Recent Streetsblog MASS posts about Environment

Traffic from major highways increases the health risks of fine particulate pollution exposure in the Commonwealth's biggest cities. Courtesy of the Union of Concerned Scientists.

Research Predicts Large Public Health Benefits From Cap-and-Trade Program

By Christian MilNeil | Oct 14, 2020 | No Comments

Researchers found that that devoting more cap-and-trade funds to transit and active transportation generated significantly greater public health benefits, particularly by encouraging more physical activity with better bike and pedestrian infrastructure.

A transit shelter with a solar roof in Portland, Oregon. Photo courtesy of Trimet.

New 100% Clean Electricity Contract Will Save MBTA $3 Million a Year In Electric Bills

By Christian MilNeil | Oct 6, 2020 | No Comments

The switch to all-renewable electricity, which would take effect on January 1, 2021, will immediately slash the T's carbon footprint by 36 percent.

An architects' rendering illustrates planned safety improvements for the intersection of Melnea Cass Boulevard and Tremont Street in Roxbury. Courtesy of the City of Boston.

Melnea Cass Project Spotlights Value of Street Trees

By Christian MilNeil | Sep 28, 2020 | No Comments

Because the project is already under contract between MassDOT and Newport, the City of Boston has limited influence. But city officials say that they are working with MassDOT to pursue possible "change orders" to the agreement.

A battery-powered school bus. Photo courtesy of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

Electric Trucks and Buses Are Coming… Just Not Fast Enough to Save the Climate

By Olivia Box | Aug 31, 2020 | No Comments

Massachusetts has signed a multi-state pact to make zero-emission vehicles at least 30 percent of new bus and truck sales by 2030, and 100 percent by 2050 – but there’s considerable uncertainty about whether the pledge is ambitious enough to help Massachusetts meet its latest climate goals.

A map of inner Boston neighborhoods that are likely to flood during storms by the 2050s under current expectations of sea-level rise. Courtesy of Climate Ready Boston.

City Councilor Michelle Wu Pitches ‘Green New Deal’ for Boston

By Christian MilNeil | Aug 18, 2020 | No Comments

"The climate crisis and our current public health crises are intertwined, and wrapped in a political system that relies on structural racism and injustice," says Boston City Councilor Michelle Wu. "We need to tackle all of these problems together in this moment: climate justice is racial and economic justice, and cities can lead the charge."

Courtesy of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs.

New Climate Bill Commits to Reduced Tailpipe Emissions

By Christian MilNeil | Aug 3, 2020 | 1 Comment

The Massachusetts House of Representatives passed a significant new climate bill on Friday night that commits the state to cutting greenhouse gas emissions by “at least 50 percent below the 1990 level” within the next decade. The Senate passed a bill with similar goals at the end of January. The two chambers, which recently agreed […]

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