July 30, 2021: Sarita Hudson, Director of Programs and Development of the Public Health Institute, gave public comment on proposed changes to Massachusetts’ Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) Class I and Class II Regulations as part of a western MA delegation. Air pollution is a major health danger for children and adults. Outdoor air pollution from burning fossil fuels has been shown to contribute to morbidity for several chronic diseases including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cardiovascular disease, and most recently COVID-19. In addition, air pollution affects the development of lungs and is linked to low birth weight and pre-term birth and susceptibility to infections. According to the EPA, fine particle pollution causes early death (both short-term and long-term exposure) and may cause reproductive and developmental harm (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Integrated Science Assessment for Particulate Matter, December2009 EPA 600/R-08/139F).

Recording of public comment

 Testimony