SPRINGFIELD — Recently, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) decided to revoke its authority to regulate greenhouse gases. This move has disappointed many climate activists, especially in western Massachusetts, who are now focusing their efforts on state and local initiatives.
“It just fuels my passion,” said Susan Theberge, co-founder of Climate Action Now Western Massachusetts. “We have to work at the state and municipal levels, which is where we have power right now. We are holding the line.”
This new proposal, published by the EPA, challenges the 2009 “endangerment finding,” which classified carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases as harmful. Now, the agency states that air pollution should be understood as primarily local or regional issues. This has left many activists feeling frustrated.
“It’s really a criminal act in the big picture,” said Andra Rose, president of Local Energy Advocates of Western Mass. She views the proposal as a setback for efforts to limit pollution. “This threatens our ability to do anything significant at the federal level.”
Some locals see the EPA’s decision as a dismissal of the very real impacts of climate change. Naia Tenerowicz from the Springfield Climate Justice Coalition expressed concern about how this decision ignores daily experiences of climate effects, particularly during heat waves and wildfires.
The EPA claims that greenhouse gases may not impact climate change or human health as greatly as once thought. This statement is based on a recent study from the Department of Energy that has not gone through the typical review process, raising some eyebrows.
In March, the EPA also rolled back 31 environmental rules meant to protect air and water quality. Administrator Lee Zeldin referred to it as the “greatest day of deregulation,” suggesting it would significantly weaken protections against air pollution.
Research by the Associated Press indicated that such rollbacks could cost the U.S. dearly—potentially $275 billion a year—and could lead to over 30,000 premature deaths, primarily from air pollution-related illnesses.
Springfield, which has one of the highest asthma rates in the country, is feeling the impact. Local groups are actively opposing projects that would contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. Among these are a wood-burning power plant and a natural gas pipeline extending into the city.
Activists like Tenerowicz are now focusing on these local projects since they have more control over the outcomes. Even though the EPA’s actions signal a federal retreat, they feel that state leaders, including Gov. Maura Healey, are still committed to a greener future.
Theberge stressed the need for a rapid shift to clean energy at local and state levels. “We have to do everything we can to make sure our transition is just and swift,” she said.
Ahead of an upcoming Eversource session, local organizations are planning a demonstration. They are advocating for state bills that aim to halt large fossil fuel projects and promote clean heating systems. In addition, legislation like the Climate Bank Bill could help finance renewable energy efforts.
“The one thing we have on our side is the enormous power of people coming together,” Theberge noted. “Life on this planet is at stake.”
As local activists channel their frustrations into action, they’re not just reacting to disappointing federal policies; they are redefining their strategies to secure a sustainable future.
