Global Warming in Massachusetts
Massachusetts Global Warming Legislation: Economic Drag or Stimulant? - 07/21/08
In case anyone didn't get the memo, energy prices are going up. This trend will most likely continue for two very simple reasons: Worldwide energy demand is rising, and global fossil fuel supplies are tightening.
Add to this the need for critical action on the part of all nations to reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in response to what is now a preponderance of evidence that continued reliance on fossil fuels will result in catastrophic changes to our climate and eco-systems.
It has been prophesied by some that taking state-level legislative action on climate change by capping allowable GHG emissions would place a tremendous burden on our local economy-especially at a time when the economic outlook is not all that rosy to begin with.
The thesis is that, by forcing our businesses to pursue energy-saving measures, and adding more expensive renewable energy into the supply stream, we will greatly add to their expense burden, thus reducing their competitiveness.
The Global Warming Solutions Act, the Green Communities Act, and the Green Jobs Act (which includes funding for clean energy R&D and entrepreneurship) will catalyze a tremendous increase in clean energy investment and new venture creation, which in turn will create jobs and grow our local economy.
USAA Members in Massachusetts Start Seeing Auto Insurance Rate Reductions 15% on Average - 03/27/08
Massachusetts drivers are now benefiting from the kind of insurance regulatory reform USAA has supported for many years. USAA members will start seeing auto insurance rate reductions - an average of 15 percent - as the first wave of auto insurance policies begins to renew this month.
The reductions are the direct result of efforts by the Massachusetts Division of Insurance to improve the state's regulatory environment. The regulatory change went into effect last year to allow private insurers to set their own rates for the first time in nearly 30 years.
"This rate reduction is an example of the tangible benefits of a truly competitive insurance market," said John Friedman, USAA assistant vice president for government relations. "We applaud Governor Patrick and Commissioner Burnes for allowing USAA to implement these rate reductions by modernizing a stale insurance regulatory system.
The new system goes into effect April 1, 2008. USAA members with policies renewing in April are already starting to receive their renewal statements with the new lower rates. Members will see the effects of the rate reductions throughout the year as their annual policies renew.
USAA has long-advocated for the state to modernize its regulatory system. Until now, all insurers were required to charge the same rates, which were set by the commissioner, creating a totally non-competitive market.
Temperatures in Massachusetts on the Rise - 07/24/07
Temperatures across Massachusetts were unusually warm in 2006, according to a new report released today by Environment Massachusetts. The average temperature in Boston's Logan International Airport was 1.8°F above average in 2006, while average temperatures at Worcester's Regional Airport reached 3.1°F degrees above normal. Environment Massachusetts said this warmer-than-normal weather is indicative of what Massachusetts can expect with continued global warming.
"Throw out the record books, because global warming is raising temperatures in Massachusetts and across the country," said Environment Massachusetts Director Frank Gorke. "The long-term forecast is for more of the same unless we quickly and significantly reduce global warming pollution from power plants and passenger vehicles," he continued.
According to the National Climatic Data Center, the 2006 summer and 2006 overall were the second warmest on record for the lower 48 states. Currently, 2007 is on track to be the second warmest year on record globally.
Then in July, the Union of Concerned Scientists predicted that Massachusetts could face rising temperatures, increased precipitation and drought, sea-level rise, coastal flooding, and shoreline change as a result of global warming. Their New England Climate Impacts Assessment report foresees negative impacts on human health from extreme heat and lower air quality, and also detrimental effects on agriculture, forests, winter recreation, and cod and lobster fisheries.
