1 of 1
HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 3556 FILED ON: 1/20/2023
HOUSE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No. 778
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
_________________
PRESENTED BY:
Michael S. Day, (BY REQUEST)
_________________
To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General
Court assembled:
The undersigned legislators and/or citizens respectfully petition for the adoption of the accompanying
resolve:
Resolve to review, consider, and evaluate, and to establish a suitable body and/or special
commission to consider climate change economic consequences.
_______________
PETITION OF:
NAME:DISTRICT/ADDRESS :DATE ADDED:Vincent L. Dixon60 Lake Street – Unit N Winchester,
Mass. 01890
1/20/2023 1 of 3
HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 3556 FILED ON: 1/20/2023
HOUSE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No. 778
By Representative Day of Stoneham (by request), a petition (accompanied by resolve, House,
No. 778) of Vincent L. Dixon for an investigation by a special commission (including members
of the General Court) to study the economic consequences of climate change. Environment and
Natural Resources.
[SIMILAR MATTER FILED IN PREVIOUS SESSION
SEE HOUSE, NO. 877 OF 2021-2022.]
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
_______________
In the One Hundred and Ninety-Third General Court
(2023-2024)
_______________
Resolve to review, consider, and evaluate, and to establish a suitable body and/or special
commission to consider climate change economic consequences.
1 Resolved, 1.) It appears, and it is generally agreed, that Climate Change, is occurring,
2across our Planet Earth, and that there are actual present consequences, and potential actual
3future consequences of these circumstances. It has generally been determined that there is a
4global warming phenomena, that this can also lead to various extremes, that cause rises in water
5levels, extreme variations in temperature, risks of extreme droughts, exaggerated extremes in
6storms, and other effects.
7 2.) While there are numerous arguments regarding, specific details of causation, its
8extent, and its potential severity, there is little argument, as to the reality of these circumstances. 2 of 3
9 3.) Important aspects of government, public policy, and public services, include, but are
10not limited to, providing for the public good, in terms of lives, public health, public safety, and
11reasonable protection of property, both public, and private.
12 4.) Recent disasters, and continuing erosion, especially along the Massachusetts coast,
13numerous flooding events within the Commonwealth, and other severe weather events, have
14caused damage to the Commonwealth, its citizens, its businesses, and its economic costs; and
15potentially presage many further, potentially damaging events.
16 5.) While larger policies, can most effectively be dealt with by the broader Federal
17agencies, and government; and various international agreements; there are numerous practical
18circumstances, that should be addressed, and measured, in terms of looking forward, for the
19reasonable security of our Commonwealth; and its cities, and towns.
20 6.) It is in the interests of all residents of our Commonwealth, that their local
21governments in the municipalities, and other public agencies, be able to anticipate such costs,
22needs for various actions, and what amounts of financing, may be needed, as part of responsible
23public services, and long-term planning. This will assist residents, home owners, businesses,
24institutions, and other stakeholders, in their long-term planning, as well as their ordinary
25operations.
26 7.) Therefore, this Resolve, creates a Climate Change Economic Consequences
27Commission, to collect data (including both existing, and new needed data); assess various
28likely, and possible, scenarios, relating to climate changes, environmental variations, and other
29reasonable adjustments of public policy; and to report on various levels of cost, appropriate 3 of 3
30descriptions of insurance, and financing; in terms of individuals, possible disasters, and other
31related matters, that are important to the people of our Commonwealth.
32 8.) Membership – The membership of this Commission shall be appointed as follows: A
33total membership of twenty-one (21); five (5) appointed by the Governor, five (5) by the
34President of the Senate, five (5) by the Speaker of the House; and the remaining six (6) by the
35first fifteen (15); from individuals of the Commonwealth applying, including representatives of
36organizations, scientists, local city and town municipalities, insurance adjusters, financial
37organizational planners, infrastructure experts, and ordinary citizens.
38 9.) Duration of Commission – This Commission shall hold regular hearings, at least four
39(4) per year, across the Commonwealth, and file reports, on an at least annual basis, completing
40its business, not later than five (5) years after its establishment.