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Support the
Public Lands Preservation Act (PLPA)
January 22, 2008
ATTENTION MASS. LAND TRUSTS!
We urge you to support passing
S. 2388, the Public Lands Preservation Act.
Call, and have your members call, their representatives and ask them to talk to Chairman of Ways and Means, Robert A. DeLeo and also to Speaker Salvatore DiMasi in support of this bill.
Support the PLPA Bill (S.2388)
The Public Lands Preservation Act (PLPA), also known as the Article 97 bill and the no-net-loss bill, would address and prevent the continual loss of public lands designated for natural resource purposes (Article 97 lands). PLPA would require that any change in use or disposition of Article 97 lands could occur only when there is no feasible alternative and if replacement land of equivalent acreage and market value is provided.
Article 97 lands were established by an amendment to the Massachusetts Constitution in 1997. Lands designated as Article 97 (parklands, watershed lands, wildlife habitats, and other protected lands) cannot be used for other purposes without a two-thirds vote of approval by the legislature. In reality, land transfer bills have frequently passed through the Massachusetts House and Senate unanimously with little or no debate. The environmental community is urging passage of the PLPA bill to ensure protection of our natural and historic resources of the Commonwealth.
"Crunch Time" - Time for Action
Many environmental organizations have endorsed the PLPA. Endorsements are great, but now actions are required. The PLPA bill passed the Senate and is in the House Committee on Ways and Means, where it died last session, and is awaiting current action.
Time is of the essence. If the PLPA bill is not reported out of Ways & Means by March 15, the Ides of March, it dies.
More details and background of the PLPA, including existing supporters and a link to a copy of the bill, are available at:
http://www.protectmassenvironment.org/public_lands_preservation_act.htm
Special thanks to the
Environmental League of Massachusetts for this Alert notice.
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