Press Release  MassDEP Celebrates Fifty Years of Environmental Protection

BOSTON — Today, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) celebrated five decades of protecting the environment and preserving public health across Massachusetts at the State House.  

Since 1975, MassDEP has worked to protect and enhance the state's natural resources — air, water, and land — to provide for the health, safety, and welfare of all people, and to ensure a clean and safe environment for future generations. MassDEP opened its doors fifty years ago as the Department of Environmental Quality Engineering (DEQE). MassDEP has been a national leader and innovator in environmental protection. Those accomplishments include:   

• Developing a commercial food material disposal ban, and leading the nation in keeping food waste out of landfills
• Creating the first privatized waste site cleanup program in the country
• Establishing the first state PFAS requirements
• And leading on Environmental Justice with the first in the nation Cumulative Impact Analysis requirements

"Fifty years ago, MassDEP was given a simple but critically important mission to preserve, protect and enhance the natural resources of our state," said Governor Maura Healey. "I’m proud that Massachusetts continues to lead the nation in cutting food waste, establishing PFAS requirements and so much more. We’re leading safer, healthier lives and protecting our environment for generations to come because the work of MassDEP."

"The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection contributes to healthier communities statewide," said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. "MassDEP protects our residents by ensuring cleaner air and safer water across Massachusetts. I look forward to accomplishing more together in the years to come."

"The next fifty years depends on the actions we take today," said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. "As we look ahead at the future of environmental protection, I know MassDEP’s work today to protect communities on the frontlines of pollution will be critical. MassDEP’s focus on environmental justice now will make for healthier, fairer communities across Massachusetts."

"From Brownfields restoration - to air quality monitoring - to our efforts to keep lead, PFAS and other contaminants out of our water, MassDEP leads the nation in ensuring protection of our critical natural resources," said MassDEP Commissioner Bonnie Heiple. "As we pause and reflect on the past 50 years of progress by MassDEP, we are also preparing for the future to address our current climate crisis head-on." 

MassDEP enforces environmental laws, provides technical assistance to cities and towns, issues permits and licenses for activities near sensitive resources, inspects contaminated site cleanups, and partners with other federal and state agencies, municipal officials and environmental stakeholders.

This year, MassDEP recognized partners across the state who strengthen state environmental laws, educate young people and champion environmental causes.

Legislators of the Decade

MassDEP recognizes legislators who demonstrate a commitment to advancing environmental protection, sustainability and justice through policy and legislation. These legislators are environmental champions on Beacon Hill - promoting clean air, land, and water.

• Senate President Karen E. Spilka
• Speaker of the House Ronald J. Mariano
• Senator Rebecca L. Rausch, Chair, Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources
• Representative Christine P. Barber, Chair, Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources
• State Senator Julian Cyr   
• State Senator Bruce Tarr  
• State Representative Natalie Blais  
• State Representative Kate Hogan   
   

Educators of the Decade 

MassDEP recognizes educators who inspire and empower students to protect the planet. These educators are committed to shaping informed, responsible citizens and fostering environmental awareness in their local communities.

• Marty Meehan, President, University of Massachusetts  
• Francis Veale, Massachusetts Maritime Academy
• Dr. Beth Haley
• Corey Dehner and Paul Mathisen, Water Resource Outreach Center, Worcester Polytechnic Institute
• Ellen Stein, Holyoke High School

Advocates of the Decade

MassDEP recognizes individuals and nonprofit organizations for their passion, dedication and unwavering support for the protection and preservation of the environment. Through advocacy, education and community engagement, these awardees are making an impact. 

• Elizabeth Turnbull Henry, President, Environmental League of Massachusetts
• Karla Sangrey and Michael Andrus, Upper Blackstone Clean Water
• Jane Winn, Berkshire Environmental Action Team
• UTEC

• Pine duBois, Executive Director, Jones River Watershed Association 

Statements of Support: 

Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland): 

"Massachusetts leads the fight against climate change by example, and for fifty years, MassDEP has been on the front lines of that work right here at home. From tackling climate change to improving air and water quality and advancing environmental justice, MassDEP has set a national standard for leadership and innovation. I look forward to seeing that work continue to grow and strengthen over the next fifty years."

Senator Rebecca L. Rausch, Chair, Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources (D-Needham):

As we celebrate the MassDEP's half-century of public service, I am truly honored to receive the Legislator of the Decade award. MassDEP has led the way in protecting our land, water, wildlife, and people from day one. Together, we have already accomplished so much: setting early limits on PFAS pollution, protecting habitats and landscapes across the Commonwealth, implementing statewide waste reduction efforts, and building resilience against the increasing cycles of drought and flooding brought on by climate change, to name just a few. I look forward to our continued partnership, further uplifting and enhancing our beautiful environment and natural resources, covering coastlines, culverts, mountains, forests, rivers, lakes, fields, air, and more, in the 50 years to come."   

Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester):

“The Department of Environmental Protection has been focused for five decades on protecting our Commonwealth's natural resources — the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the ecosystems that support our quality of life. That focus has made collaboration, innovation, and leadership essential to its success, and these qualities, which have been necessary to its history, are the key to its future as well."

Speaker Pro Tempore Kate Hogan (D-Stow):

"Since I first took office, water has played a central role in my work as a legislator — from communities needing state assistance to replace wells that have run dry or to combat invisible chemicals that threaten water supplies, to building culverts, replacing water treatment facilities, monitoring rivers, and safeguarding firefighting sources from drought. At every step along the way, MassDEP has offered its support and it has been my privilege to partner with the Department. They are the unsung heroes who solve problems and roll out real solutions. Their support is galvanizing as we look to a future with more climate challenges ahead."

Representative Christine P. Barber, Chair, Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources (D- Somerville):

"Congratulations to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection on 50 years of dedicated service to our Commonwealth. MassDEP has been at the forefront of protecting our air, water, and land — and their partnership is critical to advancing shared goals in public health, environmental protection, and community resilience. This milestone is a testament to the agency’s unwavering commitment to environmental innovation and leadership. Here's to the next 50 years of progress and protection."

UMass President Marty Meehan: 

"I am honored to be recognized by MassDEP and proud of the years of partnership and collaboration between the University of Massachusetts and the Commonwealth to advance environmental protections. UMass is at the forefront of education and research that inspires the next generation of environmental scientists, engineers, and public policy experts who will sustain the Commonwealth’s environmental protection efforts for the next 50 years. As Massachusetts' public research university, we hold strong to our commitment to innovations in clean energy, despite the challenges from the federal government, and will continue our work to ensure Massachusetts remains a leader in environmental protections, energy, and climate technology."

Elizabeth Turnbull Henry, President, Environmental League of Massachusetts:

"Over its 50 years, MassDEP has consistently stepped up to address our evolving environmental challenges. Between helping residents choose low-emission vehicles, addressing PFAS in our drinking water, and integrating best practices for climate resiliency and environmental justice into clean air and water programs, they are adapting to meet communities’ newest and most critical needs. I am honored to accept an award on behalf of ELM, and even more honored to serve as a partner to MassDEP, advocating for critical funding that strengthens their work and our Commonwealth."

Francis Veale, Massachusetts Maritime Academy:

"I’m honored by my selection and celebrate MassDEP's acknowledgement of those working for environmental protection. Through education, legislation, and activism, we can protect our environmental resources for our future generations."

Gregg Croteau, UTEC's CEO:

"MassDEP's commitment to environmental sustainability has been instrumental in advancing UTEC’s mission to create meaningful career pathways for justice-involved young adults. Through partnerships like mattress recycling, we’re not only keeping thousands of mattresses out of landfills each year, we’re also providing young people with hands-on opportunities to build skills, earn wages, and contribute to a cleaner, healthier Commonwealth."

Pine duBois, Executive Director, Jones River Watershed Association:

"MassDEP provides a critical path to restoring healthy function to our stressed ecosystems. Its comprehensive regulatory engagement coupled with our 'boots on the ground' approach to problem solving, creates a partnership that can help to preserve the diversity of life needed to secure a thriving and equitable future for all. The laws provide the framework under which we operate, but we will always need the dedicated work of the Department to realize meaningful implementation."

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