Recent Streetsblog MASS posts about Environment

side by side maps of Boston showing daytime air temperature and nighttime air temperature on a blue to red scale

How Boston Plans to Cool Down Streets Amidst Rising Temperatures

By Grecia White | Aug 8, 2022 | No Comments

The City of Boston has several projects in the works as part of an ongoing Climate Ready Boston initiative in response to the changing climate patterns we’ve been experiencing and which are only expected to increase in frequency and severity, but the projects seem to miss a key connection between heat and transportation.

The Massachusetts State House in downtown Boston.

Last-Minute Legislation Legalizes (Some) E-Bikes, Axes Low-Income Fares, and Throws More Cash At EVs

By Sam Mintz | Aug 1, 2022 | No Comments

Despite a late effort by the Senate to revive legislation requiring the MBTA and regional transit authorities to implement low-income fare discounts, the provision went missing from the final agreement.

Batteries can't fix this: a midday traffic jam on I-93 in downtown Boston.

New Climate Policies Target the Commonwealth’s Worst Polluter: MassDOT

By Christian MilNeil | Jul 11, 2022 | No Comments

While other sectors of the Massachusetts economy are reducing their consumption of fossil fuels, pollution on MassDOT's roadways has been getting worse.

Victory for Community Resistance: L.A. Cancels Long-Planned $6 Billion Lower 710 Freeway Widening

By Joe Linton | May 26, 2022 | No Comments

L.A. Metro approved the 'No Build' alternative for planned 710 freeway widening through predominantly Black and brown communities. The action is unprecedented for Southern California.

Highway Pollution Is Surging Back Towards Pre-Pandemic Levels

By Christian MilNeil | May 12, 2022 | No Comments

Massachusetts residents burned through roughly 596 million gallons of gasoline during the first three months of 2022.

A hazardous materials warning sign reading "DANGER: Asbestos may cause cancer, causes damage to lungs, authorized personnel only, wear respiratory protection and protective clothing in this area" hangs from a post in front of an uncovered pile of construction debris.

MassDOT Under Fire for Stockpiling Hazardous Debris Next to Public Housing in Chelsea

By Christian MilNeil | May 6, 2022 | No Comments

"Folks always say what is environmental justice? What is environmental racism? Here it is. This is a prime example of it. The state is dumping contaminated material next to low-income communities and communities of color,” said Rosanne Bongiovanni, the executive director of GreenRoots, a Chelsea-based environmental justice advocacy organization.

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