The environment is a public asset that benefits everyone, but few people are willing to pay the price to maintain a healthy environment.  Even in the best of times, Massachusetts has not been a leader in this country in spending on environmental protection.  While many advantages — such as safety, high property values, human health, opportunities for social interaction, or attractiveness of communities — are attributed to well-maintained open space and clean environments, these advantages are difficult to quantify.  As a result, when state tax revenue declines, the environment becomes one of the first areas to receive funding cuts.  Given the increasing concerns about connections between public health and the environment, as well as the projections for tourism as a key economic sector, sustained support to ensure environmental health and quality are of critical importance.