More than 40 leading historians, scientists, and climate and environmental advocates sent a letter today to Gov. Maura Healey asking her to stop the proposed private jet expansion of Hanscom Field.
The airfield is close to Minute Man National Historical Park (MMNHP), Walden Pond, and nearby landmarks which the National Trust for Historic Preservation and has designated as among America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places. Those areas are ground zero for the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the start of the Revolutionary War, with events that will draw thousands to the region.
Minute Man National Park, Walden, and their historic environs represent and reflect our nation’s ability to prevail, evolve, and enlighten in the face of extreme challenge,” the letter says. Signers include musician and Walden Woods project founder Don Henley, actor/activists Ed Begley Jr. and Ashley Judd, 350.org founder Bill McKibben, documentary filmmaker Ken Burns, musician James Taylor, historian Douglas Brinkley Jr., former Massachusetts secretary for environmental affairs John DeVillars, and Ellen Emerson and Mark Thoreau, direct descendants of Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry Thoreau.
Last June, Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper rejected the draft environmental impact report for the expansion and asked the developers to submit a supplemental report with additional information about climate impacts, among other things. The proposal would add 17 hangars that could accommodate more than 60 additional private jets.
Healey is also the target of petitions from the National Trust for Historic Preservation and Stop Private Jet Expansion at Hanscom or Anywhere; the letter has garnered 14,000 signatures so far. The state legislature and the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act office do not have the authority to stop a Massport project; only Healey has that power.
Click here to see previous news and opinion piece in the Lincoln Squirrel about this issue.
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