MACC Action Alert

June 25, 2012

Save the Endangered Species Act Today!

Dear Friends,

The Legislature is seriously considering revisions to the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act (MESA) which would result in an effective repeal of rare species protections.

The Joint Committee on Environment has approved Senate Bill 1854, An Act relative to land takings (filed by Senator Candaras) on June 14 and sent the bill to the House of Representatives. The redraft will:

Place burdensome, unprecedented requirements on the Division of Fisheries & Wildlife to be completed in 7 months, effectively undoing current protections.
Inject uncertainty, delays and unnecessary conflict in the project review process, leading to potential fines and lawsuits against landowners and developers.
Up-end long-standing adjudicatory procedures and case law putting the Division on a different footing than every other agency in the Commonwealth.

Together, this unfunded mandate would create an unworkable system; and is unnecessary. To learn more, read the detailed letter signed by 72 organizations at this link, which includes a bill summary and FAQ. Click this link for the S.1854 redraft.

Please ACT NOW!

Common Loons We urge you to contact your state representative and senator – by phone, email or mail – today. Ask them to support our heroes at the Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program and oppose S.1854, An Act relative to land takings.

If you are able, please also ask your state representative to request a meeting for you to talk with the House Ways & Means Chairman, Representative Dempsey, so you can let him know directly how strongly we oppose this unnecessary legislation.

Find out who your legislators are and how to contact them HERE.

Thank you for stepping up to protect endangered species!

For more info on MACC's education, advocacy & resources go to
www.MACCweb.org or facebook.com/MACCweb.org

Contact MACC at staff@MACCweb.org or call 617.489.3930
10 Juniper Road, Belmont, MA 02478