Volume 34 | April 7, 2021
Governor Baker Signs Comprehensive Climate Change Legislation

After months long negotiations between the governor and the state legislature, Governor Charlie Baker has signed a sweeping climate change bill into law with a goal of creating net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and furthers the Commonwealth’s commitment to combat climate change and protect its vulnerable communities.
Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker and Maine Governor Janet Mills provided keynote remarks at Climate Action New England: The Road to COP26 event. Hosted by the British Consulate-General of Boston, Greentown Labs, and the Consulate General of Italy in Boston, Governors Baker and Mills highlighted climate leadership in their respective states and policies championed that are accelerating an equitable, clean energy transition.
Governors Issue Joint Statement on the Rise in Anti-Asian Hate

Northeast Governors joined other bipartisan governors from around the country signing on to a joint statement to condemn anti-Asian racism.

"Today, and every day, we stand in solidarity, in support, and in shared resolve with the Asian American community. Hate will not divide our states, territories, and communities. We condemn all expressions of racism, xenophobia, scapegoating, and anti-Asian sentiment."
Governors Lamont and Baker Seek to Curb Prescription Drug Costs

Governor Ned Lamont and Governor Charlie Baker held a news conference regarding a joint effort between their administrations to reduce the cost of prescription drugs for the residents of Connecticut and Massachusetts.

“I think together we can make a difference and show the rest of the country how we can make the drug pricing a lot more predictable for some folks who need it,” said Governor Lamont.
News from the States
Connecticut
Governor Lamont, Six Other Governors Issue Letter Asking President Biden To Support Repealing the SALT Cap

Governor Lamont Applauds Committee Passage of Legislation To Reduce Transportation-Related Carbon Emissions
 
Maine
Mills Administration, FEMA Partner on Mobile Vaccination Unit to Provide COVID-19 Vaccines to Rural, Under-Served Communities Across Maine

Governor Mills accelerates ‘clean transportation’ plan to accomplish Maine’s climate goals

Massachusetts
Baker-Polito Administration Announces Transition to Phase IV of Reopening Plan
 

New Hampshire
NH Expands Eligibility, Additional 35,000+ Granite Staters Schedule Appointments
 
New Hampshire Launches Vaccine & Immunization Network Interface (VINI), Begin Phase 2A Scheduling
New York
Governor Cuomo Announces New York Power Authority's Economic Development Awards to Support 2,292 Jobs Across New York State

 
Rhode Island
Governor McKee vows to sign R.I. climate bill after it passes overwhelmingly (Boston Globe)


Vermont
Governor Phil Scott Introduces Plan for Economic Recovery and Revitalization

Governor Phil Scott and State Officials Announce the Vermont Forward Plan
Regional and Federal Updates

EIA expects U.S. motor fuel consumption to increase this summer, but remain below 2019 levels (EIA)

Senators Collins, King want to grow greenhouse gas reduction program (AP)

NOAA Bi-Weekly Congressional Drought Update - April 1st, 2021 (US Drought Monitor)

White House Details $2 Trillion Infrastructure Plan (Route Fifty)

Biden Infrastructure Plan Targets Electric Cars, Clean Power (Bloomberg)
Did you know?
The planet's average surface temperature has risen about 2.12 degrees Fahrenheit (1.18 degrees Celsius) since the late 19th century, a change driven largely by increased carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere and other human activities.