Resource our state environmental agencies so they can carry out their essential and broad responsibilities

Only 0.62% of the state’s operating budget is allocated to protect our environment, fight climate change, and preserve our natural resources. Current agency funding is insufficient to meet these growing demands.

Public parks, recreation, and open spaces have sustained our communities throughout the pandemic and they are experiencing higher visitation than ever before. Tourism, agriculture, outdoor recreation, the fishing industry, and clean energy are important job and revenue generators. The state’s recently released draft 2030 Clean Energy and Climate Plan along with the Next Generation Climate bill will require more of the state agencies as we move to achieve our net zero mandate.

Our Green Budget priority line-items are:
  • Increase the Department of Environmental Protection’s (MassDEP) Administration line item (2200-0100) by $6.88M to $40M (from $39.78M in FY21). Governor’s Budget is $33.12M.
  • Increase the Department of Conservation and Recreation’s (DCR) State Parks and Recreation line item (2810-0100) by $2.62M to $50M (from $51.53M in FY21 with earmarks). Governor’s Budget is $47.38M.
  • Increase MassWildlife’s Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program line item (2310-0300) to $1M (from $500k in FY21). Governor’s Budget is $154,222.
  • Increase the Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) FY22 operating budget line item (2300-0101) by $400k to $3M (from $2.6M in FY21). Governor’s Budget is $2M.
  • Increase the Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA): Climate Adaptation and Preparedness line item (2000-0101) by $3M to $5.2M (from $2.2M). Governor’s budget is $2.2M.