The Boston skyline as seen from Boston Harbor. Photo: Jerry Monkman
December 11, 2019 (BOSTON, MA) – Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) released the following statement today after the Boston City Council passed an important ordinance designed to protect local wetlands while promoting climate change adaptation in the city.
“This rule is a critical step forward in preparing Boston for the impacts of the climate crisis we know are coming,” said Deanna Moran, Director of Environmental Planning at CLF. “Protecting natural resources does not have to come at the expense of critical climate adaptation measures, and this ordinance strikes the right balance.”
The ordinance, introduced by Councilors Michelle Wu and Matt O’Malley, is designed to balance the protection of critical resource areas with providing flexibility for the implementation of climate resilience measures. The ordinance also expands the jurisdiction of the Boston Conservation Commission in recognition of the fact that climate change will increase the amount of land in the City that is at risk of flooding. CLF previously submitted a letter to the City Council in support of the ordinance, which can be found here.
CLF experts are available for further comment.
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