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Wednesday, September 18, 2024

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Medical copays reduce health care access in MS prisons; Israel planted explosives in pagers sold to Hezbollah according to official sources; Serving looks with books: Libraries fight 'fast fashion' by lending clothes; Menhaden decline threatens Virginia's ecosystem, fisheries.

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JD Vance calls for toning down political rhetoric, while calls for his resignation grow because of his own comments. The Secret Service again faces intense criticism, and a right to IVF is again voted down in the US Senate.

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A USDA report shows a widening gap in rural versus urban health, a North Carolina county remains divided over a LGBTQ library display, and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz' policies are spotlighted after his elevation to the Democratic presidential ticket.

MA: Energy Policy

In Boston, African Americans represent 24% of the population but account for only 12% to 14% of the workforce on large construction projects, according to a report from Climate Jobs Massachusetts. (Adobe Stock)
MA labor groups tackle climate crisis, income inequality

Massachusetts labor leaders say the state can meet its ambitious climate goals while creating quality jobs in communities facing the greatest threats …

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Scientists say in order to avert the worst effects of climate change, global temperature increase must be limited to 1.5 degrees Celsius and emissions cut by 45% by 2030 to reach net zero by 2050. (Adobe Stock)
Scientists reconsider net-zero pledges to reach climate goals

By Stephen Battersby for the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.Broadcast version by Kathryn Carley for Commonwealth News Service…

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Federal regulators are considering the effects modernizing America's energy grid will have on wildlife. A 2023 NatureServe report showed 40% of animals are at risk of extinction and 41% of ecosystems are at risk of range-wide collapse. (Adobe Stock)<br />
New transmission planning rule takes MA wildlife into account

Conservation groups in Massachusetts are backing the Biden Administration's new plan to update the nation's power grid. Studies show the U.S…

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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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