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Thursday, March 28, 2024

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Pulling back the curtains on wage-theft enforcement in MN; Trump's latest attack is on RFK, Jr; NM LGBTQ+ equality group endorses 2024 'Rock Star' candidates; Michigan's youth justice reforms: Expanded diversion, no fees.

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Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg says rebuilding Baltimore's Key Bridge will be challenging and expensive. An Alabama Democrat flips a state legislature seat and former Connecticut senator Joe Lieberman dies at 82.

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Historic wildfires could create housing and health issues for rural Texans, a Kentucky program helps prison parolees start a new life, and descendants of Nicodemus, Kansas celebrate the Black settlers who journeyed across the 1870s plains seeking self-governance.

MA: Energy Policy

Studies show a correlation between ample tree canopy in urban areas and reduced heat-related ambulance calls during extreme heat events. (Adobe Stock)
New online tool helps Boston grow tree equity

A new online tool is helping community groups in Boston ensure all neighborhoods reap the benefits from urban tree canopies. The Tree Equity Score …

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Lawmakers and environmental groups celebrate creation of the American Climate Corps. It's part of the Biden administration's Justice40 Initiative, which aims to ensure that 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that have been overburdened by pollution. (Office of Sen. Ed Markey)
Lawmakers, youth activists celebrate creation of American Climate Corps

A new federal jobs program aims to mobilize tens of thousands of young Americans to address the growing threats of climate change. The American …

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Burning wood releases fine particulate matter, which is easily inhaled and can lodge deep in the lungs, where it can cause chronic heart and lung disease and trigger asthma attacks, heart attacks, and premature death. (Adobe Stock)
Bills Aim to Close Biomass Loopholes in MA Clean Energy Laws

Environmental and community health advocates in Massachusetts are backing new legislation they say will close loopholes in the state's clean energy la…

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A new report finds the 11 private colleges and universities of western Massachusetts alone contribute $3.3 billion annually to the regional economy, and are often the largest single employer and procurer of goods and services in many communities. (Adobe Stock)
Study Reveals Impact of Private Colleges, Universities on MA Economy

Private colleges and universities across Massachusetts have a more than $70 billion annual impact on the Commonwealth, according to a new report…

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In a Pew Research Center survey, 57% of Americans cited reducing the budget deficit as a top priority for the president and Congress to address this year. That's up from 45% a year ago. (Adobe Stock)
MA Activists Urge Congress to Raise Debt Ceiling, Resist Spending Cuts

Local activists will rally in Boston Common tomorrow to urge Congress to lift the debt ceiling without cuts to social programs in return. President …

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Former Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker signed a landmark climate law in 2021 which requires utilities like Eversource and National Grid to increase their renewable-energy portfolio by at least 3% every year. (Adobe Stock)
Boston Moves to Implement Climate-Friendly Building Code

Boston is set to become the eighth and largest city in the Commonwealth to implement a new state climate-friendly building code to reduce the use of f…

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According to Extinction Rebellion, at least eight activists have been arrested at the construction site of the East Boston substation since Eversource began work on January 11. (Extinction Rebellion)
Protests, Construction Continue at East Boston Substation

Environmental activists are calling on Gov. Maura Healy to end construction of the Eversource electrical substation in East Boston, and move it to …

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The Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs is working to identify cost-effective ways to ensure the state reduces greenhouse gas emissions by at least 85% by 2050 and achieves net-zero emissions. (Adobe Stock)
MA Leads Nation in 'Green' Building Development

Massachusetts ranks number one in the nation for "green" building development. The ranking is based on what's known as LEED certification, which is …

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The average value of home weatherization installation, including appliance replacement, attic insulation and more, is over $4,000, according to National Grid. (Adobe Stock)
Keeping Out the Cold: Weatherization Help for Those in Need

Community service agencies say many low- and moderate-income homes in the Commonwealth are unprepared for the winter cold and could benefit from a num…

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According to MASSCAP, a single-family household in the Commonwealth could be facing more than $3,000 in home heating-oil costs to make it through the winter. (Adobe Stock)<br /><br />
Preparing for Low Temperatures, High Energy Costs in MA

Community service agencies say requests for home heating assistance were increasing even before National Grid - the power company that serves many in …

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The state of Massachusetts is soliciting proposals for 5,600 megawatts of offshore wind energy by 2027, a vast increase from the 1,600 megawatt goal in the 2016 Act to Promote Energy Diversity.(Adobe Stock)
MA Working Through Fishing Industry Concerns About Offshore Wind

With many states working on becoming more carbon-neutral, Massachusetts is looking to offshore wind for its sustainable future. According to a 2021 …

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Much like coal and oil, woody biomass is a carbon-burning form of energy production that emits carbon dioxide. (Adobe Stock)
Massachusetts Helping Turn Tide on Biomass Energy

Clean-energy advocates are hopeful Massachusetts' leadership on fighting biomass pollution will drive change in other states and nations. The Bay …

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