In a press release dated July 17, 2024, one of Acton’s state representatives, Simon Cataldo, wrote: “The Massachusetts House of Representatives voted favorably on omnibus energy and climate legislation that incorporates Representative Simon Cataldo’s…amendment to enact a landmark change to Massport’s charter. The amendment, filed with [representatives of other towns near Hanscom Field], requires Massport, an independent public authority, to immediately consider environmental justice, greenhouse gas emissions limits, and climate objectives… The House’s omnibus climate and energy bill passed the chamber by a vote of 131 – 25.” According to a follow-up email from Catalado’s office, similar language passed in the Senate version of the bill, and the two bills are currently in conference committee to reconcile the differences between the two bills.
When asked by the Acton Exchange to explain how this amendment impacts Acton, Green Acton Energy Committee Chair Carolyn Davis wrote: “Simon Cataldo’s and other legislators’ amendment is great news for those of us who oppose the Hanscom expansion. Under Massport’s current charter, which dates back to 1956 when climate change wasn’t an issue, we were facing an uphill battle. This amendment will force Massport to prioritize goals like reducing greenhouse gas emissions in their economic development planning. They will have to reconsider their proposal to increase hanger space to accommodate between 59 and 80 private jets, which one study says would increase greenhouse gas emissions by up to 161,348 metric tons annually. Opponents will have more leverage to argue that the Hanscom expansion goes against the state’s, and now Massport’s, own climate goals.”
Hanscom expansion was extensively discussed by the Acton Select Board on July 10 and September 18, 2023, and April 29, 2024. On May 7, 2024, the Select Board voted 4-1 to approve a letter to Governor Healy in opposition to the expansion proposal.
Kim Kastens is a volunteer editor and writer for the Acton Exchange. She is a Director of Green Acton, but not involved in Green Acton’s energy or climate advocacy.