Showing posts with label plastics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label plastics. Show all posts

Saturday, April 22, 2023

Senator Rausch Celebrates Earth Month With Legislation To Drive Climate Action And Environmental Justice

This Earth Month, Senator Becca Rausch (D-Needham) joins community leaders, activists, and experts to raise awareness about environmental protection work targeted at achieving our Commonwealth’s climate action goals. Earlier this term, Senator Rausch, who serves as the Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on the Environment and Natural Resources, filed several bills to decrease carbon emissions, improve air quality, reduce plastic pollution, and build a more sustainable future for all.
“Climate change is among the greatest challenges of our time, and we must address it immediately and comprehensively,” said Senator Rausch. “The robust climate action we need must enhance our recently enacted legislation by further reducing dangerous carbon emissions, curbing single-use plastics that pollute our environment, restoring air quality, and enhancing environmental justice.”

Single-use plastics such as bags, bottles, and utensils are produced using fossil fuels and have detrimental effects on the environment, marine life, and public health. Moreover, less than 10 percent of existing plastics are recycled. While nearly half the municipalities in the Commonwealth have adopted single-use plastic bag rules, it is estimated that Massachusetts residents use more than 2 billion plastic bags per year and statewide plastic reduction legislation has yet to pass.

An Act to reduce plastics (S.570), filed by Senator Rausch, seeks to reduce single-use plastics in the Commonwealth by enacting a uniform plastic bag ban, disposable food service ware limits, and a permanent statewide car seat recycling program. The Plastic Reduction Act would also create an Environmental Protection Trust Fund to support environmental justice populations and small businesses in their transition to environmentally friendly products.

As the Plastic Reduction Act expands on the successes of municipalities, this session’s updated Better Buildings Act (S.2178) builds upon prior successes at the state level secured by Senator Rausch and a broad coalition of environmental experts and activists. With large building energy reporting requirements already enacted into law, this bill would create statewide energy efficiency standards for existing large buildings, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions and boosting our ongoing climate action efforts.

Greenhouse gas emissions damage the planet’s ozone layer, leading to negative impacts for human and environmental health. Just last week, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection issued an air quality alert across eastern and northeastern counties in the Commonwealth, asking people with heart or lung disease to reduce prolonged exposure outdoors as they are at greater risk of health complications from increases in ozone levels. Air pollution remains a silent killer in Massachusetts, responsible for an estimated 2,780 deaths in 2019. “Large buildings account for a significant portion of greenhouse gas emissions in Massachusetts. We must use every tool in our toolbox to address the serious
 
harms of air pollution on residents of the Commonwealth. The Better Buildings Act is necessary climate action legislation to improve energy efficiency, replacing fossil fuel heating with cleaner alternatives,” said Senator Rausch.

Senator Rausch also filed legislation to improve air quality through converting school buses from diesel fuel to electric (S.2288), and address equity in water quality and access through comprehensive data collection and analysis about water shut offs, tax liens, and unaffordability (S.2177). Each of these bills address existing issues that disproportionately impact environmental justice communities.

Senator Rausch’s climate legislation takes a multifaceted approach to addressing climate change through an equitable, data-driven lens. These bills now await hearings before their respective legislative committees. For more information on Senator Rausch’s legislative portfolio, visit https://malegislature.gov/Legislators/Profile/RLR0.

First elected in 2018, Senator Becca Rausch represents the Norfolk, Worcester, and Middlesex District, comprised of Bellingham, Dover, Franklin, Medfield, Milford, Millis, Needham, Norfolk, Plainville, Sherborn, and Wrentham.

Sunday, November 6, 2022

Boston Globe: "Plastic recycling is a ‘myth,’ study says"

"Of the 51 million tons of plastic waste US households generated in 2021, just 2.4 million tons — or 5 percent — was recycled, new research shows.

The findings provide yet more proof that plastic recycling is a “myth,” says the new analysis, published by the environmental nonprofit Greenpeace USA this week.

Plastic, which is made from fossil fuels, is notoriously difficult to recycle. A major reason: Though they can be broken down into broad categories, there are thousands of varieties of the material, each with its own chemical makeup. Most cannot be recycled together, so to be processed, they must be meticulously sorted. Still, hundreds of millions of tons of plastic are produced each year, which is a major problem for the climate: Plastic production and disposal account for 3.4 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
While recycling maybe a "myth" that they are created from fossil fuels is the major issue for our overall climate challenge. How do we find reasonable alternatives?

Download the full report for your reading pleasure -> 

Boston Globe: "Plastic recycling is a ‘myth,’ study says"
Boston Globe: "Plastic recycling is a ‘myth,’ study says"

Saturday, May 7, 2022

If all we get is 5%, maybe it is time to ask what can we do better?

When most people toss a plastic bottle or cup into the recycling bin, they assume that means the plastic is recycled – but a new report lays bare how rarely that actually happens.

According to the Last Beach Cleanup and Beyond Plastics, the organization behind the report released on Wednesday, the recycling rate for post-consumer plastic was just 5% to 6% in 2021.

The Department of Energy also released a research paper this week, which analyzed data from 2019, and came to the same number: only 5% of plastics are being recycled. The researchers on that report wrote that landfilled plastic waste in the United States has been on the rise for many reasons, including “low recycling rates, population growth, consumer preference for single-use plastics, and low disposal fees in certain parts of the country”, according to a press release.

Continue reading the article (subscription may be required)

Last Beach Cleanup & Beyond Plastics report -> 

 

If all we get is 5%, maybe it is time to ask what can we do better?
If all we get is 5%, maybe it is time to ask what can we do better?

Wednesday, July 8, 2020

Plastic Bag Prohibition - effective date delayed

In late March, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker banned reusable bags and lifted local bans on plastic bags at grocery stores and pharmacies as part of his administration's steps to limit the spread of the Coronavirus. 

To comply with this order the Town of Franklin is delaying the start of the plastic bag prohibition which was originally slated to go into effect July 1st, 2020. 

The Plastic Bag Prohibition will go into effect when the Governor lifts the ban on reusable bags, once the ban is lifted the Town will send out a notification with a formal start date for the plastic bag prohibition to begin. 


Shared from the Town of Franklin page:
https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/update-plastic-bag-prohibition

Plastic Bag Prohibition - effective date delayed
Plastic Bag Prohibition - effective date delayed

Saturday, February 15, 2020

“a step in the right direction”

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Falling into step with many other area communities, Franklin this year will become yet another place unfriendly to thin-film, single-use plastic bags.

Town councilors on Wednesday voted to eliminate use of the ubiquitous plastic bags at checkout by all retailers, taking official action following an initial and extensive discussion of the topic last month during the first of two required readings of the bylaw.

According to Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, the ban will take effect on July 1, though local businesses will have an option to seek a three-month compliance extension if needed to use up existing stock.

The ordinance, he said is “very similar to others. It’s very close to the Medfield bylaw, which has been approved by the attorney general.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200214/franklin-adopts-plastic-bags-ban/1

The FHS students who persisted in advancing the plastic bag reduction were recognized with a proclamation for their efforts
The FHS students who persisted in advancing the plastic bag reduction were recognized with a proclamation for their efforts

From October 2016
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/10/we-dont-need-to-put-each-piece-of.html
 

From Nov 2017
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/11/nearly-60-massachusetts-municipalities.html

And more recently from 2019
  • Economic Development Meeting 12/4/19
https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HyrcVWxX

  • Economic Development Meeting 10/23/19
https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/H1gfBHQX

Sunday, January 12, 2020

Town Council recap Jan 8 meeting: 67 Degree pouring license approved, goals discussed, plastic bag restriction moves closer to reality

The agenda was completed but not in the order as published due to the time requirements. This is not unusual for the Council especially when there is a scheduled hearing for 7:10 PM and they don't have enough to do before that time runs around. In this case, they skipped ahead to cover an 'easy' item, the reintroduction of the snow removal bylaw (which turned out to be lease than 'easy.')

The discussion on the snow removal bylaw could have been straight forward. The Council had given a sense of the state for the reintroduction. The prior wording was reviewed by Town Administrator and Legal Counsel to bring the new version forward addressing the major problem from the prior - lack of enforcement.

During the discussion, it was revealed that none of the businesses, nor the Downtown Partnership, had been given a heads up on the proposal. The item was withdrawn from consideration by the Council and referred to the Economic Development Subcommittee for further discussion and review. It will likely come back to the Council but as the next EDC meeting is scheduled for Feb 5, it won't be likely to provide any relief for this winter season.

The Council turned to the 7:10 hearing and approval for the pouring license for Franklin Brewing Company doing business as 67 Degrees. They are working toward opening at 158 Grove St. They still have some final approvals and work to complete before opening but the pouring license is now approved.

The plastic bag reduction or prohibition (as opposed to ban) came up for discussion and was moved to a second reading. The FHS students will be invited to the next meeting (apparently had a school event conflict with this meeting) to be on hand for eventual approval.

The storm water bylaw moved forward to become a reality. The subcommittee to work out the details for the fee structure still needs to be named. The work to change the quarterly billing statement to add this line item to the current water/sewer and trash/recycling is also underway.

After completing the legislation for action, Town Administrator Jamie Hellen reminded the Council that they had not covered the goals and objectives. The Council then dug into that document as Jamie went through section by section. Multiple additions or clarifications were made along the way.

The Actions Taken document has not yet been published. A link to that will be added when available.

Additional details from the meeting may be found in my notes recorded live during the meeting.

  • Live reporting: TA report to Closing
 https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/01/live-reporting-ta-report-to-closing.html
  • Live reporting: License Transaction - Presentation...
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/01/live-reporting-license-transaction.html
  • Live reporting: Legislation for Action (updated)
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/01/live-reporting-legislation-for-action.html
  • Live reporting: Town Council - Jan 8, 2020
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/01/live-reporting-town-council-jan-8-2020.html

Town Council agenda links
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/01/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-jan-8.html

storm water fee mock-up (from a recent bill for my household, the actual one may look different)
storm water fee mock-up (from a recent bill for my household, the actual one may look different)

Tuesday, December 24, 2019

Town Council recap for Dec 18 - plastic bag waste reduction moves forward

The FHS student group working on the plastic bag reduction plan achieved a milestone after several meetings with the Economic Development Subcommittee to prepare, the Town Council agreed to move the measure forward to be developed as a bylaw. The draft language previously discussed in the EDC meetings will be tweaked and brought forward to the Council for the first of two public readings, a public hearing and eventual vote.

Several items on the alcohol license front:
  • La Cantina received a license for the Farmers Market
  • Acupalco's move from downtown to Union St was approved
  • The Chateau corrected their operating hours changing them slightly
  • Glen Pharma Distillery gained approval for their tasting license
  • The yearly batch of license renewals was approved

The Actions Taken document has not yet been published. Once it has that link will be added.

Additional details can be found in my notes recorded live during the meeting
  • Live reporting: TA Report through to Closing
 https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/12/live-reporting-ta-report-through-to.html
  • Live reporting: Town Administrator Evaluation
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/12/live-reporting-town-administrator.html
  • Live reporting: Plastic Bag Waste Reduction
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/12/live-reporting-plastic-bag-waste.html
  • Live reporting: Alcohol Licenses - new, changes, a...
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/12/live-reporting-alcohol-licenses-new.html
  • Live reporting: Town Council - December 18, 2019
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/12/live-reporting-town-council-december-18.html

Glen Pharma Distillery gained approval for their tasting license
Glen Pharma Distillery gained approval for their tasting license

Wednesday, December 18, 2019

Live reporting: Plastic Bag Waste Reduction


8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
a. Plastic Bag Waste Reduction
Ethan leading a group of approx 14 students lined up to present each section of the plastic waste reduction plan

year long transition period to allow for work out of existing stock
can also apply for an additional 3 month waiver if necessary (just once)
state bill imposes a mandatory 10 cent fee, this does not
the State bill was passed by the Senate, and not by the House, no way to know for sure if it will pass
other communities are passing similar legislation around us
26 of 29 businesses talked with approve
347 signatures on petition
multiple meetings to prepare for this

Mercer - thank you, we applaud your efforts in bringing this forward

Hamblen - this group has been before the EDC four times
What if the State passed and overturned this?

Jones reading part(?) of the proposed bylaw for "clarification sake"

Earls - statement on recycling, questioning the single stream due to other recycling issues
"bag ban problematic in several ways" 
study from Australian professor questions the textbook case of the CA example

Bissanti - I don't want to see them leave here, let's give them the chance
let's get this done in Franklin

Dellorco -my concern was for the small businesses, you have answered that with this proposal and the implementation plan

Hamblen - they have encouraged people to try different materials
plastic with wood fibers so it will dissolve, another from a root, some of the smaller packets being made from sea weed; it is a statement to get people thinking

Kelly - thanks for changing from a ban to reduction, it plays better

really three options:

  1. send a resolution
  2. start a bylaw
  3. wait for the state

looking for a sense of where we are for which direction

bylaw
resolution (Earls)
bylaw
bylaw
bylaw
bylaw
bylaw
bylaw
(Mercer did not publicly declare)

hence bylaw is to be drafted, written then announced for two public hearings, and then voted on

it is possible that the State could get their act together and take it out of our hands

two minute recess




You can also find the full set of documents in one PDF
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/12-18-19_full_agenda_web_1.pdf

ALERT: Support HS students' Plastic Bag Ban at Franklin Town Council vote WED DEC 18!

"Wednesday, Dec 18, the Franklin Town Council will be voting on a bylaw for Plastic Bag Reduction. The meeting starts at 7 pm at the Town Hall, 2nd floor.

The students from Franklin High School have been working with the subcommittee of the Town Council, the Economic Development Committee, for about a year trying to get this bylaw ready. The students will be presenting, the result of all their work, the bylaw, to the Town Council.

It would be wonderful to have as many residents of Franklin as possible to attend the meeting to support the high school students and to encourage the council members to finally pass this bylaw.

Can you please show support your support of the students' efforts by attending the meeting?"

Thank you!

Carolyn Barthel
350 Mass Greater Franklin Node
508-473-3305 H


image from the proposal presentation by the FHS students
image from the proposal presentation by the FHS students in Oct 2016
From 2016
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/10/we-dont-need-to-put-each-piece-of.html


Economic Development Meeting 12/4/19
https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HyrcVWxX

Economic Development Meeting 10/23/19
https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/H1gfBHQX

Monday, December 9, 2019

FM #185 - Plastic Waste Reduction approved to move to Town Council

FM #185

This internet radio show or podcast is number 185 in the series for Franklin Matters.

This recording shares Economic Development Subcommittee meeting held on Wednesday, Dec 4, 2019.

One item was on the agenda for this session, the FHS student proposal on “Plastic Waste Reduction.” Yes, this is the revised proposal name as this is the first step to address the plastic shopping bags, then as time and resources permit, address other plastic items.

With a new Town Council elected in November 2019, there was a slight re-organization of this subcommittee. Councilor Matt Kelly is no longer a member and he has been replaced by Councilor Andy Bissanti. Councilor Melanie Hamblin now is Chair for this subcommittee. Councilors Glenn Jones and Eamon McCarthy Earls remain as members.

After going around in discussion, the measure was voted to bring forward to the Town Council for the Dec 18 meeting. The vote was 3-1 (Earls voting no).

The meeting runs approx 38 minutes.


https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HyrcVWxX



-------------


This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but I can't do it alone. I can always use your help.

How can you help?
  • If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors.
  • If you don't like this, please let me know.

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements.
Thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"
search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Tuesday, December 3, 2019

Economic Development Subcommittee - Agenda - Dec 4, 2019

Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting
Municipal Building
355 East Central Street, 3rd Floor Training Room Franklin, MA
December 4, 2019
6:00 PM

Announcements:
This meeting may be recorded by audio or video


Discussion:
1 - Plastic Bag Ban Proposal



The agenda doc can also be found on the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/economic-development-subcommittee/events/234913


Prior EDC meetings
 
 
Economic Development Subcommittee - Agenda - Dec 4, 2019
Economic Development Subcommittee - Agenda - Dec 4, 2019

Friday, November 22, 2019

Governor Baker has some reading to do

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"A ban on flavored tobacco and tax on e-cigarettes, a $1.5 billion public education funding overhaul, and a new attempt to crack down on distracted driving all landed on Gov. Charlie Baker’s desk as lawmakers wrapped up their formal business of the year.

His immediate response to all three proposals: no major objections but he wants to read the bills.

Baker has supported parts of each bill or filed his own similar versions, but it remains unclear whether the governor will sign any of the legislation sent to him, return something with a proposed amendment or veto a proposal. In separate public comments Thursday, Baker declined to outline his plans explicitly."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20191121/baker-no-major-objection-to-bills


The Student Opportunity Act
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/11/massachusetts-legislature-votes-to.html

Distracted Driving
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/11/massachusetts-legislature-passes.html

Flavored Tobacco Ban
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/11/ma-senate-passes-landmark-legislation.html

The Senate also passed a plastic bag ban on their last day of work in this session but it still needs to be reconciled with the House version before going to the Governor.

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

In the News: Medway votes to approve bag ban; new exit numbers coming to i495/MassPike

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Medway voted to ban carry-out plastic bags at its Fall Town Meeting Tuesday night in an effort to reduce litter and promote environmental sustainability. 
By a show of hands, Article 5 was approved by a little over half of residents present, amending the town’s general bylaws by adding a new article called “Article XXXII Plastic Bag Reduction.” The ban targets plastic check-out bags sold or provided to customers at any town establishment, but the following are still acceptable:

  • Thin plastic bags used to protect delivered newspapers
  • Laundry or dry-cleaning bags
  • Thin film bags, typically without handles, used to contain produce, meat or fish
  • Bags sold in packages containing multiple bags intended to be used for home food storage, garbage, waste, pet waste or yard waste
  • Product bags (bag integrated into packaging of a product)
  • Town Pay-As-You-Throw trash bags"
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20191119/medway-bans-plastic-check-out-bags


"Exit numbers on Massachusetts highways will be changing over the next two years, according to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. 
The state currently utilizes a sequential exit numbering method and will change to a mileage-based exit system in order to comply with a federal mandate, which was laid out in 2009. 
Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Delaware are the only three states that do not comply with the federal mandate at this time."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20191119/mass-pike-and-495-are-among-massachusetts-highways-that-are-getting-new-exit-numbers

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

In the News: legislation on plastic bag ban and distracted driving maybe on Governor's desk this week

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The Massachusetts Senate is now scheduled to vote on not one, but two consumer product bans on Wednesday in its final formal session of the year.

The chamber teed up legislation Monday that would forbid retail businesses from providing customers with single-use plastic bags, placing it on an agenda that already includes a House-approved bill banning flavored tobacco products and imposing a 75 percent tax on e-cigarettes.

Under the bill (S 459), stores in most cases could only offer recyclable paper bags or reusable bags for a fee of at least 10 cents at the point of sale. Retail establishments would be required to remit 5 cents for each paper bag sold to the state, which would in turn be directed to communities to fund bag ban enforcement, recycling promotion, waste reduction and other local environmental efforts."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20191118/senate-vote-could-take-single-use-plastic-bag-ban-closer-to-reality


"Nine years after the state implemented a difficult-to-enforce ban on texting while driving, five months after legislative negotiators began the latest attempt to take phones out of drivers’ hands, and three and a half months after their original agreement collapsed, lawmakers Monday queued up a compromise bill that could reach the governor’s desk as soon as this week.

The legislation, filed with support from all six members of a conference committee tasked with resolving differences between the original House and Senate versions, would forbid the use of all handheld electronic devices behind the wheel, except for those in hands-free mode. Drivers could view electronic maps on a device mounted to the windshield, dashboard or center console, but they could not use their hands to interact with any electronic beyond a single touch or tap to active hands-free mode.

Motorists who violate the new regulation would face fines between $100 and $500, and third and subsequent offenses would be surchargeable for insurance purposes."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20191118/drivers-will-only-be-allow-hands-free-use-of-all-electronic-devices-if-bill-passes

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

FM #181 - Economic Development Subcommittee - Oct 23, 2019 - (audio)

FM #181

This internet radio show or podcast is number 181 in the series for Franklin Matters.

This recording shares the meeting of the Economic Development Subcommittee on Wednesday, Oct 23, 2019. The only item on the agenda was the FHS student initiative on plastic bags.

The next meeting was not determined.There would be a new Council after the Nov 5 election and the Chair would need to confirm members of the subcommittee, as well as the timeline to bring the proposal to the Council.

The recording of the meeting itself runs approx 45 minutes.

Without further ado, here is the meeting of Oct 23.


https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/H1gfBHQX




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The handouts as referenced:

The student proposal (and agenda for meeting)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/101q3q2UP0GOjTZH_9_y04c47gT0RwVSu/view?usp=sharing

H771 drafts and talking points

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but I can't do it alone. I can always use your help.

How can you help? Overall:
  • If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors.
  • If you don't like this, please let me know.
Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements.
Thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"
search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Monday, October 21, 2019

Economic Development Subcommittee = Oct 23, 2019

Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting

Municipal Building - 355 East Central Street, 
3rd Floor Training Room, Franklin, MA

October 23, 2019 = 6:00 PM


Announcements:

This meeting may be recorded by audio or video.


Discussion:
1. Plastic Bag Ban Proposal



This was shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/economic-development-subcommittee/agenda/edc-agenda-16

Prior EDC meeting notes and audio recordings can be found

From the back of the room at the EDC meeting, Aug 14, 2019
From the back of the room at the EDC meeting, Aug 14, 2019

Wednesday, October 9, 2019

"Statewide plastic bag ban now before House committee"


From the Mass Municipal Association we find:
"Legislation that would ban the distribution of single-use plastic bags at all retail and food establishments is now before the House Committee on Ways and Means.

In July, the bill (H. 3945) was reported out of the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture, which made changes to a bill that was filed early this year.

The MMA testified in support of a statewide ban at the first hearing on the original bill in April, citing the precedent of more than 100 cities and towns that have already passed local bylaws or ordinances intended to curb the use of plastic bags. The MMA testimony noted that plastic bags get caught in machinery at recycling processing facilities, leading to breakdowns, delays and increased costs that are passed along to municipalities."
Continue reading the article online 
https://www.mma.org/statewide-plastic-bag-ban-now-before-house-committee/

The H.3945 bill can be found on the MA.gov site
https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/H3945

The FHS student proposal was before the Economic Development Subcommittee in August and as of that meeting was announced to be brought back for the Oct 23 EDC meeting. The Oct 23 meeting is not yet on the official Town of Franklin calendar.
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/08/fm-169-economic-development.html


A single-use plastic bag is caught on tall grasses in a field.
A single-use plastic bag is caught on tall grasses in a field.

Tuesday, August 20, 2019

FM #169 - Economic Development Subcommittee - Aug 14, 2019 (audio)

FM #169

This internet radio show or podcast is number 169 in the series for Franklin Matters.

This recording shares the Economic Development Subcommittee meeting held on August 14, 2019.

The notes from the meeting along with the agenda and reference documents are linked in these show notes.

A large (approx 25) group was gathered for this meeting. The first portion covered the continuation of the discussion with the Franklin High School students bringing the proposal to ban plastic bags back to the process and other community members on both sides.

The second portion of the meeting was a review and discussion of the revised proposal for the former Keigan auto dealer location. Folks may recall, there was an approved project for the combined Keigan and Ficco’s land. The approved project ran into delays and then stopped. The former Ficco’s property was separated from the deal and sold off to become the future home of New England Chapel.

The revised proposal would combine retail and residential in a mixed use development. Approx 100+ apartments are proposed. Entrance to the development would be via the existing Big Y entrance using the traffic signal already in place.

Joseph Halligan, the property owner/developer was looking for an endorsement of the project. The EDC is not in a position to do that.

Without further ado, here is the audio recording (approx 1 hour and 18 minutes).




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Additional Reference Links:

The agenda document for this session
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/08/reminder-economic-development.html

The 122 communities with plastic bag bans (as of the time of the meeting)
http://www.massgreen.org/plastic-bag-legislation.html

Plastic bags can be recycled (but not via the single stream process Franklin uses)  https://www.plasticfilmrecycling.org/

MA Chapter of Sierra Club
https://www.sierraclub.org/massachusetts/plastic-bags-0

National Conference of State Legislatures
http://www.ncsl.org/research/environment-and-natural-resources/plastic-bag-legislation.aspx

-----

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but I can't do it alone. I can always use your help.

How can you help?

Overall:

  • If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
  • If you don't like this, please let me know


Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements.
Thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes = search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters on iTunes
subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters on iTunes



“The idea is to cut back on all single-use bags”

From the Boston Globe, articles of interest for Franklin:
"As more and more cities across the state and country prohibit plastic shopping bags, a statewide ban came closer to reality last month. There’s just one major problem: Some of the most adamant supporters of efforts to enact a ban say they can’t support the bill. 
At the heart of the issue is an ideological battle over how well plastic bag ban policies actually work, and whether such legislation creates unintended environmental consequences. 
A coalition of environmental, retail, and municipal groups had worked with lawmakers to draft legislation with two key components: banning single-use plastic bags statewide and requiring a fee on all paper bags used during checkout. The bipartisan bill was sponsored by Representative Lori Ehrlich and Senator Jamie Eldridge, and endorsed by nearly 100 legislators and 200 constituent groups."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2019/08/19/massachusetts-plastic-bag-ban-now-tied-beacon-hill/Yc6mWZY5SyDgRz4Csnm5LJ/story.html

Reusable bags at the Big Y. (JONATHAN WIGGS/GLOBE STAFF)
Reusable bags at the Big Y. (JONATHAN WIGGS/GLOBE STAFF)

The plastic bag ban is under discussion by the Economic Development Committee and part of the June 12 and Aug 14 meetings

Aug 14
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/08/fm-169-economic-development.html

Jun 12
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/06/fm-165-economic-development.html