Recording and Materials Now Available, Fighting for Air Webinar
June 27, 2025
Access webinar materials from the June 25, 2025 webinar, Fighting for Air: Updates on the proposed biomass plant in Springfield:
This webinar featured:
- State Senator Adam Gomez
- Attorney Michael Fenton, Springfield City Council President
- Rusty Polsgrove, Associate Director, Arise for Social Justice
- Dr. Matthew Sadof, pediatrician, Baystate Health
- Sarita Hudson, Senior Director of Strategy and Development, Public Health Institute of Western MA
Learn more about the bills discussed in the webinar:
- H.3549 / S.2288 - An Act to remove woody biomass from the greenhouse gas emissions standard for municipal lighting plants
- H.3548/S. S.2287 - An Act limiting the eligibility of woody biomass as an alternative energy supply
View some of the media coverage of the event:
- Webinar held to address possible Springfield biomass plant, Western Mass News, 6/25/25
- Battle over proposed Springfield biomass plant rages on, New England Public Media, 6/26/25
- Foes, officials won’t shrink from fight to keep ‘Frankenstein’ plant out of city, The Republican, 6/26/25
- Health advocates warn proposed wood-burning plant in Springfield will worsen asthma rates, CommonWealth Beacon, 7/1/25
- Springfield leaders continue fight against biomass plant, The Reminder, 7/2/25
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On February 9, 2026, the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts convened partners and legislators to celebrate the FY26 earmark for 413Cares.org and to share updates on major regional initiatives. PHIWM extends deep appreciation to Representative Michael Finn, Senator Adam Gomez, and the entire Western Massachusetts legislative delegation for their continued partnership and support for 413Cares.org , which remains a critical tool for connecting Western MA residents to help when they need it most. 413Cares.org saw major growth in 2025, with searches doubling and the number of users increasing more than fourfold. Check out photos from the gathering below!
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