Massachusetts Energy and Environmental Affairs

Former senator Ben Downing appointed to lead Mass. Clean Energy Center - The Boston Globe The MassCEC board has tapped Downing, an executive with Cambridge startup incubator The Engine, to be the quasi-public agency’s next CEO. He previously ran for governor in 2021.

Congratulations to Ben Downing on his appointment as CEO of @masscec.bsky.social! He brings a clear vision and deep commitment to growing our climatetech sector and supporting workers across the state. www.bostonglobe.com/2026/02/27/business/ben-downing-mass-clean-energy-center/

Graphic with the headline “Governor Healey Cuts Winter Electric Bills by 25%.” It lists average savings for February and March electric bills: National Grid $120, Eversource $94, and Unitil $118. Text at the bottom reads, “Total Average Savings for Electric Customers on their February & March Bills.” The design uses navy blue and gold accents.

Graphic with the headline “Governor Healey Cuts Winter Gas Bills by 10%.” It lists average savings for February and March gas bills: National Grid $54, Eversource $64–68, Unitil $77, Liberty Gas $59, and Berkshire Gas $83. Text at the bottom reads, “Total Average Savings for Gas Customers on their February & March Bills.” The design uses navy blue and gold accents.

Energy bills are high. @massgovernor.bsky.social is here to help. In February and March, Massachusetts customers will receive 25% off their electric bills and 10% off their gas bills.

Protecting people and wildlife from extreme weather takes action – and investment.

We’re grateful for the support of @nature.org Massachusetts Director of Policy & Partnerships Steve Long who highlights why the Mass Ready Act is essential for safeguarding the state’s future.

Power Outage Safety Tips listing guidance: stay away from downed utility wires; use flashlights instead of candles; operate generators and grills outside due to carbon monoxide risk and ensure CO detectors work; call 2-1-1 for shelter and disaster information; call 9-1-1 only for emergencies such as downed lines or medical needs; do not call 9-1-1 to report outages.

Graphic reading ‘Lost power? Report your outage’ with utility contact numbers: Unitil 1-888-301-7700; National Grid 1-800-465-1212; Eversource Eastern MA (800) 592-2000 and Western MA (877) 659-6326; reminder not to call 9-1-1 to report an outage.”

⚠️ Winter storm outages are impacting Massachusetts.

Stay safe:
• Avoid downed wires — assume they’re live
• Use flashlights, not candles
• Keep generators outdoors

Report outages to your utility. Call 9-1-1 only for emergencies.

Check outages: mema.mapsonline.net/public.html

Black communities have been on the frontlines of the environmental justice movement. Photo from 1982 of young Black girls at a PCB protest

Warren County, North Carolina | 1982 PCB Protests In the 1980s, North Carolina chose the majority-Black, residential county of Warren as a dump site for more than 60,000 tons of toxic, cancer-causing PCB chemicals. Over six weeks, residents of the county held sit-ins, blocked trucks, and laid down in roads to protest toxic waste being dumped in their backyard. This action sparked a national discussion about race, pollution, and power that laid the groundwork for the modern environmental justice movement.

This Black History Month, we recognize the leadership of Black communities at the forefront of the environmental justice movement.

We remain committed to ensuring every community has a voice in decisions that shape their environment.

The Mass Ready Act dedicates critical new resources to protect the places we love.

We're proud to have the support of @thetrustees.bsky.social President and CEO Katie Theoharides to advance these practical investments in nature across Massachusetts.

Graphic with a dark blue background and the Massachusetts state seal at the top. Large white headline reads: “Massachusetts Public Health and Environmental Protection Commissioners Issue Joint Statement on EPA Endangerment Finding.” Below, a quote states that rolling back the endangerment finding dismantles a key tool to protect public health, and that vehicle pollution is harmful to people, the environment, and the economy. The text also says Massachusetts communities face floods, unpredictable weather, and hot summers, and emphasizes the state’s strong environmental protections and progress in improving air quality.

Continuation graphic with a dark blue background and the heading: “Joint Statement on EPA Endangerment Finding (cont.).” The text says the Trump Administration’s decision will disrupt progress on climate change and increase pollution, affecting seniors, children, and people with asthma. It states Massachusetts remains committed to reducing asthma, improving air quality, following science, and protecting residents. At the bottom are gold signatures and names: Bonnie Heiple, Commissioner of Environmental Protection, and Robbie Goldstein, Commissioner of Public Health.

Vehicle pollution is bad for public health. That’s a fact.

The Trump Administration’s decision to roll back the Endangerment Finding is reckless and puts people’s lives at risk.

The terms are set. Maye the best team win, @governorferguson.bsky.social.

Go, Pats! 🏈

HEALEY-DRISCOLL MVP GRANTS $3 Million to Help Communities Prepare for Extreme Weather Supports 32 municipalities in updating local climate resilience plans Funds on-the-ground projects that protect neighborhoods from flash floods, keep residents safer during heatwaves, and ensure reliable water supplies during drought MASS.GOV/MVP

Preparing for extreme weather starts locally. Over $3 million in new MVP 2.0 grants will help 32 municipalities strengthen climate resilience planning and fund on-the-ground projects.

Food Security $55 Million for Emergency Food Assistance Program Supports food banks and community organizations in providing tens of millions of meals to residents per year Creates a new tax credit up to $5,000 for farmers who donate excess food to food banks and pantries FY27 State Budget

While the federal government cuts funding, Massachusetts is making sure families don’t go hungry. @massgovernor.bsky.social ’s state budget invests $55 million to support our food banks and community organizations.

Two bi-directional chargers sit next to electric school buses at Acton-Boxborough Regional School District.

EVs that can power your home during an outage and reduce electric grid costs? Now possible thanks to @masscec.bsky.social’s Vehicle-to-Everything program.

This first-of-its-kind demo program uses bi-directional EV chargers to turn cars and school buses into mobile energy storage assets.

To the utility workers, plow crews, and first responders who worked tirelessly to keep Massachusetts residents safe and warm during the winter storm, Thank you! Secretary Tepper

To the utility workers, plow crews, and first responders who showed up in extreme conditions to keep Massachusetts running and residents safe and warm during the winter storm — thank you for everything you do.

$528 Million for Energy and the Environment Protecting clean air, water, and the land people rely on every day Fills critical gaps in food security, by providing $55 million for the Massachusetts Emergency Food Assistance Program Renews focus on affordability, using energy efficiency and oversight to help keep costs down Strengthens environmental work to move permits faster, keep enforcement strong, and address emerging threats like PFAS Invests in state parks and public spaces, making them more welcoming for residents Continues work on permitting reforms that speed up clean energy and infrastructure projects while keeping communities at the table FY27 State Budget

From feeding families to lowering energy costs, @massgovernor.bsky.social’s state budget invests big to deliver real benefits across Massachusetts.

Governor Healey’s State Budget Invests $528 Million In Energy and the Environment FY27 State Budget

@massgovernor.bsky.social’s state budget invests where it matters most – protecting clean air, clean water, and the land people rely on every day!

Image of powerline in front of Massachusetts houses. Text reads: Cutting red tape, building housing faster. Power Forward Initiative launched by Governor Healey and electric utilities makes it easier and more affordable to connect new housing projects to the grid.

Long wait times to connect housing projects to the electric grid are slowing us down.

Power Forward, launched by @massgovernor.bsky.social with @nationalgrid.bsky.social & @eversource.bsky.social, will change that — cutting delays, lowering costs, and accelerating housing development statewide.

Vineyard Wind report: Project has created more than 3,700 jobs - The New Bedford Light The project also exceeded its local hiring goals, with more than 70% of union labor coming from counties in Southeastern Massachusetts, according to the report.

When we produce energy locally, we create jobs locally! Vineyard Wind has delivered thousands of good-paying jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars in wages and benefits for Massachusetts workers. Bit.ly/4t5tQFa

We’ll be celebrating your 2025 accomplishments with you tonight, @massgovernor.bsky.social.
Tune in to the 2026 State of the Commonwealth Address at 7 PM at mass.gov/SOTC.

Governor Healey and Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper smiling at each other during testimonies in support of the Energy Affordability, Independence & Innovation Act in 2025

How I smile knowing that @massgovernor.bsky.social is fighting to lower energy bills for Massachusetts residents and businesses.

Catch the Gov’s State of the Commonwealth address tonight at 7PM at Mass.gov/SOTC!

Here ye, here ye! 📜 @massgovernor.bsky.social will deliver her 2026 State of the Commonwealth Address on Thursday, January 22 at 7 PM. Tune in tomorrow at Mass.gov/SOTC.

At EEA, we remain committed to addressing inequities and building healthier, more affordable, and more prepared communities across Massachusetts – because when we lift one another up, we all benefit.

Image of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at a press conference Text reads: “We aren’t going to have peace on Earth until we recognize the basic fact of the interrelated structure of all reality.” Martin Luther King Jr. Signature.

Today we remember Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his legacy. We all have a responsibility to ensure justice and the wellbeing of all people. This means ensuring every community has access to clean water, clean air, and a healthy environment.

Graphic announcing completion of the NECEC. The headline reads “Power On!” followed by text stating the NECEC transmission line is complete. Additional text explains that 1,200 megawatts of hydropower from Quebec to New England will provide 20% of Massachusetts’ overall electric supply and deliver $3 billion in benefits and savings by lowering energy costs for customers. The background is a blue-green map-style backdrop with a minimalist illustration of H-frame transmission towers receding into the distance above a forest silhouette.

Today, power is officially flowing through the NECEC transmission line – delivering affordable, stable hydropower from Canada to Massachusetts! This project will supply 20% of the state’s electricity and save customers $50 million each year on their bills.

Secretary Tepper testifying in front of Joint Bonding Committee

The Mass Ready Act is a $3 billion down payment on our future. Today, Secretary Tepper testified in support of this critical investment to protect drinking water, strengthen infrastructure, support farms, and help communities prepare for extreme weather. Learn more: mass.gov/massready

Information about the town hall, which will be offered in eight languages: English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Haitian Creole, ASL, Cantonese, Mandarin and Portuguese. Register at https://bit.ly/2026-DOER-Town-Hall.

Hear ye, hear ye – DOER’s third annual Town Hall is Jan. 30 from 12:00 - 1:30 pm. We hope you can join us! DOER will share key 2026 initiatives, timelines and engagement opportunities, followed by Q&A. The Town Hall will be recorded and shared for those who can’t join.

We encourage everyone to continue to follow state guidance and local water restrictions. This will help ensure we have enough water available for our essential needs as the growing season approaches. mass.gov/conservemawater

In the Islands Region, Dukes County has returned to Normal Conditions, and Nantucket County has moved to a Level 3–Critical Drought. Conditions remain unchanged in the Western, Connecticut River Valley, and Cape Cod Regions.

Graphic showing drought conditions in Massachusetts as of January 12, 2026

As of today, the Central and Northeast Regions of the state have worsened to a Level 2–Significant Drought. Conditions have also declined in nearly all other regions, moving the Southeast Region to a Level–1 Mild Drought and the Millers River Basin to a Level 3-Critical Drought.

EEA 2025 End of Year Report cover showing a scene of animals at the back of a house with rooftop solar

Our 2025 End of Year Report is LIVE! From introducing two major pieces of legislation to protecting biodiversity and investing in our communities, our team dedicated the year to building a more affordable, prepared Massachusetts for everyone. Read more: bit.ly/EEA2025Report

Dam Owners Technical Assistance program graphic encouraging interested parties to apply at mass.gov/damassistance before June 30, 2026

Massachusetts is reopening its Dam Owners Technical Assistance Program, offering free engineering support to help public and private dam owners comply with safety regulations.

Work runs through June 30, 2026.

Stronger dams mean safer communities. Submit your request at mass.gov/dam-assistance.

Group photo of APA-MA Award Winners

MMAC, PVPC, and EEA’s Climate Resilience Playbook just earned the President’s Award from the American Planning Association – Massachusetts!

See what actions your community can take to prepare for the impacts of climate change: resilienceplaybook.mapc.org