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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Pittsfield Swears in City Council, School Committee

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

Earl Persip III is sworn in as president, above; Peter White, right, takes the oath for vice president after beating out Dina Lampiasi for the post. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The city welcomed both new and familiar leadership for the next two years during its inauguration ceremony on Monday.

There were contested races for School Committee chair and vice president of the City Council. Councilor at Large Earl Persip III, was elected president of the council, Councilor at Large Peter White vice president, and Mayor Peter Marchetti was elected to chair the School Committee, the first mayor to sit as chair in nearly 30 years. 

"As I think I have stated to most of you, I hold this role very similar to the way that I've held the role of council president. This seat does not make motions," Marchetti said, who is halfway through his four-year term. 

"This seat is a voting member. The seat doesn't debate from the chair and doesn't make motions." 

Persip was elected president unanimously as he approaches a decade on the council. He was nominated by White, the former president. 

"I want to thank the residents of Pittsfield for electing me again. It's important that representation matters, and I'm glad I'm able to serve you and do the work I'm allowed to do," Persip said during the ceremony. 

"I'm also to the City Council that elected me as president. Your faith in me makes me feel good about what is happening and Pittsfield." 

City Clerk Michele Benjamin, the City Council, and School Committee members took the oath of office in front of a packed council chambers. The council composition is largely the same except for two new ward councilors, while the School Committee has only one returning member. 

Newcomers Ward 7 Councilor Katherine Nagy Moody and Ward 2 Councilor Cameron Cunningham were sworn into their first terms after winning the open seats. 

Persip, White, Alisa Costa, and Kathleen Amuso held their seats as councilors at large during the municipal election on Nov. 4. 

Ward 1 Councilor Kenneth Warren, Ward 3 Councilor Matthew Wrinn and Ward 4 Councilor James Conant ran unopposed, and Ward 5 Councilor Patrick Kavey and Ward 6 Councilor Dina Lampiasi fended off challengers to return to office. 

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