While serving in the Massachusetts legislature, Bill wrote and passed   safe water legislation that continues to protect our state’s fragile lakes, streams, and wetlands from chemical pollution.  He is committed to protecting the diverse ecosystems of the 9th District with the same passion. We must permanently address key sources of pollution and encourage ‘green’ habits, like recycling and other efforts to reduce our carbon footprint.

Wastewater management, specifically on Cape Cod, remains a crucial concern as it is a sole-source aquifer with a soft and porous foundation   of sandy soil. The Cape’s ongoing fight continues against the presence     of nitrogen and other toxic agents that filter into the aquifer from septic systems, wastewater treatment facilities, and storm water drains and out into the estuaries, wetlands, and waters. We see the results of high nitrogen levels in large algal blooms known as Red tide, strong odors, and depletions in fish and other marine life populations.   Bill is working closely with the towns and Commonwealth to seek federal funding when possible for wastewater projects across the district.

Keeping in mind that we are the largest coastal district in the United States, it is vital that we protect our coastlines and the Cape Cod National Seashore from environmental disasters like the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Bill is supportive of legislative initiatives that will ensure both government and private industry preparedness in the face of a future environmental disaster.  Bill also supports raising the liability cap on oil companies so that if disaster were to strike again, the federal taxpayer wouldn’t be left holding the bag. 

Additionally, our coastal community is at risk of erosion from both natural tides and man-made flows like the Cape Cod Canal.  Bill is committed to protecting receding coastlines in every way possible.