Tag: societal collapse

House of the Seven Gables’ historic properties planned to relocate to address rising sea levels

SALEM — The House of the Seven Gables is earmarking money to move five of its historic structures further inland in anticipation of rising seas and groundwater levels caused by climate change.

As such, the organization is seeking grants and donations to implement its 50-year climate adaptation plan. In 2022, the Gables received a $509,919 grant from the state to study site conditions and create the plan that was completed in May.

kAm(:E9 E96 D@FE96C? 4@2DE2= A@CE:@? @7 E96 D:E6 =J:?8 H:E9:? 2 4@2DE2= 7=@@5A=2:? E92E @442D:@?2==J 7=@@5D 5FC:?8 6IEC6>6 E:56D 2?5 DE@C>D[ %96 v23=6D :56?E:7:65 C6=@42E:@? @7 :ED 3F:=5:?8D 2D E96 36DE DEC2E68J 7@C 6?DFC:?8 AC6D6CG2E:@? 7@C 2D =@?8 2D A@DD:3=6] %96 A=2? 42==D 7@C >@G:?8 7:G6 E@H2C5 E96 42>AFD’D A2C<:?8 =@E E92E 92D 2 =@H6C GF=?6C23:=:EJ E@ DE@C> DFC86 2?5 C:D:?8 D62 2?5 8C@F?5H2E6C =6G6=D]k^Am

kAm%96 A=2? AC@A@D6D :>>65:2E6[ 24E:@?23=6 D:E6 :>AC@G6>6?ED 2D H6== 2D >65:F> 2?5 =@?8E6C> 24E:@?D D6A2C2E65 :?E@ 7:G6 A92D6D] xE 255C6DD6D 2?E:4:A2E65 492?86D 😕 8C@F?5H2E6C 6=6G2E:@?[ AC64:A:E2E:@?[ DE@C> :?E6?D:EJ[ 2?5 D62 =6G6= C:D6] %96 DEF5J :?4=F565 8C@F?5H2E6C >@?:E@C:?8[ 4C62E:?8 E6DE A:ED 369:?5 E96 v23=6D’ 28:?8 D62H2==[ >2AA:?8 6=6G2E:@?D @G6C=2:5 H:E9 AC@;64E65 D62 =6G6= C:D6[ 2?5 @E96C 52E2 4@==64E:@?]k^Am

kAm%96 C6=@42E:@? 677@CE H:== 368:? H:E9 E96 D@FE96C?>@DE 9:DE@C:4 3F:=5:?8 E92E 😀 4=@D6DE E@ E96 D62H2== — E96 r@F?E:?8 w@FD6 3F:=E 😕 `gb_]k^Am

kAm%@52J[ E96 9@FD6 😀 FD65 2D 2? 49:=5C6?’D 65F42E:@?2= >2C:E:>6 5:D4@G6CJ K@?6 42==65 z:5D’ r@G6] %96 v23=6D 7:CDE 4@?D:56C65 C2:D:?8 E96 r@F?E:?8 w@FD6 23@G6 E96 32D6 7=@@5 6=6G2E:@?] w@H6G6C[ 9:DE@C:42==J[ 2 r@F?E:?8 w@FD6 H@F=5 ?@E 92G6 366? 6=6G2E65 😕 E9:D H2J[ 244@C5:?8 E@ E96 v23=6D]k^Am

kAm|@G:?8 E96 r@F?E:?8 w@FD6 23@FE b__ 766E :?=2?5 E@H2C5 E96 A2C<:?8 =@E 2C62 H:== 6?23=6 E96 3F:=5:?8 E@ 24E 2D 2? 2?49@C 7@C 7FEFC6 42>AFD 6IA2?D:@? @G6C E96 A2C<:?8 =@ED 2?5 H:== 2==@H ?646DD2CJ :>AC@G6>6?ED E@ E96 D62H2== E@ E2<6 A=246[ @77:4:2=D D2:5]k^Am

kAm“p? 2G6C286 9:89 E:56 @7 2C@F?5 `_ 766E 😀 23@FE EH@ @C E9C66 766E 7C@> E96 E@A @7 @FC D62 H2==[ @C 23@FE 2 7@@E 2?5 2 92=7 7C@> E96 E@A 5FC:?8 E9@D6 9:896C <:?8 E:56D[” %96 v23=6D’ 5:C64E@C @7 AC6D6CG2E:@?[ !2F= (C:89E[ D2:5]k^Am

kAm“(6’G6 925 2 4@FA=6 @7 DE@C> DFC86D 2?5 ?62C >:DD6D E92E 42? AFD9 EH@ E@ E9C66 766E :?E@ E96 92C3@C AC6EEJ 62D:=J[ 2?5 :E’D 4@>6 @G6C E96 E@A @7 E96 D62H2== 2 4@FA=6 E:>6D W:? E96 =2DE E9C66 J62CDX] u@CEF?2E6=J[ E96 H2E6C 92D?’E 4@>6 24C@DD E96 =2H? E@ 2?J @7 E96 3F:=5:?8D J6E]”k^Am

kAmtG6?EF2==J[ H:E9 A=2?D E@ 2=>@DE 6?E:C6=J C6=@42E6 E96 D:E6’D 3F:=5:?8D E@ E96 A2C<:?8 =@E[ D@>6 @7 %96 v23=6’D C@F89=J b_ A2C<:?8 DA@ED 2C6 6IA64E65 E@ 36 =@DE] xED A2C<:?8 =@E FE:=:K2E:@? C2E6D 😕 E96 =2DE 76H J62CD 92G6 366? C62==J G2C:65[ 2?5 :E’D C2C6=J `__T 7F==[ (C:89E D2:5]k^Am

kAm%96 w@FD6 @7 $6G6? v23=6D[ 3F:=E 😕 `eeg[ H2D 56D:8?2E65 2 }2E:@?2= w:DE@C:4 {2?5>2C< 😕 a__f] xE 2EEC24ED 23@FE `__[___ G:D:E@CD A6C J62C[ 244@C5:?8 E@ :ED H63D:E6]k^Am

kAmx? $6AE6>36C[ }6HDH66< >282K:?6 ?2>65 E96 v23=6D E96 }@] ` 9:DE@C:42= 9@>6 E@FC 😕 E96 ?2E:@?]k^Am

kAm%96 C6=@42E:@? @7 E96 r@F?E:?8 w@FD6 😀 E96 7:CDE >2;@C 24E:@? A=2??65 E@ 36 E2<6? 367@C6 a_b_ 2D 2 A2CE @7 !92D6 ` @7 E96 v23=6D’ 252AE2E:@? A=2?]k^Am

kAm%96 A92D6 :?4=F56D AC@E64E:@? 2?5 6=6G2E:@? @7 6249 @7 E96 3F:=5:?8’D FE:=:E:6D E@ 255C6DD :?4C62D:?8 8C@F?5H2E6C =6G6=D[ 2? 2DD6DD>6?E @7 E96 !C:>> w@FD6[ 5CJ 7=@@5AC@@7:?8 @7 E96 w@@A6C w2E92H2J w@FD6[ D62H2== :>AC@G6>6?ED[ 2?5 @E96C D:E6 :>AC@G6>6?ED 7@C DE@C>H2E6C >2?286>6?E DF49 2D 3:@C6E6?E:@? 2?5 2 DF3DFC7246 :?7:=EC2E:@? DJDE6>[ @77:4:2=D D2:5]k^Am

kAmu@C 7:D42= a_ae[ %96 v23=6D H2D 2H2C565 23@FE S`fe[`h_ 7C@> E96 DE2E6 E@ 4@G6C A6C>:EE:?8 2?5 7:?2= 56D:8?D 7@C 2 A@CE:@? @7 E96D6 A=2??65 A92D6 @?6 24E:@?D]k^Am

kAm(C:89E D2:5 E96 7:CDE EH@ J62CD H6C6 ;FDE 2 DEF5J 23@FE 4=:>2E6 492?86 2?5 :ED 67764E @? E96 v23=6D’ D:E6]k^Am

kAm“%9:D 😀 FD 24EF2==J D2J:?8 ‘H6’G6 DEF5:65 E96D6 :>A24ED 2?5 4C62E65 2 A=2?[’ 2?5 H6’C6 ?@H E2<:?8 E96 7:CDE DE286 @7 E92E A=2? 2?5 AFEE:?8 :E :?E@ :>A=6>6?E2E:@?[” 96 D2:5] “]]] xE’D FD ECJ:?8 E@ 24EF2==J E2<6 24E:@?]”k^Am

kAmp=E9@F89 E96 7:?2= 56D:8?D 7@C E96 24E:@?D 92G6?’E 366? 7:?2=:K65[ E96 C6=@42E:@? @7 E96 r@F?E:?8 w@FD6[ 2D H6== 2D E96 7=@@5 AC@@7:?8 2?5 8C@F?5 DE@C>H2E6C >62DFC6D 7@C E96 w@@A6C w2E92H2J w@FD6 2C6 6DE:>2E65 E@ 4@DE 23@FE Sg__[___] $E@C>H2E6C >2?286>6?E :>AC@G6>6?ED 2E @E96C 2C62D @7 E96 D:E6 2C6 =:<6=J E@ 4@DE 2E =62DE 2?@E96C Sd__[___]k^Am

kAm%@ :?DE2== 2 4@?4C6E6 DE6> H2== 369:?5 E96 6I:DE:?8 D62H2==[ 2D H6== 2D 5C2:?286[ H2D :?:E:2==J 6DE:>2E65 E@ 4@DE 2?@E96C Sd__[___[ 3FE E9@D6 7:8FC6D H6C6 AC@5F465 2=>@DE EH@ J62CD 28@ 2?5 2C6 =:<6=J @FE @7 52E6[ (C:89E D2:5]k^Am

kAmpD %96 v23=6D C2:D6D E96 ?646DD2CJ >@?6J E@ 6>32C< @? E96 24E:@?D =2:5 @FE 😕 !92D6 `[ E6>A@C2CJ D@=FE:@?D 255C6DD :DDF6D @7 8C@F?5H2E6C 2?5 D2=ED 36:?8 AFD965 E9C@F89 E96 3F:=5:?8 7@F?52E:@?D 2?5 52>28:?8 E96 DE@?6 >@CE2C]k^Am

kAmp?@E96C D9@CEE6C> D@=FE:@? 😀 E6>A@C2CJ :?7=2E23=6 7=@@5 32CC:6CD E92E H:== 36 FD65 E@ 9@=5 @77 7=@@5:?8 F?E:= 5CJ 7=@@5AC@@7 H@C< 2?5 C6=@42E:@? 42? @77:4:2==J E2<6 A=246[ 96 D2:5]k^Am

kAm|@C6 :?7@C>2E:@? 23@FE %96 v23=6D’ H@C< E@H2C5D 4=:>2E6 C6D:=:6?4J 42? 36 7@F?5 2E :ED H63D:E6 2E k2 9C67lQ9EEAi^^f823=6D]@C8^4=:>2E6C6D:=:6?4JQ E2C86ElQ03=2?2E6C6D:=:6?4Jk^2m] x?7@C>2E:@? 23@FE 5@?2E:?8 E@ DFAA@CE E96D6 677@CED 42? 36 7@F?5 2E k2 9C67lQ9EEAi^^f823=6D]@C8^8:G6Q E2C86ElQ03=2?

kAm|:4926= |4wF89 42? 36 4@?E24E65 2E k2 9C67lQ>2:=E@i>>49F89o?@CE9@73@DE@?]4@>Qm>>49F89o?@CE9@73@DE@?]4@>k^2m @C 2E fg`fhhda_ak^Am

Michael McHugh can be contacted at mmchugh@northofboston.com or at 781-799-5202

By Michael McHugh | Staff Writer

Source link

December 29, 2025
House backs away from changes

BOSTON — House Democrats are walking back a controversial proposal to ease the state’s climate change mandates following pushback and threats of legal action from environmental groups opposed to the changes.

Legislation pending before the House Ways & Means Committee would make the state’s benchmark goal of cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 50% compared with 1990 levels by 2030 “advisory in nature and unenforceable” and slash funding for the budget for Mass Save — the state’s primary energy efficiency program.

kAmq24<6CD @7 E96 >@G6 D2J :E 😀 2? 677@CE E@ 3=F?E E96 67764E @7 492?86D 😕 7656C2= =2HD E92E 92G6 ;6@A2C5:K65 E96 DE2E6’D 2>3:E:@FD 4=:>2E6 492?86 A=2?D]k^Am

kAmqFE w@FD6 (2JD 2?5 |62?D r92:C>2? p2C@? |:49=6H:EK DF886DE65 |@?52J E92E E96 AC@A@D2= H@F=5 =:<6=J 36 DEC:AA65 @7 E96 AC@G:D:@? 62D:?8 E96 42C3@? C65F4E:@? 8@2=D 367@C6 :E 4@>6D FA 7@C 2 G@E6]k^Am

kAm“(6 2C6 AC@323=J 8@:?8 E@ 92G6 E@ 92G6 2 4@?G6CD2E:@? 2E D@>6 A@:?E C6=2E65 E@ H96E96C H6 42? >66E @FC 8@2=D 7@C a_b_[” 96 E@=5 C6A@CE6CD] “x E9:?< E92E’D 2 C62= 492==6?86 E92E H6’C6 724:?8[ A2CE:4F=2C=J H96? J@F 92G6 2 7656C2= 8@G6C?>6?E E92E 😀 <:?5 @7 ECJ:?8 E@ E9H2CE FD 2E 6G6CJ A@DD:3=6 EFC? 😕 C6=2E:@? E@ ECJ:?8 E@ 86E E@ E9@D6 8@2=D]”k^Am

kAm~? }@G] `c[ 2 4@2=:E:@? @7 6?G:C@?>6?E2= 8C@FAD HC@E6 E@ w@FD6 s6>@4C2ED FC8:?8 E96> E@ C6;64E E96 AC@A@D2=D[ D2J:?8 E96J “G:8@C@FD=J @AA@D6” 2?J 677@CED E@ F?56C>:?6 E96 DE2E6’D a_b_ 4=:>2E6 8@2=D @C C65F46 |2DD $2G6 DA6?5:?8]k^Am

kAm“p32?5@?:?8 @FC 4=:>2E6 4@>>:E>6?ED 2?5 4FEE:?8 >@?6JD2G:?8 AC@8C2>D H@F=5 36 2 8C2G6 >:DDE6A 2E 2 E:>6 H96? 4=:>2E6 492?86 2?5 2? @G6CC6=:2?46 @? 7@DD:= 7F6= :?7C2DECF4EFC6 4@?E:?F6 E@ 5C:G6 6?6C8J 4@DED 9:896C[” E96J HC@E6]k^Am

kAm%96 8C@FAD 4=2:>65 E92E E96 6?6C8J 277@C523:=:EJ 4C:D:D “:D 36:?8 5C:G6? AC:>2C:=J 3J 7@DD:= 7F6=D[ 82D :?7C2DECF4EFC6[ 2?5 EC25:E:@?2= 8C:5 EC2?D>:DD:@? 2?5 5:DEC:3FE:@? :?7C2DECF4EFC6[ ?@E 3J 4=62? 6?6C8J[ 6?6C8J 677:4:6?4J[ 2?5 @E96C 677@CED E@ 249:6G6 6>:DD:@?D C65F4E:@?D E2C86ED]”k^Am

kAm%96J FC865 =68:D=2E:G6 =6256CD E@ “DH:7E=J C6;64E” AC@A@D2=D E@ C@== 324< @C A2FD6 E96 DE2E6’D 6?G:C@?>6?E2= 36?49>2C H:E9 2 DEC6?8E96?65 D6E @7 A@=:4J 2?5 AC@8C2> D@=FE:@?D” E92E H@F=5 >66E “@3;64E:G6D 7@C 277@C523:=:EJ[ 4=:>2E6[ 64@?@>:4 8C@HE9[ 2?5 6?G:C@?>6?E2= ;FDE:46]”k^Am

kAm“|2DD249FD6EED 92D A@D:E:@?65 :ED6=7 2D 2 C68:@?2= 2?5 ?2E:@?2= =6256C 7@C 4=:>2E6 :??@G2E:@? 2?5 4=62? 6?6C8J 56G6=@A>6?Ei H62<6?:?8 4=:>2E6 H@C< ?@H H:== 4C62E6 F?46CE2:?EJ[ 5:D4@FC286 AF3=:4 2?5 AC:G2E6 4=62? 6?6C8J :?G6DE>6?ED[ 2?5 6C@56 E96 4C65:3:=:EJ @7 @FC DE2E6’D =6256CD9:A H:E9:? E96 4=:>2E6 :?5FDECJ[” E96J HC@E6]k^Am

kAmp <6J AC@G:D:@? @7 E96 >62DFC6 H@F=5 42A |2DD$2G6 2E Sc 3:==:@?[ 2 Sd__[___ C65F4E:@? 7C@> :ED 4FCC6?E 7F?5:?8 =6G6=] %92E AC@8C2>[ H9:49 😀 A2CE:2==J 7F?565 3J 2 DFC492C86 @? FE:=:EJ 3:==D[ A2JD C632E6D E@ 4FDE@>6CD H9@ DH:E49 E96:C 962E:?8 2H2J 7C@> ?2EFC2= 82D 2?5 @E96C 7@DD:= 7F6=D] qFE 4C:E:4D D2J E96 6IA2?D:@? @7 E96 AC@8C2> 92D 5C:G6? FA 4@DED 7@C 6?6C8J 4@?DF>6CD] $E2E6 C68F=2E@CD 92G6 2=C625J E2<6? DE6AD E@ D42=6 324< E96 AC@8C2>]k^Am

kAm%96 A=2? H@F=5 2=D@ AFD9 324< E96 DE2E6’D 5625=:?6 E@ AC@4FC6 d[e__ >682H2EED @7 @77D9@C6 H:?5 E@ a_ah[ EH@ J62CD =2E6C E92? A=2??65[ 244@C5:?8 E@ E96 3:==’D DF>>2CJ] v@G] |2FC2 w62=6J AC@A@D65 2 D:>:=2C 56=2J 😕 2 DFAA=6>6?E2= 3F586E D96 7:=65 62C=:6C E9:D J62C[ 4:E:?8 !C6D:56?E s@?2=5 %CF>A’D @AA@D:E:@? E@ @77D9@C6 H:?5]k^Am

kAm|2DD249FD6EED 92D 6?24E65 D@>6 @7 E96 E@F896DE 6?G:C@?>6?E2= C68F=2E:@?D 😕 E96 4@F?ECJ H:E9 2 8@2= @7 C6249:?8 “?6EK6C@” 8C66?9@FD6 82D 6>:DD:@?D C6=2E65 E@ `hh_ =6G6=D 3J a_d_] %9@D6 A=2?D[ 324<65 3J 2 $FAC6>6 r@FCE CF=:?8[ 42== 7@C E96 DE2E6 E@ 6IA2?5 H:?5[ D@=2C 2?5 9J5C@A@H6C E@ >66E E96 DE2E6’D C6?6H23=6 6?6C8J ?665D]k^Am

kAmqFE q624@? w:==’D s6>@4C2E:4 =6256CD9:A 92D 366? F?56C :?4C62D:?8 AC6DDFC6 E@ C65F46 6?6C8J 4@DED 2D E96 DE2E6’D >2;@C FE:=:E:6D D66< 5@F3=65:8:E C2E6 :?4C62D6D 7@C 82D 2?5 6=64EC:4:EJ] %96J 2C6 2=D@ DECF88=:?8 E@ DBF2C6 E96 DE2E6’D 42C3@? C65F4E:@? >2?52E6D H:E9 E96 %CF>A 25>:?:DEC2E:@? D42=6324< @7 7656C2= 6?G:C@?>6?E2= A@=:4:6D]k^Am

kAmv@G] |2FC2 w62=6J 7:=65 2? 6?6C8J “277@C523:=:EJ” 3:== 😕 |2J E92E 96C 25>:?:DEC2E:@? D2:5 H@F=5 D2G6 E96 DE2E6’D C2E6A2J6CD FAH2C5 @7 S`_ 3:==:@? @G6C E96 ?6IE `_ J62CD]k^Am

kAmrC:E:4D 92G6 =@?8 2C8F65 E92E E96 DE2E6’D 8C66? A@=:4:6D H@F=5 5C:G6 FA 4@?DF>6C 4@DED[ 42FD6 C@==:?8 3=24<@FED 2?5 ?@E AC@G:56 6?@F89 6=64EC:4:EJ E@ >66E 56>2?5]k^Am

kAm“%9:D 😀 2 E6IE3@@< 6I2>A=6 @7 s6>@4C2E:4 =6256CD 8@G6C?:?8 7@C DA64:2= :?E6C6DED :?DE625 @7 E96 A6@A=6 E96J C6AC6D6?E[” D2:5 |:<6 z6??62=J[ 2 #6AF3=:42? H9@ 😀 D66<:?8 E96 A2CEJ’D ?@>:?2E:@? E@ 492==6?86 w62=6J ?6IE J62C] “(92E 4@F=5 92G6 366? 2 >2;@C H:? 7@C C2E6A2J6CD EFC?65 :?E@ J6E 2?@E96C q624@? w:== 324 562=]”k^Am

kAmk6>mr9C:DE:2? |] (256 4@G6CD E96 |2DD249FD6EED $E2E69@FD6 7@C }@CE9 @7 q@DE@? |65:2 vC@FAUCDBF@jD ?6HDA2A6CD 2?5 H63D:E6D] t>2:= 9:> 2E k2 9C67lQ>2:=E@i4H256o4?9:?6HD]4@>Qm4H256o4?9:?6HD]4@>k^2m]k^6>mk^Am

By Christian M. Wade | Statehouse Reporter

Source link

November 22, 2025
AGs sue Trump EPA over solar energy program

BOSTON — Attorney General Andrea Campbell has joined about two dozen other Democrats in suing the Trump administration over its decision to pull the plug on a $7 billion solar energy program for low-income households.

The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Washington, alleges that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency violated federal law and the Administrative Procedures Act when it terminated the Solar for All program, approved by Congress in 2023 as part of the Biden administration’s Inflation Reduction Act.

kAm%96 pvD 2C8F6 E96 >@G6 H2D 8@G6C?>6?E “@G6CC6249” 2?5 E92E E96 t!p =24@?6J AC6G:@FD=J 2AAC@G65 3J r@?8C6DD 7@C E96 D@=2C AC@8C2>]k^Am

kAm“!=2:?E:77D 92G6 366? 2?5 H:== 4@?E:?F6 E@ 36 92C>65 3J 5676?52?ED’ 6I64FE:G6 @G6CC6249[” E96 pvD HC@E6 😕 E96 C646?E=J 7:=65 bhA286 =2HDF:E] “qJ 2C3:EC2C:=J E6C>:?2E:?8 2 AC@8C2> 😕 H9:49 A=2:?E:77D A2CE:4:A2E65 2?5 H9:49 H2D 6IA64E65 E@ 3C:?8 DF3DE2?E:2= 36?67:ED E@ A=2:?E:77D 2?5 E96:C C6D:56?ED[ 5676?52?ED 92G6 :==682==J 6=:>:?2E65 A=2:?E:77D’ 23:=:EJ E@ A2CE:4:A2E6 😕 2?5 36?67:E 7C@> E96 $up !C@8C2>]”k^Am

kAm%96 pvD 2=D@ 7:=65 2 D6A2C2E6 =2HDF:E %9FCD52J 😕 E96 &]$] r@FCE @7 u656C2= r=2:>D E@ C64@G6C 52>286D 7@C t!p’D “F?=2H7F= 3C6249 @7 E96 8C2?E 28C66>6?ED” F?56C E96 D@=2C AC@8C2>]k^Am

kAm%H@ H666?E2= 8C@FAD[ D@=2C 4@>A2?:6D 2?5 =23@C F?:@?D 7:=65 2 D:>:=2C =2HDF:E 😕 &]$] s:DEC:4E r@FCE 😕 #9@56 xD=2?5[ H9:49 2=D@ D662?6?E :?;F?4E:@? 3=@4<:?8 E96 %CF>A 25>:?:DEC2E:@?’D >@G6]k^Am

kAmx? pF8FDE[ t!p p5>:?:DEC2E@C {66 +6=5:? 2??@F?465 E96 AC@8C2>’D 42?46==2E:@?[ 42==:?8 :E 2 “3@@?5@88=6” E92E’D “C:76 H:E9 8C:7E” 7C@> F?D4CFAF=@FD 4@>A2?:6D E2<:?8 4FED 7C@> E96 7656C2==J 7F?565 8C2?ED]k^Am

kAm|2DD249FD6EED H2D 2H2C565 S`de >:==:@? 7C@> E96 8C2?E AC@8C2>[ H9:49 DE2E6 @77:4:2=D D2J H@F=5 92G6 96=A65 4C62E6 8@@5A2J:?8 ;@3D[ =@H6C 6?6C8J 3:==D 7@C E6?D @7 E9@FD2?5D @7 =@H:?4@>6 4@?DF>6CD 2?5 255 2? 255:E:@?2= `ad >682H2EED @7 D@=2C A@H6C E@ E96 DE2E6’D 4=62?6?6C8J >:I]k^Am

kAmr2>A36== D2:5 E96 %CF>A 25>:?:DEC2E:@?’D 2EE6>AE E@ “:==682==J 8FE” E96 AC@8C2> H:== “6=:>:?2E6 8@@5A2J:?8 ;@3D[ ?68=64E E96 52?86CD @7 4=:>2E6 492?86[ 2?5 C2:D6 4@DED 7@C =@H:?4@>6 C6D:56?ED]”k^Am

kAm“pD |2DD249FD6EED 4@?E:?F6D E96 4C:E:42= EC2?D:E:@? E@ 4=62? 6?6C8J[ E96 $@=2C 7@C p== AC@8C2> 6?DFC6D E92E ?@ 4@>>F?:EJ 😀 =67E 369:?5 2?5 E92E 6G6CJ C6D:56?E 92D E96 @AA@CEF?:EJ E@ 36?67:E 7C@> 4=62?6C 2:C 2?5 >@C6 277@C523=6 FE:=:EJ 3:==D[” E96 s6>@4C2E D2:5 😕 2 DE2E6>6?E]k^Am

kAm&?56C E96 AC@8C2>[ E96 DE2E6 :DDF65 8C2?ED E@ =6?5:?8 :?DE:EFE:@?D E92E 7F?5 D@=2C 2?5 32EE6CJ AC@;64ED[ 2D H6== 2D E@ :?DE2==6CD 2?5 AC@;64E 56G6=@A6CD H9@ 5@ E96 H@C<]k^Am

kAm%96 q:56? 25>:?:DEC2E:@? 6DE:>2E65 E96 AC@8C2> H@F=5 AC@5F46 >@C6 E92? Sbd_ >:==:@? 😕 2??F2= D2G:?8D @? 6=64EC:4 3:==D 7@C =@H:?4@>6 9@FD69@=5D 24C@DD E96 4@F?ECJ[ H9:=6 4FEE:?8 8C66?9@FD6 82D 6>:DD:@?D 3J @G6C b_ >:==:@? >6EC:4 E@?D @7 42C3@? 5:@I:56 6BF:G2=6?E[ 6BF2= E@ E96 6>:DD:@?D @7 @G6C f >:==:@? EJA:42= A2DD6?86C G69:4=6D]k^Am

kAm%CF>A AC@>:D65 E@ 6?5 E96 7656C2= 8@G6C?>6?E’D DFAA@CE 7@C H:?5[ D@=2C 2?5 @E96C C6?6H23=6 6?6C8J D@FC46D E92E 96 4=2:>D 2C6 E@@ 4@DE=J 7@C 4@?DF>6CD]k^Am

kAms6DA:E6 E96 AFD9324< 7C@> E96 7656C2= 8@G6C?>6?E[ s6>@4C2E:4 v@G] |2FC2 w62=6J 2?5 E@A 6?G:C@?>6?E2= @77:4:2=D 2C6 G@H:?8 E@ AC6DD @? H:E9 677@CED E@ 5:G6CD:7J E96 DE2E6’D 6?6C8J >:I H:E9 >@C6 D@=2C A@H6C FD:?8 E96 DE2E6’D ?6E >6E6C:?8 AC@8C2> 2?5 @E96C :?:E:2E:G6D]k^Am

kAm~? %9FCD52J[ w62=6J 2?5 DE2E6 6?G:C@?>6?E2= @77:4:2=D C@==65 @FE 2? FA52E65 D@=2C :?46?E:G6 AC@8C2> – $@=2C |2DD249FD6EED #6?6H23=6 %2C86E b]_ – E96J 4=2:>65 H:== 3C:?8 >@C6 =@H4@DE 6?6C8J :?E@ E96 DE2E6 2?5 C65F46 6=64EC:4:EJ 4@DED 3J Sb__ >:==:@?]k^Am

kAm“%@ 5C:G6 5@H? 4@DED[ H6 ?665 >@C6 – 2?5 D@=2C 😀 E96 72DE6DE[ 4962A6DE 6?6C8J H6 42? 3C:?8 :?E@ |2DD249FD6EED[” w62=6J D2:5 😕 2 DE2E6>6?E] “|2DD249FD6EED 😀 @A6? 7@C D@=2C 3FD:?6DD]”k^Am

kAmr9C:DE:2? |] (256 4@G6CD E96 |2DD249FD6EED $E2E69@FD6 7@C }@CE9 @7 q@DE@? |65:2 vC@FAUCDBF@jD ?6HDA2A6CD 2?5 H63D:E6D] t>2:= 9:> 2E k2 9C67lQ>2:=E@i4H256o4?9:?6HD]4@>Qm4H256o4?9:?6HD]4@>k^2m]k^Am

Christian M. Wade covers the Massachusetts Statehouse for North of Boston Media Group’s newspapers and websites. Email him at cwade@cnhinews.com.

By Christian M. Wade | Statehouse Reporter

Source link

October 20, 2025
AGs urge EPA not to scrap climate change findings

BOSTON — Attorney General Andrea Campbell is leading a group of Democrats demanding that the Trump administration scrap a controversial proposal to repeal a key scientific finding on climate pollution.

In comments submitted to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Campbell and 22 other Democratic attorneys general criticized the federal agency for its “illegal” and “fundamentally flawed” plans to ax a 2009 “endangerment finding” that concluded the accumulation of greenhouse gases pose a “serious threat” to public health.

kAm%96 pv’D =6EE6C A@:?E65 @FE E96 t!p’D a__h 7:?5:?8D 4:E65 “@G6CH96=>:?8 D4:6?E:7:4 6G:56?46” E92E 8C66?9@FD6 82D6D “6?52?86C AF3=:4 962=E9 2?5 H6=72C6 2?5 E96? AC@>F=82E65 DE2?52C5D E@ 4@?EC@= >@E@C G69:4=6 6>:DD:@?D – @?6 @7 E96 =2C86DE D@FC46D @7 5@>6DE:4 8C66?9@FD6 82D 6>:DD:@?D]”k^Am

kAm“t!p’D 3C2K6? AC@A@D65 C6D4:DD:@?D 7=J 😕 E96 7246 @7 D6EE=65 =2H[ $FAC6>6 r@FCE AC64656?E[ 2?5 E96 D4:6?E:7:4 4@?D6?DFD 2?5 H:== 6?52?86C E96 =:G6D @7 >:==:@?D @7 p>6C:42?D[” E96 pv’D HC@E6 😕 E96 ab`A286 5@4F>6?E]k^Am

kAm“t!p 42??@E :8?@C6 E96 =2H 2?5 E96 D4:6?46 E@ C6G6CD6 4@FCD6 ?@H]k^Am

kAm%96 t!p’D a__h “6?52?86C>6?E 7:?5:?8” DE6>>65 7C@> 2 =2?5>2C< a__f $FAC6>6 r@FCE @A:?:@? 😕 |2DD249FD6EED G] t!p[ H9:49 AC@G:565 E96 =682= 32D:D 7@C E96 7656C2= 8@G6C?>6?E E@ FD6 E96 r=62? p:C p4E E@ C68F=2E6 8C66?9@FD6 82D 6>:DD:@?D E92E E9C62E6? AF3=:4 962=E9 2?5 H6=72C6]k^Am

kAmx? yF=J[ E96 t!p 2??@F?465 :E H2D C64@?D:56C:?8 E96 6?52?86C>6?E 7:?5:?8 2D A2CE @7 2 DH66A:?8 :?:E:2E:G6 E@ C@== 324< 6?G:C@?>6?E2= CF=6D] %96 286?4J 92D 366? D@=:4:E:?8 AF3=:4 7665324< @? E96 AC@A@D65 492?86D D:?46 62C=J pF8FDE]k^Am

kAmpE E96 E:>6[ t!p p5>:?:DEC2E@C {66 +6=5:? D2:5 E96 >@G6 E@ D4C2A E96 7:?5:?8 H:== “6?5 `e J62CD @7 F?46CE2:?EJ 7@C 2FE@>2<6CD 2?5 p>6C:42? 4@?DF>6CD” H:E9 E96 8@2= @7 “5C:G:?8 2 52886C DEC2:89E :?E@ E96 962CE @7 E96 4=:>2E6 492?86 C6=:8:@?]”k^Am

kAm+6=5:? 4=2:>65 7656C2= 6>:DD:@?D CF=6D D6E 3J E96 t!p F?56C 7@C>6C s6>@4C2E:4 !C6D:56?ED q2C24< ~32>2 2?5 y@6 q:56? “EH:DE65 E96 =2H[ :8?@C65 AC64656?E[ 2?5 H2CA65 D4:6?46 E@ 249:6G6 E96:C AC676CC65 6?5D 2?5 DE:4< p>6C:42? 72>:=:6D H:E9 9F?5C65D @7 3:==:@?D @7 5@==2CD 😕 9:556? E2I6D 6G6CJ D:?8=6 J62C]”k^Am

kAm“(6 962C5 =@F5 2?5 4=62C E96 4@?46C? E92E t!p’D vwv 6>:DD:@?D DE2?52C5D E96>D6=G6D[ ?@E 42C3@? 5:@I:56[ H9:49 E96 7:?5:?8 ?6G6C 2DD6DD65 :?56A6?56?E=J[ H2D E96 C62= E9C62E E@ p>6C:42?D’ =:G6=:9@@5D[” +6=5:?[ 2 7@C>6C #6AF3=:42? &]$] C6AC6D6?E2E:G6 7C@> }6H *@C<[ D2:5 😕 2 DE2E6>6?E 2??@F?4:?8 E96 492?86D]k^Am

kAmp 8C@FA @7 s6>@4C2E:4 =2H>2<6CD[ :?4=F5:?8 $6?] t=:K236E9 (2CC6?[ sr2>3C:586[ 2=D@ HC@E6 E@ E96 t!p @? |@?52J D2J:?8 E96 >@G6 “C6AC6D6?ED 2? 235:42E:@? @7 t!p’D 5FEJ[ 2 G:@=2E:@? @7 $FAC6>6 r@FCE AC64656?E 2?5 r@?8C6DD:@?2= 5:C64E:G6[ 2?5 2 3=2E2?E 72:=FC6 E@ AC@E64E E96 p>6C:42? A6@A=6]”k^Am

kAm“pA2CE 7C@> 36:?8 2 56C6=:4E:@? @7 5FEJ[ t!p’D 24E:@? 96C6 😀 @?6 @7 3C62E9E2<:?8 9F3C:Di E96 286?4J AC6D6?ED 2 D6C:6D @7 2=E6C?2E:G6 2C8F>6?ED 5676?5:?8 :ED AC@A@D2=[ 2== @7 H9:49 2C6 5:C64E=J 2E @55D H:E9 $FAC6>6 r@FCE AC64656?E[ r@?8C6DD:@?2= 5:C64E:G6[ 2?5 E96 724ED[” E96J HC@E6]k^Am

kAm“$4:6?E:DED[ 7:?2?4:2= 6IA6CED[ :?E6C?2E:@?2= 8@G6C?>6?ED[ 2?5 E96 p>6C:42? AF3=:4 28C66 E92E 4=:>2E6 492?86 😀 2 =@@>:?8 4C:D:D[” E96 =2H>2<6CD HC@E6] “vC66?9@FD682D 5C:G6? 4=:>2E6 492?86 😀 5C:G:?8 6IEC6>6 H62E96C[ 7=@@5:?8[ 6C@D:@?[ D62=6G6= C:D6[ 962E H2G6D[ 5C@F89E[ 42E2DEC@A9:4 H:=57:C6D[ 72>:?6[ D>@8 A@==FE:@?[ 2?5 @E96C 5:D2DE6CD]”k^Am

kAmr9C:DE:2? |] (256 4@G6CD E96 |2DD249FD6EED $E2E69@FD6 7@C }@CE9 @7 q@DE@? |65:2 vC@FAUCDBF@jD ?6HDA2A6CD 2?5 H63D:E6D] t>2:= 9:> 2E k2 9C67lQ>2:=E@i4H256o4?9:?6HD]4@>Qm4H256o4?9:?6HD]4@>k^2m]k^Am

By Christian M. Wade | Statehouse Reporter

Source link

September 27, 2025
Lawmakers meet to discuss health of Merrimack River

NEWBURYPORT — Support for new projects addressing combined sewage overflows and updates on ongoing ones were discussed by dozens of local and state officials during Thursday’s meeting at the Newburyport Senior/Community Center.

By Matt Petry | mpetry@northofboston.com

Source link

September 5, 2025
Peabody Essex Museum furthers sustainability goals with renewable energy agreement

SALEM — The Peabody Essex Museum has recommitted to a three-year renewable energy agreement that matches 100% of the museum’s annual electricity use across its entire 23-building campus with renewable energy credits.

And this Saturday, July 26, PEM will open a new climate-focused exhibition, titled “Knowing Nature: Stories of the Boreal Forest.” The exhibit, available in English and Spanish, will be on view until Sept. 27 of next year, and spotlights the boreal forest and its ecosystem’s vital importance to the health of the planet.

kAm“%9:D 6I9:3:E:@? AC@G:56D 2 =62C?:?8 ;@FC?6J E92E DE2CED H:E9 4FC:@D:EJ[ 3F:=5D 6>A2E9J 2?5 =625D E@ 24E:@?[” y2?6 (:?496==[ E96 $2C29 uC2D6C #@33:?D s:C64E@C @7 !t|’D s@EEJ qC@H? pCE U2>Aj }2EFC6 r6?E6C D2:5] “(6 2C6 2== 4@??64E65 E@ E96 3@C62= 7@C6DE 2?5 @FC 962=E9 2?5 H6==36:?8 2C6 E:65 E@ :ED 7FEFC6] %96 G2DE?6DD[ 362FEJ 2?5 D@=:EF56 @7 E9:D =2?5D42A6 E@F496D D@>6E9:?8 566A H:E9:? FD] xE AC@G:56D 2 A=246 @7 9@A6 😕 2 492?8:?8 H@C=5]”k^Am

kAmpD A2CE @7 :ED 4=:>2E6 2?5 6?G:C@?>6?E :?:E:2E:G6[ E96 >FD6F> 92D 366? AC:@C:E:K:?8 6?6C8J 4@?D6CG2E:@? 😕 2? 677@CE E@ C65F46 :ED 42C3@? 7@@EAC:?E[ H:E9 :ED 7:CDE E9C66J62C 28C66>6?E D6E E@ C65F46 42C3@? 5:@I:56 6>:DD:@?D 3J ?62C=J f[___ >6EC:4 E@?D[ 244@C5:?8 E@ !t|]k^Am

kAm%@ 52E6[ E96 >FD6F> 92D :?DE2==65 677:4:6?E {ts =:89E:?8[ 92D @AE:>:K65 :ED w’pr DJDE6>D 2?5 4@?EC@=D[ 2?5 92D H@C<65 E@ 7:?5 DFDE2:?23=6 H2JD E@ C65F46 2?5 C6AFCA@D6 6I9:3:E:@? 56D:8? >2E6C:2=D]k^Am

kAm“pD E96 ?2E:@?’D @=56DE 4@?E:?F2==J @A6C2E:?8 >FD6F> 2?5 2? @C82?:K2E:@? E92E 😀 565:42E65 E@ E96 :?E6CD64E:@? @7 2CE[ 4F=EFC6 2?5 D4:6?46[ H6 2C6 AC@F5 E@ C6?6H @FC 4@>>:E>6?E E@ E96 42C6 @7 @FC A=2?6E[” D2:5 rt~ {J?52 #@D4@6 w2CE:82?[ !t|’D #@D6|2C:6 2?5 t:;< G2? ~EE6C=@@ 6I64FE:G6 5:C64E@C] “}@H >@C6 E92? 6G6C[ H6 766= 2 566A C6DA@?D:3:=:EJ E@ DE2?5 2>@?8 E96 ?2E:@?’D 4F=EFC2= =6256CD E2<:?8 >62?:?87F= 24E:@? @? 4=:>2E6]”k^Am

kAm%96 >FD6F> 2=D@ A2CE?6CD H:E9 E96 4:EJ @7 $2=6> 2?5 =@42= @C82?:K2E:@?D 7@C E96 2??F2= !C6D6CG2E:@? 😕 2 r92?8:?8 r=:>2E6 r@?76C6?46[ H9:49 H:== E2<6 A=246 2E !t|’D |@CD6 pF5:E@C:F> @? $6AE] `f 7C@> gi`d 2]>] E@ cicd A]>] %96 4@?76C6?46 :?4=F56D =64EFC6D[ A2?6= 5:D4FDD:@?D[ 2?5 42D6 DEF5:6D 2:>65 2E 25G2?4:?8 >:E:82E:@? 2?5 252AE2E:@? DEC2E68:6D E92E 255C6DD E96 :>A24ED @7 4=:>2E6 492?86 @? 9:DE@C:4 3F:=5:?8D[ =2?5D42A6D 2?5 ?6:893@C9@@5D[ 244@C5:?8 E@ !t|]k^Am

kAmu@C >@C6 :?7@C>2E:@? @? !t|UCDBF@jD 4=:>2E6 :?:E:2E:G6D[ G:D:E k2 9C67lQ9EEAi^^A6>]@C8^AC6DD?6HD^A6>C6277:C>D4=:>2E6=6256CD9:AH:E96IA2?565:?:E:2E:G6QmA6>]@C8^AC6DD?6HD^A6>C6277:C>D4=:>2E6=6256CD9:AH:E96IA2?565:?:E:2E:G6k^2m]k^Am

kAm|:4926= |4wF89 42? 36 4@?E24E65 2E k2 9C67lQ>2:=E@i>>49F89o?@CE9@73@DE@?]4@>Qm>>49F89o?@CE9@73@DE@?]4@>k^2m @C 2E fg`fhhda_ak^Am

By Michael McHugh | Staff Writer

Source link

July 24, 2025
State doles out $28M to preserve open space

BOSTON — The state is distributing nearly $28 million to communities and regional organizations to upgrade parks and preserve open space as part of broader efforts to blunt the impact of climate change.

The state Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs said it has awarded $27.8 million for park improvements and open space acquisition through several grant programs to help 54 communities and trusts to protect land. The spending will help preserve nearly 2,400 acres of open space statewide, the agency said.

Gov. Maura Healey said the open space program’s projects will “boost public health, drive tourism, and strengthen our economy” and that the spending is part of a large effort “creating sustainable communities and safeguarding our natural resources for future generations.”

“Investing in parks and open space is critical for our state’s resilience against climate change, tackling issues like urban heat islands, flooding, sea level rise, and drought,” Healey said in a statement.

The funding includes $500,000 for Lawrence to cover upgrades to Campagnone Common, a 17.5-acre park in the city’s downtown that hosts festivals and other gatherings.

“By enhancing public spaces for recreation and community, we’re not only fostering a healthier, more vibrant Lawrence but also contributing to our city’s economic vitality as more people come to enjoy everything Lawrence has to offer,” state Sen. Pavel Payano, D-Lawrence, said in a statement.

Salem is receiving $500,000 from the Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities program for renovations at Curtis Memorial Park that will upgrade structures and a playing field, the agency said.

The Essex County Greenbelt Association will receive $300,000 through the Conservation Partnership Grants program to preserve 84 acres of farmland, wildlife habitat and headwaters to the East Meadow River, a tributary to the Merrimack River and a major source of drinking water for Haverhill, the agency said.

A 1972 amendment to the state constitution, approved by 82% of voters, gave the state Legislature the authority to order the purchase of land – by eminent domain or otherwise – for conservation, recreation or open space. It set a two-thirds vote requirement for lawmakers to approve or make changes to protections.

A 2022 amendment to the law declares that land preservation is considered a “public purpose” by the state government and that “people have the right to clean air and water, freedom from excessive and unnecessary noise, and the natural, scenic, historic and aesthetic qualities of their environment.”

The law includes a provision that allows for a cash payment in lieu of replacement land, which must be at 110% of the property’s value.

Within three years of the transaction, the money must be deposited into a fund dedicated to the purchase of Article 97 land that is of “equal natural resource value and acreage.”

The Resilient Lands Initiative, a coalition of state agencies, nonprofit environmental groups and land trusts, wants to speed up land conservation in Massachusetts with a focus on climate resilience and environmental justice. The group has set a goal of conserving 30% of land statewide by 2030 and 40% by 2050.

Conservationists have faced a backlash from some local leaders who have raised concerns about the drain on their budgets when large tracts are taken off the tax rolls and made off limits to commercial development or housing projects that provide tax revenue.

The scramble for undeveloped land has also pitted advocates of open space against those of affordable housing, who argue that the need for low-income housing in many communities often takes a back seat to creating new parks, protecting forests and preserving wildlife habitat.

Christian M. Wade covers the Massachusetts Statehouse for North of Boston Media Group’s newspapers and websites. Email him at cwade@cnhinews.com.

By Christian M. Wade | Statehouse Reporter

Source link

September 28, 2024
Salem State to plant more trees at Harrington Campus thanks to Gateway City funding

SALEM — New tree plantings are coming to Salem State University to help provide shade to Harrington Campus, after recent efforts to plant trees have been celebrated at other parts of SSU.

The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced recently that it’s investing more than $1 million in grants to support tree plantings and expand urban tree canopies in gateway cities, such as Salem and Lynn. The two neighboring cities combined for a $310,931 from the Greening the Gateway Cities (GGCP) implementation grant program.

Salem State’s share of the grant, worth $31,950, will bring 36 new trees to the Harrington Campus, while $120,000 goes to the city of Salem to plant 100 trees along entry routes, $123,981 to Lynn to plant 110 new public trees and prepare 80 new tree pits, and $35,000 to local nonprofit Salem Sound Coastwatch to help recruit residential properties into the program and find other high-priority planting spots in the area.

Salem State recently partnered with the Department of Conservation and Recreation through the GGCP to plant 50 trees of diverse species on North Campus, at the O’Keefe Complex, Stanley Building, and along the bike path, with more trees to come this fall. The new grant funding allows the university to plant trees on the Harrington Campus, where students have specifically requested more trees. The Harrington Campus was previously ineligible for the GGCP, as it’s not within an environmental justice area.

Bringing trees to campus “is transforming the landscape of Salem State for the future and is an important part of Salem State’s climate resiliency strategy,” said Tara Gallagher, sustainability coordinator in the university’s facilities department. “They say the best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago, and the second-best time is today. So, it’s never too late.”

The program strives not just to plant trees, but to make sure those that are planted receive initial watering and treatment support, and that species planted are also diverse. Plantings last year brought Honeylocusts, Basswoods, Red Maples, and others in the areas around the Canal Street parking lots and the multi-use path that runs through the area.

“Planting trees in urban areas helps neighborhoods that lack tree canopy and suffer from the urban heat island effect of being hotter than surrounding areas in the summer,” Gallagher said. “Tree planting also brings stormwater management, wildlife habitat and other benefits, as well as beautifying our campus.”

Rebecca Tepper, secretary to the state’s Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, said expanding the state’s forest canopy “is one piece of the larger puzzle to combatting climate change in Massachusetts.”

“With continuous heat waves leading to higher energy bills and greater greenhouse gas emissions, our Greening the Gateway Cities Program leverages our state resources and engages residents to help plant trees and enhance public health,” Tepper said. “Reducing the urban heat island effect is a top priority, and our non-profit partnerships through the GGCP will help cool our neighborhoods, towns and cities.”

As part of its efforts to advance and educate on sustainability, Salem State also held three events earlier this month to talk about low mow zones, the importance of trees in urban areas, and learn about pollinator habitats.

By News Staff

Source link

August 31, 2024
EPA awards $4.3B for climate projects in 30 states

WASHINGTON — The Environmental Protection Agency is awarding $4.3 billion in grants to fund projects in 30 states to reduce climate pollution. The money will go to 25 projects targeting greenhouse gas emissions from transportation, electric power, commercial and residential buildings, industry, agriculture and waste and materials management.

The grants are paid for by the 2022 climate law approved by congressional Democrats.

The law, officially known as the Inflation Reduction Act, includes nearly $400 billion in spending and tax credits to accelerate the expansion of clean energy such as wind and solar power, speeding the nation’s transition away from the oil, coal and natural gas that largely cause climate change.

The latest round of grants includes $396 million to Pennsylvania to reduce industrial greenhouse gas emissions from cement, asphalt and other material.

EPA Administrator Michael Regan joined Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro in Pittsburgh to announce grant recipients in his state, a political battleground in the 2024 election, and across the nation.

Senior EPA leaders also joined Democratic Sen. Alex Padilla of California on Monday to announce nearly $500 million for transportation and freight decarbonization at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.

The grants will provide incentives for electric charging equipment, zero-emission freight vehicles and conversion of cargo handling equipment to lower emissions.

Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire and Maine will get a total of $450 million to accelerate adoption of cold-climate heat pumps and water heaters.

“President Biden understands that America needs a strong EPA,’’ Regan told reporters, noting the Democratic administration “has made the largest climate investment in history, providing billions of dollars to state, local and tribal governments to tackle climate change with the urgency it demands.’’

The funds, to be delivered this fall, “will help implement community-driven solutions that reduce air pollution, advance environmental justice and help accelerate America’s clean energy transition,’’ Regan said.

Shapiro, a Democrat who has been mentioned as a possible vice presidential pick now that Biden has stepped down from the presidential race, said his administration has taken action to address climate change while continuing to create energy jobs and expand the economy.

The grant “is one of the largest federal grants Pennsylvania has ever received,’’ Shapiro said in a statement ahead of Monday’s announcement. The state will work with RISE PA, a new initiative aimed at reducing industrial sector emissions in Pennsylvania.

The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy will receive $307 million to boost “climate-smart” agriculture and reduce agricultural waste from livestock, officials said. The grant also will fund projects to improve energy efficiency in commercial and industrial facilities and low-income households, as well as deploy solar panels and electrify irrigation wells.

Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird of Lincoln, Nebraska, said the grant will enhance energy efficiency of homes and commercial buildings in her city. A city analysis indicates that investing in energy efficiency and electrification could reduce Lincoln’s emissions by 77% by 2050, Baird said on a White House call Friday.

The grant also will ensure Lincoln residents have “equitable access to the clean energy transition’’ by providing assistance to low-income residents, she said.

Other grants include nearly $250 million to boost electric vehicle infrastructure along Interstate 95 from Maryland to Connecticut. The project will provide charging infrastructure for commercial zero-emission vehicles and provide technical assistance for workforce development along the I-95 corridor, one of the most heavily traveled in the nation.

Michigan will get $129 million to accelerate the siting, zoning and permitting of renewable energy. The grants will help Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, another potential vice presidential choice, achieve a goal of 60% renewable energy by 2035.

BY Matthew Daly | Associated Press

Source link

July 27, 2024
Newburyport wins big in e-bus bonanza

Schools in North of Boston and southern New Hampshire communities, including Newburyport, are among the largest recipients of grants in the latest round of Clean School Bus Program awards.

As part of its ongoing effort to replace diesel-fueled school buses, the Biden administration said this week it will provide about 530 school districts across nearly all states with an additional $1 billion to help them purchase clean school buses.

Massachusetts school districts are in line for more than $42 million to purchase electric buses as part of an effort to upgrade the state’s aging fleet and reduce emissions from diesel-powered vehicles.

Newburyport is receiving $3 million for 15 buses, according to the Biden administration.

The Derry Cooperative School District in New Hampshire is receiving one of the largest grants in the region – $8.6 million for 25 electric school buses, thanks to an application submitted by First Student Inc., the transportation contractor for the district.

Several North of Boston school districts are also sharing in the e-bus funding, according to a list provided by the White House. Andover is receiving $5 million for 25 e-buses, while Ipswich is getting $5 million for 15.

Salem is receiving $2.6 million for 13 e-buses, the Biden administration said. Other school districts, including Gloucester, Marblehead, Beverly and the Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School, are also getting funding to buy new e-buses.

In addition to Derry, eight other New Hampshire districts such as Concord and Nashua will receive some of the funding, according to the White House. The money comes from the latest disbursements of grants through the Clean School Bus Program administered by the U.S. Department of Environmental Protection.

The rebates will help school districts purchase more than 3,400 clean school buses – 92% of them electric – to accelerate the nation’s transition to zero-emission vehicles and produce cleaner air in schools and communities, according to the Biden administration.

EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan said in a conference call with reporters Tuesday that the funding will help “transform the nation’s school bus fleet to better protect our most precious cargo – our kids – saving school districts money, improving air quality, and bolstering American manufacturing all at the same time.”

The federal program has awarded nearly $3 billion for 8,500 electric and alternative fuel buses in more than 1,000 school districts, according to the Biden administration.

Low-income, rural and tribal communities – accounting for about 45% percent of the selected projects – are slated to receive roughly 67% of the total funding, per the administration.

Regan noted how “low-income communities and communities of color have long felt the disproportionate impacts of air pollution leading to severe health outcomes that continue to impact these populations.”

As for business and economic opportunities, Regan pointed to the development of well-paying manufacturing jobs and investment in local businesses stemming from the increasing demand for these clean school buses.

“As more and more schools make the switch to electric buses, there will be a need for American-made batteries, charging stations and service providers to maintain the buses supercharging and reinvigorating local economies,” he added.

The program was initially funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law signed by Biden in November 2021, which includes $5 billion over five years to replace the country’s current school buses with “zero-emission and low-emission models.”

In January, the EPA announced more than $1 billion in funding for 2,700 clean school buses in 280 school districts in 37 states, including Massachusetts.

Federal health officials say exposure to diesel exhaust can lead to major health conditions such as asthma and respiratory illnesses, especially among children.

Despite the Biden administration’s efforts, e-buses still make up a tiny percentage of the buses on the roads nationwide, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.

The number of e-buses grew by 112% between 2018 and 2021. But with just 1,300 on the roadways in 2021, that represented just 2% of the transit buses in operation, according to DOT data. Of about 500,000 school buses nationwide, only 1,800 were electric in 2021, the federal agency said.

Material from States Newsroom reporter Shauneen Miranda was used in this report.

By Christian M. Wade | Statehouse Reporter

Source link

June 1, 2024
Ecological study to focus on stream crossings

Two North Shore road stream crossings, including one in West Newbury, have been selected by the state Department of Fish and Game’s Division of Ecological Restoration for future ecological restoration studies.

The culvert replacement sites – one on River Road in West Newbury and the other on Concord Street in Gloucester – were selected due to their vulnerability to coastal erosion, flooding and future sea-level rise, agency said.

Although the culverts are crossing freshwater streams, the division says they are expected to become tidal as sea levels rise, a transition presenting significant challenges for road infrastructure, DER officials said.

The Division of Ecological Restoration announced it is funding and managing future studies at the sites to help the communities, nearby landowners and partners overcome technical challenges and plan for ecological restoration and climate adaptation.

“Ecological restoration provides innumerable benefits,” Fish and Game Commissioner Tom O’Shea said in a prepared statement. “Projects like this will improve public safety, build resilience to sea-level rise, coastal erosion, and mitigate flooding, and restore water quality and wildlife habitat.

“By supporting municipalities and partners, we can scale our efforts to steward a biodiverse and climate ready future.”

“DER looks forward to helping these two communities evaluate and plan for sea-level rise while building resilient, fish-friendly road stream crossings,” Division of Ecological Restoration Director Beth Lambert said in a prepared statement. “Culvert upgrades and other nature-based solutions can be technically challenging and costly for our municipalities to pursue alone. State-municipal partnerships like this are key to successful implementation of ecological restoration and climate adaptation projects.”

In West Newbury, the River Road culvert is on an unnamed stream of the Merrimack River. The crossing faces challenges due to flooding and erosion, and has the potential to be heavily influenced by increased storms and sea level rise.

Conducting models of the way water moves at the culvert site and investigating potential ecological improvements through restoration would enable a systematic approach to improving infrastructure and natural resource resiliency, the state said.

In Gloucester, the Concord Street culvert is along a tributary of Walker Creek.

The DER indicated the culvert is affected by coastal storms and is at an increased risk for erosion and flooding. The replacement of the culvert with a structure of resilient design would address flood water retention and bank stabilization and sedimentation; improve fish passage and wildlife habitat; and increase climate resilience by preparing for sea level rise, storm surge, and coastal marsh mitigation.

A 2019 technical report called “Great Marsh Barrier Mitigation: A comprehensive program to mitigate aquatic barriers in the Great Marsh Area of Critical Environmental Concern region” by the Ipswich River Watershed Association looked at the single culvert on Concord Street, among many other “priority barriers” in the region.

“The site has been identified as a site that has experienced flooding and ranked as having poor aquatic organism passage in the (North Atlantic Aquatic Connectivity Collaboration) Tidal Crossing Assessment,” the report said. It singled out the culvert as having “no passage due to rock piles/undersized structures.”

Ethan Forman may be contacted at 978-675-2714, or at eforman@northofboston.com.

By Ethan Forman | Staff Writer

Source link

May 21, 2024