BOSTON - The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) has scheduled six "listening sessions" to take public input on options for changes in administrative structures and programs to meet environmental goals in light of budget challenges.

After four rounds of spending reductions over the past two fiscal years and in anticipation of an equally challenging budget for next year, Governor Deval Patrick has instructed his Cabinet Secretaries to present him with options for departmental reorganization and consolidation, streamlined operations and procedures, and new models for doing the public's business.
In response to this directive, EEA Secretary Ian Bowles has named teams of EEA and department officials to explore three areas:

• Public-Private Partnerships - Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) Commissioner Rick Sullivan and EEA Senior Advisor and Counsel Christian Scorzoni
  • Is there potential for greater sharing of responsibility for the management and operation of DCR properties with other public and private entities in a way that preserves and enhances opportunity for active, outdoor recreation by the public?
• New Regulatory Models - Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Laurie Burt and EEA General Counsel Ken Kimmell
  • DEP has had great success with its 21E hazardous waste program, which relies on private waste site clean-up by licensed professionals, with DEP audits ensuring quality of results. Are there other ways to achieve environmental results by innovative means?
• Reorganization/Consolidation of State Agencies - EEA Undersecretary for Environment Philip Griffiths and Assistant Secretary for Policy David Cash
  • Could EEA and its agencies be reconfigured to consolidate resources, clarify missions, and reduce duplication of effort?

"Governor Patrick and I have worked hard with EEA agencies to manage our budgetary challenges to date so as to have the least impact on our environmental mission," said Secretary Bowles. "But the time has come to think bigger. In that, we need the help of everyone who cares about our parks, beaches, rivers, streams, and forests."

The EEA teams responsible for developing options for Secretary Bowles and Governor Patrick to consider in each of these areas are soliciting ideas and input from the public over the coming month. The schedule for public listening sessions is as follows:

Public Private Partnerships

· Tues., Nov. 17, 4-6 p.m., 100 Cambridge St., Boston, 2nd floor Conference Room A-B-C
· Wed., Nov. 18, 4-6 p.m., Governor's Western Mass. Office, 436 Dwight St., Springfield, Hearing Room

New Regulatory Models

· Tues., Nov. 17, 4-6 p.m., DEP office, 617 Main Street, Worcester
· Fri., Nov. 20, 12 noon-2 p.m., DEP Office, 1 Winter Street, Boston, Washington Street Conference Room 2nd floor

Reorganization/Consolidation

· Mon., Nov. 16, 4-6 p.m., DAR Amherst Office, 101 University Drive, Amherst, Main Conference Room
· Thurs., Nov. 19, 4-6 p.m., 100 Cambridge Street, Boston, 2nd floor, Conference Room B

In addition, written comments may be submitted by mail to EEA Budget Reform Teams, 100 Cambridge St. Suite 900, Boston, MA 02114 or by email to the following addresses:

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it