Draft Environmental Impact Report
Results of Our Efforts!
MEPA determined that the developers must submit a supplemental DEIR! An enormous thank you to Secretary Tepper and the MEPA office for thoroughly reviewing, researching, and thoughtfully evaluating all the information and data that was submitted regarding this project. Thank you to all our supporters and the approximately 1,500 people who submitted comments. The fight is far from over, but every single comment made an enormous difference. This decision shows exactly what we can accomplish when we all stand united with one goal.
To read the DEIR Certificate, click here.
DEIR Comments
Government
Federal
State
Regional
Towns & Cities
Organizations
National
State
Regional
Local
Individuals
Sample Comments
All Comments
Government
Federal
NPS, Minute Man National Historical Park
USFWS, Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge
State
Joint Comment by Hanscom-area State Representatives, submitted by Rep Simon Cataldo
State Representative Carmine Gentile
Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources
Massachusetts Historical Commission
Regional
Hanscom Area Towns Committee (HATS)
Hanscom Field Advisory Commission (HFAC)
Boards of Health, chairs of Hanscom-area Towns
Towns & Cities
Bedford Select Board, also signed by
Office of the Bedford Town Manager
Bedford Department of Public Works
Bedford Planning Department
Bedford Fire Department
Bedford Code Enforcement Department
Bedford Health and Human Services Department
Bedford Housing & Economic Development Department
Bedford Energy & Sustainability Committee
Concord Climate Action Committee
Organizations
National
Conservation Law Foundation
CLF Exhibit 1
CLF Exhibit 2
CLF Exhibit 3
Institute for Policy Studies, Project on Inequality & the Common Good
National Trust for Historic Preservation
National Parks Conservation Association
Regional
Berkshire Environmental Action Team
Greater Boston Physicians for Social Responsibility
State
Environmental League of Massachusetts
Environmental Monitoring Partners, LLC
Mothers Out Front - Massachusetts
Stop Private Jet Expansion at Hanscom or Anywhere
The Creation Care Justice Network
Local
Chelmsford Climate Action Team
Citizens for Holden’s Energy Future (CHEF)
First Parish Bedford, Env. Justice Committee
Individuals
“I am a high school student from Winchester Massachusetts…The last thing we should be doing right now is encouraging and expanding [private jet infrastructure]. The airport has released a DEIR which is missing some vital information to make it look more environmentally friendly than it is…”
“As an MD who retired ten years ago to volunteer with a climate organization, I am deeply concerned about the proposal to expand hanger space at Hanscom. While I do not live locally, the contribution of the proposed expansion to the climate crisis affects us all. If I submitted this DEIR as representing "informed consent" for a patient, I would be sued for malpractice… the report claims that hanger expansion will only serve the need that already exists; it ignores the predictable increased demand.”
“As a parent, I am concerned about climate change and the environment that my children are inheriting... I bear a personal responsibility to future generations to make these sacrifices of effort and increased expense. At the town-wide level, Concord initiatives are reducing climate impact as well… the Hanscom expansion is a calamity for our climate and a slap in the face to people in MA who are working hard to do the right thing... The people of MA are watching and counting on you!”
“The Climate Change portion of the draft environmental impact report is shockingly inadequate... Massachusetts must not continue expanding facilities for the most climate-damaging elements of our transportation system. The proponents' environmental impact report should be judged unacceptable until it clearly documents the complete impacts of their proposed development.”
“The overall expected impact of this project will be great environmental harm to the region and the planet, negative impact on wildlife, and immeasurable harm to priceless national treasures, including the birthplace of our national liberty and the environmental movement.“
“I… spent [my] entire career building electrified mass transit projects throughout the United States. After a career in building green transportation infrastructure, I am appalled that the developers of the proposed Hanscom Northfield Development would greenwash the project and present it as being a net zero project. The reality is that it would have a huge environmental impact lasting for many decades into the future… The developer’s anticipated reduction in emissions from ferry flights, by their own admission, is 2% – 3% less than current. Similarly, a thorough independent study concludes that the reduced ferry flights would be insignificant.”
“We urge you to consider the potential hardships that these decisions impose on our residents. Is it “just” for the Commonwealth to compel an elderly person or child to choose between necessities and reducing carbon in the atmosphere caused by private jets being used to transport financially secure individuals?
Key Resources:
New! Full Report: How the Private Jet Lobby Uses “Sustainable Aviation Fuels” as a Marketing Ploy, 5/14/24
IEc Independent Report reveals developers’ fractured ferry tales
Developers Greenwashing Private Jet Expansion - re: IEc Study
Induced Demand: How Infrastructure Drives Traffic
Hanscom High Flyers: Private Jet Excess Doesn't Justify Airport Expansion
NEPA Guidance on Green House Gas Emissions and Climate Change