News and Events

Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $5 Million for Protection of Forest Reserves

[06‑Dec‑2024] Ten land trust organizations or municipalities have been awarded over $5 million in grants to protect forest land through the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs' (EEA) Acquisitions for Forest Reserves Grant Program. The protected land will allow the forests that occupy them to mature, thereby strengthening how these habitats store carbon. MASS.GOV »

Massachusetts Governor Signs Climate Law

[21‑Nov‑2024] On November 21, Governor Maura Healey signed into law an act promoting a clean energy grid, advancing equity, and protecting ratepayers. This law will reform how clean energy is permitted, accelerate progress toward climate goals, and ensure siting is informed by environmental justice. MASS.GOV »

Butternut Mountain Fire

[19‑Nov‑2024] The uncontained Butternut Mountain Fire – located just west of the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) outside of Great Barrington, MA – is burning on East Mountain and threatening the trail between Home Road (Brush Hill Road) and Lake Buel Road (NOBO miles 1,530.9 to 1,535.5). This includes Tom Leonard Shelter. ATC »

Major Drought Declared Across Massachusetts

[09‑Nov‑2024] "After more than a month of nearly no rain and devastating wildfires, Massachusetts is clearly experiencing significant drought conditions. Climate change is bringing drier weather to our state at times and extreme precipitation at others. It is critical that we all practice water conservation methods, especially indoors, and adhere to local requirements to decrease the stress on our water systems and ensure essential needs, such as drinking water, habitats and fire suppression, are being met." - Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper MASS.GOV »

$2.4M Awarded to Support Ecological Restoration Projects

[29‑Oct‑2024] The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced over $2.4M to support ecological restoration projects across Massachusetts. These projects, funded by the Department of Fish and Game's (DER) Division of Ecological Restoration, will strengthen community resilience to climate change, reduce flood risks, improve infrastructure and public safety, and restore crucial wildlife habitat and water quality. In August, DER awarded $2.1 million. Together, this amounts to nearly $4.2M invested in culvert replacement, small bridge improvements, and technical assistance in 2024. MASS.GOV »

Over $27M Awarded for Conservation, Open Space, and Park Projects

[24‑Sep‑2024] The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced over $27.8M in grant funding for park improvements and open space acquisitions across Massachusetts that will conserve 2,375 acres. Five grant programs will help municipalities and land trusts safeguard land for outdoor recreation, biodiversity, climate change mitigation, and other purposes. MASS.GOV »

$3.7M Awarded to Support Ecological Restoration Projects

[29‑Aug‑2024] The Healey-Driscoll administration announces grants totaling over $3.7 million for river and wetland restoration projects throughout Massachusetts. These projects are expected to strengthen community resilience to climate change, reduce flood risks, improve climate-ready infrastructure and public safety, and restore crucial wildlife habitat and water quality. MASS.GOV »

Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $550,000 for Woodland Conservation

[02‑Aug‑2024] The Healey-Driscoll administration today announced over $550,000 in grants to support the conservation and sustainable management of forests in western Massachusetts. Through the Woodlands Partnership Program, the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs is awarding grants to ten rural communities and six regional conservation and economic development organizations to improve access to outdoor recreation in public forests, enhance the safety of outdoor play, and implement climate resilient forestry practices. MASS.GOV »

$52M in Climate Resiliency Funding Awarded to MA Communities

[01‑Aug‑2024] The Healey-Driscoll administration today announced a landmark commitment of $52.4M in grants to advance climate resilience across Massachusetts. This significant investment is the largest in the history of the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Program. The MVP Program combines local leadership and expertise with a significant investment of resources and funding from the state to tackle the ongoing impacts of climate change, such as inland flooding, more frequent and severe storms, rising sea levels, drought, and extreme temperatures. MASS.GOV »

Springfield Selected to Receive $20M Environmental Grant

[25‑Jul‑2024] The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announces initial selections from a $2B Inflation Reduction Act program – the largest single environmental justice investment in history delivered by President Biden's Investing in America agenda. USEPA »

MA Senate Passes Climate Omnibus Bill

[26‑Jun‑2024] Key parts of this bill include siting reform, moving beyond gas, electrification of transportation, building decarbonization, and redefining clean energy. PROGRESSIVE MASS »

The Nature Conservancy Awards $1.2M in Grants for Land Protection

[12‑Jun‑2024] To advance the success of land conservation efforts and strengthen community resilience throughout the Appalachians, The Nature Conservancy has awarded $1.2M in grants to support 27 projects through its new Resilient and Connected Appalachians Grant Program. The grants will collectively protect over 10,000 acres of land across seven northeast states, including Massachusetts. THE NATURE CONSERVANCY »

Massachusetts Awarded Over $151M for Drinking Water and Clean Water Infrastructure Upgrades

[20‑Feb‑2024] Over $151M from President Biden's Investing in America agenda will be awarded to Massachusetts as part of a $5.8B investment through the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (SRF), one of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's signature water investment programs. The award will fund state-run, low-interest loan programs to address key challenges associated with wastewater, stormwater, and drinking water infrastructure. USEPA »

Massachusetts Receives More than $22M to Expand Access to Trees and Green Space

[20‑Sep‑2023] Massachusetts communities have received more than $22M in funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Forest Service's Urban and Community Forestry Program. The funding comes from a competitive grant program designed to plant and maintain trees, combat extreme heat and climate change, and improve access to nature in communities across the country. MASS.GOV »

Earth Day

[16‑Apr‑2023] Earth Day honors the achievements of the environmental movement and raises awareness of the need to protect Earth's natural resources. Test your knowledge of Earth Day with our interactive quiz! READ MORE »

The Massachusetts Clean Energy and Climate Plan for 2050 is Released

[21‑Dec‑2022] The 2050 Clean Energy and Climate Plan highlights a broad suite of specific goals, strategies, policies, and actions to reduce statewide gross greenhouse gas emissions by at least 85% below the 1990 baseline level, and conserve and enhance carbon sequestration on natural and working lands to help achieve Net Zero in 2050. MASS.GOV »

Conservation Groups Target Funding Boost for State Parks

[21‑Nov‑2022] More than 50 conservation and community organizations are calling for improvement to Massachusetts's state parks after what they described as "a decade of underfunding and understaffing." MCV »

Solar Development in Massachusetts

[08‑Nov‑2022] As the Commonwealth of Massachusetts addresses climate change through renewable energy development and other strategies, AMC and its partners are urging DOER to identify areas where solar development should be avoided or encouraged. READ MORE »