Local Climate Action Groups Reignite Their Strategies with EPA Reset: What It Means for the Community

In Springfield, local climate groups are responding to changes in federal environmental regulations. Recently, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed to revoke its 2009 finding that greenhouse gases are harmful to health. This has sparked concern and action among activists. Susan Theberge from Climate Action Now Western Massachusetts said the news only fuels their determination to push for state-level climate policies.

Andra Rose, president of Local Energy Advocates of Western Mass, called the EPA’s move a “criminal act.” She believes this change undermines significant efforts to curb pollution at the federal level. Many activists feel this decision is an attack on their reality. With rising temperatures and smoke from wildfires, the state’s residents are already experiencing the impacts of climate change. Naia Tenerowicz from the Springfield Climate Justice Coalition echoed these sentiments, calling the situation an insult to people suffering from health issues related to pollution.

The EPA now claims that greenhouse gases don’t impact climate change as severely as previously thought. This assertion is based on a non-peer-reviewed study and raises concerns about the direction of U.S. climate policy. In fact, a recent Associated Press report indicated that rolling back these rules could cost the country $275 billion annually and lead to over 30,000 premature deaths. Many of those deaths are tied to pollution-related issues.

In Springfield, where asthma rates are particularly high, local groups are actively opposing projects that would increase emissions, including a new wood-burning power plant and a natural gas pipeline. They’re aware that most regulatory decisions occur at the state and local levels now, especially in light of the recent federal changes. Theberge emphasized that swift action at these levels is essential for a just energy transition.

As activists focus on these local projects, they’re also lobbying for important state legislation. These include bills that aim to halt new fossil fuel infrastructure and push for cleaner energy solutions. They believe that community solidarity is their strongest asset in this fight. Theberge stated, “The escalation of climate disaster should give us more energy and passion to stand together.”

Local efforts are crucial at a time when federal support appears to be waning. With the stakes so high, community organizations are not just reacting; they are strategizing and working to create a sustainable future for Springfield and beyond.

For more on climate action and state regulations, you can check studies from the EPA and the latest updates on local government initiatives.

Source link