Patrick Proposes Climate Change Initiatives

Gov. Deval Patrick has unvieled a series of state initiatives he says will help prepare Massachusetts for the challenges posed by climate change on public health, energy, transportation and basic infrastructure.

The plan includes a $40 million grant program administered by the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources to help local cities and towns upgrade critical protections around energy services.

The plan also calls for the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to conduct a ``statewide vulnerability assessment'' for all facilities and adopt climate adaptation plans by 2015.

Patrick said the initiatives will also help communities prepare for the effects of climate change on health, including the infrastructure needed to assure clean drinking water and protect against disease.

The plan also calls for the appointment of a state climatologist and a single online ``portal'' for state resources on climate preparedness.  (Associated Press)