STOP – LOOK – LISTEN -ACT

ACES has been working hard to create a plan for the next five years and beyond. The plan includes engaging individuals who want to make a difference safeguarding the wellbeing of future generations. One of the programs is part of our Reduce Waste Initiative and is entitled Toward Zero Waste 2050. This reflects the MA State mandate of reducing waste by 30% by 2030 and 90% by 2050. Very aggressive goals especially considering what’s happening at the EPA.

The new EPA Administrator is moving to dismantle mandates on greenhouse gas emissions. A terrible move by an administration that wants to keep coal plants running and make it harder for transportation emissions to be reduced. Hiding behind word salad spinning about congressional mandates he is directly harming us and our Earth. The EPA plan should be mocked by comedians and be fodder for every conscientious editorial writer in the country. And this is one of the biggest attacks to demolish long developed and well thought out environmental protection regulations that directly protect the health of our planet. Please understand that decaying food waste produces Methane, a very dangerous gas.

According to the Cornell University Chronicle "more than 99.9% of peer-reviewed scientific papers agree that climate change is mainly caused by humans," based on a new survey of 88,125 climate-related studies. And yet, just this Wednesday August 6th, the new EPA chief, Lee Zeldin, had an essay in the Boston Globe decrying NY's well considered move to not authorize a new proposed gas pipeline. By enabling increased fracking for natural gas, a process with huge leakage of one of the most potent greenhouse gases there is, he framed it as harmful to New England's energy needs. Meanwhile the same administration suspended offshore wind options and solar power support. We encourage you to understand how the EPAs recent actions are hypocritical and solely in support of fossil fuel interests.

How can Massachusetts do anything in the face of a global phenomenon like greenhouse gas emissions and global warming? Maybe adjust the sales tax to reduce it on electric vehicles and raise it on cars with internal combustion engines. The Commonwealth should protect the air we breathe and continue mandating a higher mix of clean energy sources, especially for new large users such as AI facilities.

We support those legislators and municipal administrators who are proactively supporting legislation and practices that protect the wellbeing of current and future generations. Locally, Newburyport mayor Sean Reardon and City Council members, Afroz Kahn and Ben Harmon, are proactive as are Kristen Grubbs and Sadie Woodward of the Newbury planning department. At the state level, Rep Dawne Shand and Sen Bruce Tarr are also strong advocates for taking sustainable actions. Our US Congress members, like Seth Moulton, continue to speak up and call current trends what they are ...BS. It’s time to take off the gloves. Reinforce and recognize all positive actions that our legislators take. If the old timers in power are too timid to rock the boat, then someone should run against them on an environmental platform. Perhaps an "old school" Republican like Teddy Roosevelt or former Governor Baker or a fresh energetic Independent or a sincere and committed Democrat. The critical issue is a values-based leader who is ready and willing to deal with the impacts of the changing times.

We need a new environmental movement that's muscular and speaks verified truth while learning to communicate in everyday language and adhering to sound science. We need you now! Please drop us a note and give us your ideas and how we might support you to find a way to make a difference.

ACES team members believe everyone can make a BIG difference together. We invite you to stay updated on environmental matters by subscribing to our monthly newsletter via the “Subscribe to Updates” link on ACES’ website – https://www.aces-alliance.org/. Please consider joining our community of stewards by contacting acesnewburyport@gmail.com.

This educational column was originally published by The Daily News of Newburyport on August 8, 2025.