Engage in DC regulatory fight to protect our fishing fleet
Q: What will you do to protect our farmers and fishermen while at the same time, promoting sustainable fishing and agriculture?
PATRICK: First of all, I commend the lieutenant governor for getting engaged in those regulatory fights in Washington.
That is important, both to the Gloucester fleet and to the New Bedford fleet. The issues of protection of George's Bank to the fishing opportunities in the areas where we're talking about LNG off of Gloucester are incredibly important.
Source: 2006 MA Gubernatorial debate on Fox News with Chris Wallace
Sep 25, 2006
Actively protect water and wetlands
Repairing sewers and storm drains, treating wastewater, and modernizing our water infrastructure are essential responsibilities of government.
My administration will get those jobs done. We will also restore the Commonwealth's leadership among the states in protecting coastal and inland wetlands.
Focus on environmental justice in poor communities
[I support] environmental health and justice. My administration will not sideline poor communities and communities of color when it comes to addressing the use of toxic chemicals and the clean-up of polluted sites. The Department of Environmental
Protection will have appropriate resources to run the state's clean-up program. Massachusetts has made an important start on reducing toxic mercury emissions from power plants, but [we should] work to phase out the use of mercury in consumer products.
Public transportation is good for the environment, for our communities, for our quality of life and for our economy. I will invest in high quality, efficient, convenient, safe, and attractive public transportation across the state.
My administration will make transportation policy a centerpiece of "smart growth," and will work with local governments and developers on incentives to redevelop under-used parcels of land near public transportation.
