Real Results For Massachusetts' Environment

Capping Global Warming Pollution
Environment Massachusetts staff helped develop the regional plan to cut global warming emissions from power plants 10% over the next decade, and we worked to persuade Gov. Deval Patrick to sign our state on as one of his very first acts in office in January 2007.

Protecting Our State Parks
Walden Pond, Mount Greylock, and state parks, forests and beaches across the Commonwealth will be cleaner and better maintained thanks to our work to increase funding for Massachusetts’ preserved natural places.

Blazing A Path To A New Energy Future
Wind farms, solar panels and other forms of clean, renewable energy will supply at least 15% of our electricity by 2020 under a bill supported by our staff and members and approved by Beacon Hill lawmakers. The landmark law will also save energy in our homes and businesses through energy-efficient technologies.

Reducing Exposure To The Most Dangerous Toxics
We’re closer to reducing our exposure to many dangerous toxic chemicals. In January 2008, we took the first step toward phasing out the most dangerous chemicals in Massachusetts, when the Senate passed our bill to require manufacturers to use safer alternatives.

Fighting For Cleaner Cars
In 2007, working with Rep. Ed Markey, we pushed Congress to increase gas mileage standards for the first time in 30 years. And we’re fighting the Bush administration’s attempts to roll back a law that would make Massachusetts’ cars 30% less polluting.

Getting Cape Wind Off The Drawing Board
The Cape and Islands could get three-quarters of their power from clean, renewable energy if Cape Wind is finally built. We’ve worked to convince state and federal decision-makers to finally move forward with the project.

Preserving Massachusetts’ Forests
In 2006, we worked with a broad coalition of environmental groups and the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs to set aside 100,000 acres of forest reserves to protect our most precious and diverse natural habitat from unwise use.

Saving The Boston Harbor Islands
The revitalization of Boston Harbor was a success story for the environment in Massachusetts. So when energy conglomerate AES Corporation tried to build a liquefied natural gas terminal on one of the Boston Harbor Islands, we fought against the plan and convinced Beacon Hill decision-makers to reject the bid.

Protecting Our Ocean Legacy
Our ocean ecosystems will be better protected thanks to our work in 2006 to convince our congressional delegation to curb overfishing by passing the Magnuson-Stevens Act. We’ve also made sure Congress maintains the moratorium on new oil and gas drilling off our coast.

Cleaning Up The “Filthy Five”
Environment Massachusetts fought for new clean air standards for Massachusetts’ five oldest and dirtiest power plants, the Filthy Five. As a result, power plants throughout the state have agreed to dramatic cuts in their smog and soot pollution.