Jodrey State Pier hosts commercial fishing, lobstering, and fish processing activities. The roof of the pier’s cold storage and freezing operation is severely deteriorating, imperiling the pier’s commercial viability. The Commonwealth’s $1.1 million funding commitment will replace the roof of the pier’s cold storage building, preserving the port’s commercial viability. Construction is scheduled to commence this fall.

“By making this $1.1 million investment to the Jodrey State Pier in Gloucester, the Baker-Polito Administration is sending a clear message to the city and the region that the maritime industry remains an incredibly important component to the state’s economy,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton. “The renovation of the cold storage facility will ensure the working port will remain viable and more attractive for future use, and I am proud of the financial commitment this Administration has made to the City of Gloucester and the region as a whole.”

State House Lobster Day

I am proud to be a sponsor of the annual celebration of our lobster industry—a sustainable option for our fishermen, a partner with marine and environmental experts, and a source for millions of dollars in economic activity.

You will also learn about pressures facing the industry, including competition from international suppliers and processors of lobster.

Please stop by for free samples of lobster bisque (beginning at 12PM), a chance to meet the New England Aquarium’s baby lobsters, drawings to win lobster, and the opportunity to talk with local leaders in the Lobster Industry. Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Matthew Beaton will be there as well.

Happy Fourth of July America!

Hamilton Goes Green and Get Green

Congratulations to the Town of Hamilton for having been awarded Green Communities funding of $250,000 from Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton today.

Hamilton was one of only 47 cities and towns to successfully compete for funds for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. As a 'Green Community' Hamilton is committed to reducing energy consumption by 20 percent over five years. This will help to save money, lower emissions, and improve public health.

Building a Brighter Energy Future

This week, the Senate is expected to take action on a bill that will modernize and strengthen our state’s renewable power supply and foster our energy independence through competitive contracting, a diversified pool of generation, and greater efforts in expanding efficiency.

The Senate bill, an Act to Promote Energy Diversity, contains a robust set of renewable energy components which will require the procurement of on and off-shore wind energy, an expansion of the Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard which doubles the growth rate to meet emissions standards, and the opportunity for large-scale hydropower generation projects.

“Our region stands to lose more than 10,000 megawatts of electric generation in the next decade and beyond, and we must chart a course to replacing that power with carefully planned, cost-effective and environmentally sound sources of energy that residents and employers can depend on. The time to start that process is now,” said Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr.

The bill goes a long way to lowering emissions, drawing from cost-effective resources and sparking infrastructure investments and industry job growth in advanced manufacturing for energy storage systems. Members of the Senate Republican Caucus are supporting measures which will require utility companies to use transparent and cost-effective procurement through long-term contracts.

Building on the foundation of the bill, members of the Senate Republican Caucus are offering several individual amendments to boost our supply of environmentally sound energy. Among them are measures to:

• • Cause the state to create and maintain a comprehensive energy plan, updated every three years, to ensure that we have energy when we need it, and that its cost-effective and environmentally sound,
• Expand Off Shore Wind Energy Generation from the 2000 megawatts currently in the bill to 2400 megawatts,
• Expand Clean Energy Generation from the 12,450,000 megawatt-hours currently in the bill to 15,768,000 megawatt-hours,
• Direct the Department of Energy Resources to study cost recovery methods for lost and unaccounted for gas,
• Set procurement targets for commercially available technology capable of storing energy  produced by renewable sources for use when it is needed.

Republican Senators are seeking to ensure cost-effective long-term utility contracts to facilitate the Commonwealth’s clean energy goals and compliance with the statewide greenhouse gas emissions limits.

The omnibus energy bill is expected to attract world-leading developers of clean and renewable energy generation, create opportunities for thousands of new high-tech jobs and jointly competitive long-term clean energy transmission which will help the state reach goals in reducing greenhouse gas emissions established in the Global Warming Solutions Act.