Nuciforo Named 'Legislator of the Year' by Environmental League of Massachusetts

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Andrea Nuciforo, Jr. (file photo)
The Environmental League of Massachusetts has named state Sen. Andrea F. Nuciforo, Jr. 'Legislator of the Year' for his strong support of environmental legislation and successful advocacy for substantial additions to the state's environmental operating budget for the current fiscal year. "While the Senate's budget reflected important increases to several key environmental programs, we can and must do more to support efforts to clean the Commonwealth's air and water. We should also keep our focus on providing residents and visitors with a world class park system that not only helps our economy, but contributes in a meaningful way to our quality of life," said Nuciforo (D-Pittsfield). "I am honored to receive this award from the Environmental League of Massachusetts, and look forward advancing future Green Budgets." Earlier this year, Nuciforo authored a letter to the Senate Committee on Ways and Means that supported increased funding for environmental funding. More than half of the Senate's members (23 total) signed on to Nuciforo's letter, which laid the groundwork for education and advocacy for the environmental budget in the Senate. The legislature increased the current budget for environmental agencies by $14.8 million, or 8.6 percent, compared to last year, which was the largest percentage increase since 1998. Nuciforo has also sponsored the Bottle Bill, led the fight against the St. Lawrence Cement Plant, and worked closely with Senate leadership to pass several bills related to energy efficiency. "Each year the Environmental League of Massachusetts recognizes a small number of people who have made a real difference for the environment and health of Massachusetts," said Jim Gomes, President of the Environmental League of Massachusetts. "All of this year's award recipients recognize how important it is that our state environmental agencies and programs have the funding, staffing, and management they need to do their important work." Former Commissioner of the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) Kathy Abbott received the award for Public Servant of the Year for her dedication to the state's parks. In her time as the first Commissioner of DCR, Abbott instituted numerous management reforms and advocated strongly for more resources for her agency. "There's no higher calling than public service," said Abbott. "The elected and appointed officials of our state make great sacrifices and bring about significant accomplishments for our citizens. I'm really pleased and proud that the Environmental League is honoring my service with this award." The Environmental League of Massachusetts announced its awards for 2005 at its 107th annual meeting in Boston.
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Lanesborough Fifth-Graders Win Snowplow Name Contest

LANESBOROUGH, Mass. — One of the snowplows for Highway District 1 has a new name: "The Blizzard Boss."
 
The name comes from teacher Gina Wagner's fifth-grade class at Lanesborough Elementary School. 
 
The state Department of Transportation announced the winners of the fourth annual "Name A Snowplow" contest on Monday. 
 
The department received entries from public elementary and middle school classrooms across the commonwealth to name the 12 MassDOT snowplows that will be in service during the 2025/2026 winter season. 
 
The purpose of the contest is to celebrate the snow and ice season and to recognize the hard work and dedication shown by public works employees and contractors during winter operations. 
 
"Thank you to all of the students who participated. Your creativity allows us to highlight to all, the importance of the work performed by our workforce," said  interim MassDOT Secretary Phil Eng.  
 
"Our workforce takes pride as they clear snow and ice, keeping our roads safe during adverse weather events for all that need to travel. ?To our contest winners and participants, know that you have added some fun to the serious take of operating plows. ?I'm proud of the skill and dedication from our crews and thank the public of the shared responsibility to slow down, give plows space and put safety first every time there is a winter weather event."
 
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