Travel with Herschel

12/12/2024

Air Canada will offer free Wi-Fi as of May 2025

Air Canada is rolling out fast, free streaming-quality Wi-Fi, sponsored by Bell.

Beginning in May 2025, this complimentary service will be available to Aeroplan Members on Wi-Fi equipped aircraft for flights within North American and Sun markets. The airline also plans to expand free Wi-Fi service to long-haul international routes in 2026.

“Reliable access to streaming-quality Wi-Fi is becoming essential for both business and leisure travellers. That’s why we’re upgrading our fleet with the latest technologies,” said Mark Nasr, executive vice president, marketing and digital at Air Canada, and President of Aeroplan. “We’re excited to offer fast, free Wi-Fi to all Aeroplan Members, with a customer-focused rollout plan that includes installation of service on the Air Canada Express Q400s, including those that fly from Toronto’s Billy Bishop Airport. Although other Canadian airlines have announced free Wi-Fi services, not all have accelerated installation across their fleets or committed to offering the service comprehensively. Air Canada plans to offer fast, free Wi-Fi across its entire fleet and will begin rolling out this service in early Spring. What’s more, over 85% of aircraft will be connected from day one, with the remaining installations being a priority throughout 2025.”

Fast, free Wi-Fi will be available on Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge and most Air Canada Express aircraft. This initiative builds on the existing free Wi-Fi texting service sponsored by Bell, available since May 2023 for Aeroplan Members.

Air Canada offers its customers a best-in-class product including new and improved amenities such as chef-inspired menus, complimentary premium snacks, beer and wine, hours of complimentary inflight entertainment and Live TV on IFE-equipped aircraft, and an industry-leading mobile app that features real-time baggage tracking, digital identification and more.

Customers who aren’t already an Aeroplan Member can sign up free of charge at aircanada.com/aeroplan. Customer without an Aeroplan membership will be able to purchase Wi-Fi for their flight at a reduced flat fee.

Expanding fast, free Wi-Fi to Toronto Billy Bishop

Customers travelling on select regional routes on Wi-Fi equipped aircraft throughout Canada, including between Toronto Billy Bishop Airport and Montreal or Ottawa, will be able to stay productive, stream live TV, and enjoy seamless connectivity on their personal device throughout their flight. Plans to complete certification and installation of Wi-Fi connectivity on Q400 aircraft is targeted to begin in 2025 with planned completion of a first phase by year-end. This is set to be the first fast, free Wi-Fi offering on Q400 aircraft.

Since May 2023, Bell has sponsored in-flight Wi-Fi services, providing Aeroplan Members with free in-flight texting, available on more than 90 per cent of Air Canada mainline, Air Canada Rouge and Air Canada Express aircraft.

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12/06/2024

They're hitting us in the pockets just about everywhere we go now.

from CruiseRadio.net

Greece to Charge Cruise Passengers $21 for Santorini, Mykonos Visits Starting 2025

Greece just approved new taxes for cruise ship passengers.

Beginning in 2025, guests will be charged €20 ($21) to visit the country’s two most visited islands, Santorini and Mykonos. Meanwhile, a lower €5 (around $5.27) fee will apply to other destinations, including Crete, Corfu, and Rhodes.

Tourists spending a night in the southeast European nation will also be paying more next year. Short-term accommodations during the peak tourist season, from April to October, will experience a daily tax increase from €1.5 ($1.58) to €8 ($8.41). During winter, the daily tax will be raised from €0.5 ($0.53) to €2 ($2.11).

Guests who prefer hotels will need bigger budgets. The daily tax for hotel accommodations will be raised to a maximum of €15 ($16) and will vary based on establishments’ star ratings.

The parliament hopes to raise €400 million (or $421 million) annually, nearly twice the amount collected in 2023.

Officials said the Climate Change Resilience Tax will help Greece navigate the economic effects of natural disasters.

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12/05/2024

More news (from Travel Week) from the airline that we love to hate.

Air Canada to adjust its Basic and Comfort fares starting Jan. 3, 2025

Air Canada is starting the new year off with some changes to its Basic and Comfort economy fares.

The airline said the changes take effect Jan. 3, 2025.

The revised Basic fare will require carry-on baggage to be checked for North America and Sun travel.

Comfort fares will include a second checked bag for travel worldwide.

Also new, seat assignment at check-in for Basic fares will remain complimentary, however as of Jan. 21, 2025 changes will incur a fee.

Air Canada said the changes “align the airline’s fare structure with similar fare offerings by other Canadian carriers and better distinguish its fare brands.”

Here are more details …



BASIC FARE BAGGAGE

For its lowest-priced, Basic fare for North America and Sun routes, passengers selecting this fare class and travelling on tickets purchased on or after Jan. 3, 2025, will still be able to bring on board one small personal item, such as a purse or computer bag.

However larger items, such as roller-board or duffel bags, or large backpacks, will have to be checked pre-security and standard fees of $35 for a first bag and $50 for a second bag will apply.

Customers arriving at the boarding gate with ineligible carry-on items will be required to check this baggage for a $65 fee for each item.

Mobility aids, medical devices, and child strollers are exempt from carry-on charges for all customers.

As well, Status members, Star Alliance Gold, and Aeroplan premium credit cardholders will continue to be entitled to one carry-on bag, and their other benefits will also continue to apply.



BASIC FARE SEATING

The revised Basic fare will still include complimentary seat assignment at check-in for customers who have not paid a fee to select their seats in advance.

However, beginning Jan. 21, 2025, customers travelling on the revised Basic fare who wish to change their seat from the one automatically generated at check-in will be required to pay for that change, with the fee determined by the new seat chosen.

For families or those requiring an assistant, Air Canada said it “remains committed to seating these customers together as per its current policy, which also prioritizes seating travelling companions together.” Status and credit card member benefits will also continue to apply.



COMFORT FARE CHANGES

Meanwhile Air Canada is increasing the checked baggage allowance for passengers travelling worldwide on its Comfort economy fare.

Under the new structure, Comfort fare customers who purchase their tickets from Jan. 3, 2025, onwards will be entitled to check two complimentary bags, where currently the fare permits only one checked bag.

More information is at Air Canada baggage and Air Canada Airfare Options.

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12/05/2024

from Travel Pulse:
Mexico's Congress Introduces $42 Cruise Passenger Tax

Often times, popular cruise ports levy taxes on ships or passengers to help finance port facilities, infrastructure, and associated developments.

But Mexico’s Congress has voted this week to charge a $42 immigration levy for every passenger on cruise ships that dock in Mexico, with much of the money going to an unexpected source.

According to the proposed new law, two-thirds of this tax would benefit the Mexican army.

NOTE --- THIS HAS NOW BEEN POSTPONED UNTIL JULY 1, 2025.

Mexico’s ruling Morena party is running enormous budget deficits to fund building projects such as railways and oil refineries, some of which are being built by the army. The party is desperately seeking new revenue sources, and it appears that the cruise industry has entered their crosshairs.

On Thursday, the Mexican Association of Shipping Agents said that the charges could make Mexico uncompetitively expensive for cruise ships.

“If this measure is implemented, it would make Mexican ports of call among the most expensive in the world, severely affecting their competitiveness with other Caribbean destinations,” the association said via a statement.

The association also called on Mexico’s Senate to kill the measure. Specifically, the law calls for two-thirds of the income from the immigration charge to be handed over to the country’s defense department, although the reasons for that are not clear.

“It is necessary to eliminate the exemption from immigration document payment for foreign passengers who enter Mexico aboard cruise ships,” the new budget law stated, in part.

Previously, cruise ship passengers had been exempted from the immigration fee, as they sleep aboard ship—and some don’t even disembark during port calls. They would apparently be charged the $42 fee anyway, according to the measure.

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11/26/2024

Are you looking for a gift for a relative or friend who loves to travel?

How about a gift certificate from Expedia Cruises which can be applied against the price of anything we sell?

Contact me for details?

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11/07/2024

The closer we get to American Thanksgiving, the more notices I'll be receiving about "Black Friday" specials.

Let me know if there's anything specific you'd like me to notify you about. But please be very specific --- where do you want to go? When do you want to travel? Preferred location if it's an all-inclusive. Type of cabin if it's a cruise? How many people/cabins?

Thanks.

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11/07/2024

I have a cure for this problem.

10/21/2024

Some very good news (for a change).

from Travel research Online:

Notre-Dame Cathedral Finally Has a Reopening Date

How is the restoration work on Notre-Dame progressing?
In 2023, about 1,000 people worked on Notre-Dame’s restoration in Paris and throughout France. In order to rebuild with similar materials and techniques used when the rest of Notre-Dame was built in the 12th century, skilled artisans including quarry workers, carpenters, mortar makers, and master stonecutters were hired.

The cathedral won’t be 100 percent restored until 2026. The apse and sacristy will be finished sometime in 2025, and 2026 will see the installation of new stained glass windows. The existing windows, which date to the 19th century, will be moved to a museum, and the new windows will be designed by a contemporary French artist; more than 100 artists submitted their designs and, as of this writing, there are eight finalists, among them Daniel Buren, known for his black and white striped columns in the inner courtyard of the Palais Royal.

How to visit Notre-Dame after its reopening
At the end of November, the city’s tourism board will launch an app through which you can reserve free tickets. The cathedral will be open to individual visitors only—no big groups—starting in mid-December. Tickets to Notre-Dame are always free, so beware of any sites trying to sell them.

How much will it cost to restore Notre-Dame?
Immediately after the fire, around $1 billion in donations poured in from individual contributors, as well as companies like Apple and Disney. The wealthy French families behind LVMH and Kering pledged €200 million (US$226 million) and €100 million (US$113 million), respectively. LVMH owns several major French fashion houses, including Louis Vuitton and Christian Dior, while Kering owns other luxury brands, such as Saint Laurent and Gucci.

As of this writing, the budget for Notre-Dame’s restoration is approximately €700 million (US$758 million); RFI reports that thus far, approximately €550 million (US$600 million) has been spent.

A behind-the-scenes look at the restoration process
Even if you can’t get a ticket to Notre-Dame in 2024, the free exhibit Notre-Dame de Paris: At the Heart of the Construction Site offers an inside look at this massive construction project.

Located in a cultural venue underneath the cathedral in a former parking garage, this installation will be on display through December 2024, providing an overview of the restoration project and the trades involved, alongside damaged artifacts pulled from the fire.

The same location also hosts a VR show, Eternal Notre-Dame, a 45-minute immersive experience that lets visitors dive into 850 years of the cathedral’s history.

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10/18/2024

I didn't see this coming. Maybe I'll be able to supplement my income by delivering food on my way to/from the office.

Uber has discussed a bid for travel booking company Expedia

Uber
discussed a bid for travel booking company Expedia
, CNBC confirmed, in a deal that would push the ride-hailing company into new markets beyond car travel and food delivery.

The talks were in early stages, according to a person familiar with the discussions who asked not to be named since the talks are confidential. It is unclear if an acquisition will take place.

Expedia is familiar territory for Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi, who served as CEO of the travel group from 2005 to 2017. Khosrowshahi is still a nonexecutive member of Expedia’s board.

Uber has a market cap of around $168 billion after an 80% rally in the past year that pushed the stock price to a record earlier this month. The company has rebounded from a dismal 2022, when high gas prices and inflation curbed spending and more drivers came back to the platform following the pandemic. Uber’s resurgence has been driven by a boom in ride-hailing demand along with its Uber Eats food delivery service.

Expedia is worth around $20 billion. Its stock price remains below its 2022 high, as the company faces stiff competition from Booking, Airbnb and even Google.

Uber’s interest in Expedia was first reported by the Financial Times.

Shares of Expedia closed up nearly 5% Thursday.

Expedia users can book flights, lodging, cars and activities through the company’s website, and it owns additional travel sites such as Hotels.com, Vrbo and Orbitz. Expedia reported $28.8 billion total gross bookings in its second-quarter results in August.

An acquisition of Expedia would be a ”’major strategic home run” for Uber, Dan Ives, Wedbush Securities managing partner, told CNBC’s “Squawk Box” on Thursday. He said this suggests Uber is going on offense and looking for new monetization opportunities, and it could be a step toward a “super app.”

“They have a massive mojo, and they’re just gaining more and more share,” Ives said. “I think they’re going to be on the hunt for M&A.”

Uber and Expedia did not immediately respond to CNBC’s requests for comment.

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10/17/2024

from TravelPulse:

Report: Universal Orlando to Open Universal Epic Universe Theme Park Next Summer

A new report claims that the Universal Orlando Resort plans to open the new Universal Epic Universe theme park next summer.

According to the Wall Street Journal, Universal officials are targeting a full opening by Memorial Day weekend 2025, despite no previous opening date being announced and the theme park not confirming the report.

While the report goes on to say that tickets for the new theme park could go on sale this month, there was a caveat added that states, “the timing of the planned opening could change,” so travelers are warned to be patient before planning a trip.

The Universal Epic Universe property is being constructed near the Orange County Convention Center.

It will feature several themed lands, including the Ministry of Magic from the Potter series, Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon and Dark Universe, featuring classic monsters.

In addition, the new theme park will boast three Universal-owned hotels—opening in January and February—and an entrance area, dubbed Celestial Park, scheduled to include rides and restaurants.

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10/17/2024

Get those deep wallets ready... one source said prices will be around US$400 per person per day.

from TravelPulse:

Officials from Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort announced they will begin piloting a new service in the coming weeks that provides expedited entry to theme park attractions.

The new service has been dubbed Lightning Lane Premier Pass.

Disney’s plan is to offer the Lightning Lane Premier Pass in very limited quantities, with each guest receiving a one-time entry to each available Lightning Lane entrance in the theme park they are visiting that day.

The expedited entry service will include attractions included in both Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass, but guests do not need to select an experience time with the new pass. The Lightning Lane Premier Pass will be a premium offering, with prices varying based on the date and theme park that travelers are visiting.

At Disneyland, the Lightning Lane Premier Pass will be available on a first-come, first-served, beginning two days in advance of a theme park reservation and will be valid for use in both theme parks. The first date it will be available is October 23, 2024.

When Lightning Lane Premier Pass launches at Disney World, it will be available to guests staying at Disney Deluxe or Deluxe Villa Resorts and may be purchased up to seven days before their stay. It will only be valid for daily use in one park of the guest’s choice. The first date it will be available is October 30, 2024.

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10/17/2024

from TravelPulse:

Egypt Lifts Advance Visa Requirements for Canadians

Canadian citizens travelling to Egypt will no longer have to apply for a visa in advance as of December 1, 2024.

The announcement of the return of electronic visas for Canadians was made last month, about a year after Egypt suspended the ability to obtain a visa online or upon arrival in the country.

Previously, Canadians had to pay $150 and mail in an application form, passport and itinerary to obtain a visa, which severely hampered tourism to the country.

"The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Expatriates announces that the Arab Republic of Egypt has decided to lift the pre-entry visa requirement currently imposed on Canadian citizens traveling to Egypt, thus allowing the issuance of a visa upon arrival at Egyptian ports of entry," the ministry said in a Facebook update.

"This is in addition to the reactivation of the option to apply for and obtain an electronic visa (e-VISA). These measures will come into effect from December 1, 2024 for all Canadian citizens arriving in Egyptian territory from that date."

[Now we can probably expect a similar problem for Canadians who want to visit India.]

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10/17/2024

from TravelPulse:
Average Age Of Cruisers Has Dropped 11 Years Since Pandemic

Often associated with ‘golden age’ passengers, the cruise industry is seeing a significant shift in passenger demographics, with the average age dropping by 11 years since the pre-pandemic period.

This trend is highlighted by the analysis of data from 500,000 passengers by Cruise.co.uk, revealing a decrease from an average age of 66 in 2019 to 55 in 2024. The data underscores how the industry has adapted to attract a younger clientele.

A major contributor to this change is the trend towards multi-generational travel, where families of various age groups choose to travel together. As well, the introduction of new ships equipped with family-friendly attractions – like Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas – along with diverse itineraries to worldwide destinations, also plays a role in appealing to a broader demographic.

Industry experts highlight the unparalleled experiences and value offered by cruises, making them an increasingly popular choice across various age groups.

New ships boasting family-centric amenities and itineraries to exotic destinations worldwide further enhance the appeal. These offerings not only meet the needs of traditional cruise-goers but also intrigue younger travellers seeking adventure and novelty. The ability of cruises to blend relaxation with exciting explorations is a significant attraction.

Tony Andrews, managing director of cruise.co.uk, said: “These findings are clear evidence of cruise’s growing appeal to a wider audience.

“As new ships and itineraries emerge, passengers of all ages are discovering that a holiday at sea offers a host of one-of-a-kind experiences, both onboard and ashore, with activities designed to appeal to all tastes. When coupled with unbeatable value for money, it really does make cruise the go-to getaway for more people than ever before.”

Further evidence of this trend is provided by Seascanner, Cruise.co.uk’s sister company, which reported a decrease in the booked passengers’ average age to 42 years in 2024, down from 45 years in 2022, suggesting that the trend continues.

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10/13/2024

Our World Explorer Sale is well underway. It ends on October 31st.

Most of the cruiselines have special deals of some kind. For the most part they are offering onboard credits that range from US$100 per cabin to as much as US$500 per cabin. Better in your pocket than in theirs.

A couple of our land packagers, G Adventures and Globus Tours also got into the act.

Contact me for more information.

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10/11/2024

from TravelPulse (edited)

Cancun Airport Eliminates the Fee Associated With Multiple Electronics - What Travelers Need to Know

Officials in Cancun, Mexico have done away with a controversial rule that has been plaguing unsuspecting tourists arriving to the popular resort city.

In a video posted to Facebook on Friday, Quintana Roo Governor Mara Lezama announced that tourists passing through Cancun International Airport will no longer be charged a fee for bringing more than one larger electronic device, including laptops and tablets.

The change is effective immediately.

A local official said: "I am here to inform you that as a result of various uncomfortable and inconvenient situations detected at customs in the Cancun International Airport which have affected our destination's image such as not allowing international and domestic tourists, as well as residents, to bring more than one device be it computer, laptop or tablet, we visited the area and reviewed the criteria used to allow tourists through customs and thanks to the support and consideration of the Agencia Nacional de Aduanas de México (National Customs Agency of Mexico), we reviewed the procedure to reactivate the tourists flow through customs and eliminate this criteria."

Recent reports have been circulating of tourists being charged an average of $190 for traveling with multiple larger electronic devices.

Those unable or unwilling to pay the fee have had items confiscated by customs agents.

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09/10/2024

Greece To Tackle Overtourism With New Visitor Tax on Santorini, Mykonos

Greece is set to introduce a new tax for cruise ship passengers visiting the popular islands of Santorini and Mykonos during the summer’s peak season, in an effort to mitigate the effects of overtourism.

The €20 ($22) visitor tax was announced on Sunday by Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who emphasized the need to address the strain mass tourism has placed on these iconic destinations.

Having first presented his primary economic policies for 2025, Mitsotakis explained during a press conference that, “Greece does not have a structural overtourism problem…Some of its destinations have a significant issue during certain weeks or months of the year, which we need to deal with.”

Among these, Santorini and Mykonos, two of Greece’s most sought-after islands, have been contending with an overwhelming number visitors, especially coming from cruise ships. "Cruise shipping has burdened Santorini and Mykonos, and this is why we are proceeding with interventions," he stated.

Tourism plays a critical role in the Greek economy, which has been gradually recovering from a financial crisis that’s severely impacted the nation over the past decade. In 2023, the year’s 31 million tourists generated approximately €20 billion ($22 billion) for the Mediterranean nation.

Santorini, known for its stunning sunsets, unspoiled beaches and dramatic cliffsides covered in quaint whitewashed buildings, is home to around 20,000 permanent residents. But, when hordes of tourists descend during peak vacation season, the island is overrun by visitors and risks eventual ruin.

As in other popular European destinations, such as Venice and Barcelona, locals have begun protesting in favor of placing restrictions on tourism to combat its detrimental effects.

According to Reuters, a portion of the proceeds from the new tax will be routed to local communities to improve infrastructure, to help the islands better cope with the demands of mass tourism.

In addition to the new levy, the Greek government plans to regulate the number of cruise ships that are allowed to dock in certain destinations at one time. Mitsotakis also said that environmental measures will also need to be introduced and water shortages on the islands addressed.

The prime minister said on Saturday that he will propose taxing short-term rental properties and banning the issuance of new licenses for such properties in central Athens. These policy changes would aim to alleviate housing shortages for permanent residents.

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09/09/2024

Japan Will Begin Using US-Style Electronic Authorization Process

Visiting Japan will get slightly more complex in the coming years.

The country is preparing to introduce a new travel authorization system in 2030 that will require visitors to declare personal information online in order to obtain permission to enter the country, Japan Today has reported.

The new system is not all that unlike what the United States uses for foreign visitors, according to media reports. Individuals seeking to visit the United States, for instance, must use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), which was rolled out as an anti-terrorism security measure.

ESTA is used to assess whether a traveler is eligible to visit the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program, before the individual gets on a plane to come here.

In a similar fashion, the new program being introduced for those seeking to visit Japan, dubbed JESTA, is also meant to screen individuals before they embark on a journey to Japan, per Japan Today.

Introduction of the JESTA program in Japan marks a departure from the easy breezy process visitors from 71 visa-exempt countries have experienced for years. Those from visa-exempt countries have historically been able to make short-stay visits without requiring any visa documents.

The Japanese government has said their goal is to reduce the entry of illegal immigrants who come from visa-exempt countries and stay longer than is allowed.

Data from the Japanese government shows that of the 49,801 illegal short-term visitors to the country in January 2016, more than 28,000 arrived from visa-exempt countries and regions, according to Japan Today.

Under the forthcoming JESTA program, visa-exempt foreign travelers will be required to declare their purpose of entry and place of stay online for screening by immigration officials before getting on a plane to come to Japan.

And in cases where the online application is flagged for risk of illegal stay, the individual will not be approved to visit Japan. Instead, the traveler will be encouraged to obtain a formal visa through their local embassy in order to visit.

The Japanese government will continue researching the proposed JESTA program over the coming year.

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09/09/2024

Hawaii Considering New Climate Impact Fee for Travelers

It might cost you even more to take that trip to paradise. Hawaii, which already has one of the most expensive occupancy tax rates in the country, is considering a visitor fee when the next legislative session begins in the new year.

There is a proposal to charge visitors a climate impact fee, or a green fee.

Natural disasters and the subsequent high rental fees have devastated the state’s tourism economy. It has the endorsement of Governor Josh Green, who has long been an advocate of charging such a fee to bolster Hawaii’s environment.

Hawaii can pattern itself after New Zealand, which last week more than doubled the amount of its tourist tax. It is a growing trend to ensure that tourists pay their fair share for the use of the environment and infrastructure.

The measure was defeated by the Hawaii Legislature earlier this year. Critics say that adding another fee would actually discourage tourism.

But Hawaii’s Dawn Chang, Chair of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), said: “Next year, the year of 2025, the governor is going to declare that, ‘The year of climate action’ and I think there will be a concerted effort to advocate for the green fee at the next legislative session.”

Green has declared 2025 as “The Year of Climate Action.”

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