"We understand that what we do here has an impact on what other states and other nations do," says EEOE's Williams.
Environmentalists, while insisting they are concerned foremost about the commonwealth, are not shy about their concern for the effects throughout New England and the country.
The same can be said for some on the industry side. Energy conglomerate GDF Suez, which lobbies Massachusetts on a wide range of matters, more than tripled that spending beginning in 2008. Its director of government and regulatory affairs, Joe Dalton, has written that the Manomet study "essentially turned biomass science on its head," and argued that the impending Massachusetts standards could hurt the company's woody biomass plans throughout New England.
The far-reaching effects may be influencing the Patrick administration's calculations. Regardless, the trouble he is about to face over the issue is right in his back yard — with some people who have been, until now, among his most loyal friends.
To read the Talking Politics blog, go to thePhoenix.com/talkingpolitics. Follow David S. Bernstein on Twitter @dbernstein.
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