EPA Releases Yearly Report

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BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll Administration released the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) 2025 Annual Report, highlighting key milestones and accomplishments from its agencies.

Over the past year, EEA's organizations have engaged residents and partners across the state through intentional environmental initiatives. These efforts include legislation to lower energy costs for families, investments in extreme weather preparation, and strategies to protect nature. Together, this work has contributed to creating more resilient and sustainable communities in Massachusetts. 

"Our agencies are at the forefront of protecting our natural resources, making energy affordable, building resilient and prepared communities, and expanding outdoor accessibility," said EEA Secretary Rebecca Tepper. "I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our commissioners and the over 3,000 dedicated staff members who tirelessly serve the residents, ecosystems, and wildlife of Massachusetts." 

This year, Governor Maura Healey released an Energy Affordability Agenda, as well as filed the Energy Affordability, Independence & Innovation Act to reduce costs for residents and businesses. The proposed legislation saves customers money, brings more energy into Massachusetts, and drives innovation. Key reforms included eliminating and reducing certain charges on the bill and reducing barriers to new nuclear technologies. An independent analysis found the legislation could save customers $13 billion. 

In addition to increasing energy affordability for residents, this year the Healey-Driscoll administration introduced the Mass Ready Act, a historic bill proposing $3 billion to strengthen infrastructure and protect communities from extreme weather events. This legislation aims to upgrade roads, dams, and bridges, and establishes a Resilience Revolving Fund for similar projects. It also streamlines permitting for priority housing, culvert replacements, and restoration projects that protect communities from flooding. Additionally, the bill invests in farming and coastal economies and provides communities with resources to reduce flood and heat risk.  

The Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game, alongside many partners, has developed a 25-year plan to protect and restore nature, sustain farms and fisheries, boost local economies, and connect people with nature. Likewise, the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM) released the ResilientCoasts Plan, a statewide strategy to support coastal communities in preparing for storms, flooding, sea level rise, and erosion. The plan aims to save taxpayers billions by guiding smart coastal management decisions and preserving natural buffers to reduce flood risks. 

In 2025, EEA and its agencies distributed more than $237.9 million in grants across 70+ programs, supporting over 1,600 individual awards statewide. Investments supported programs for environmental justice, recycling, outdoor recreation, farmland preservation, drought management and much more.

Read the full end of year report. Printed copies are available upon request.  

 


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Neal's Office Among Those Targeted by Suspicious Mailings

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — U.S. Rep. Richard Neal was among congressmen apparently targeted by someone mailing suspicious envelopes. 
 
According to a report in The Berkshire Eagle, an envelope containing a powdery substance was discovered by postal inspectors before reaching Neal's Pittsfield office in the Silvio O. Conte Federal Building.
 
Nearly 40 members of Congress have received envelopes containing white powder, according to The Guardian. More than 100 letters are thought to be in the U.S. mail system and the FBI, Capitol Police and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service were investigating the mailings that have also been sent to elections officials in various states. 
 
The mailings have been sent to both Republican and Democrat officeholders and several congressional district offices had to be evacuated in the last week or so after envelopes were opened in them. 
 

Earlier today, my Bronx district office received an envelope delivered by mail that contained a suspicious substance. Local law enforcement responded swiftly and, after investigating, determined the substance to be non-hazardous.

— Rep. Ritchie Torres (@repritchie.bsky.social) October 16, 2026 at 3:10 PM
The Guardian reported that the FBI is warning officials to look for envelopes processed through a north Texas center and that carry a postmark or stamp stating "Thinking of You."
 
The Eagle states that Neal's office was alerted on Saturday that it might be getting a suspicious package; inspectors seized the envelope at the Fenn Street post office on Monday.
 
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