Upcoming Webinar About Proposed Biomass Plant

June 6, 2025

Fighting For Air: Updates on the proposed biomass plan in Springfield

Free webinar. Fighting for air: updatse on the proposed biomass plant in springfield

The Pioneer Valley Asthma Coalition has been working for 20 years to support families and decrease asthma rates. Two recent court decisions have revived permits for a biomass plant in Springfield, MA, which could reverse the strides made to prevent poor asthma outcomes. Biomass energy involves burning organic matter such as wood, which pollutes our air with harmful particulate matter. Community groups and health advocates have been fighting against this proposed plant for more than a decade.


Now, there's a critical opportunity: state law, proposed by Sen. Adam Gomez and Rep. Orlando Ramos, aims to eliminate state financial incentives for biomass, making the proposed plant less viable.


Join us for a webinar on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, from 12:00-1:00 pm to understand the health impacts of biomass, how this vital legislation can help block it, and what you can do to make a difference.


Speakers

  • State Senator Adam Gomez
  • Michael Fenton, Springfield City Council President
  • Rusty Polsgrove, Associate Director, Arise for Social Justice
  • Dr. Matthew Sadof, pediatrician, Baystate Health
Register

share this

Related Articles

webinar recording posted
January 12, 2026
Online sports betting became legal in Massachusetts in 2022, and now the Legislature is considering a bill (H4431) to legalize internet casino gambling—also known as “iGambling” or “iGaming.” What would more options for 24/7 gambling mean to the public health of our communities? Watch the recording from the 1/9/26 webinar. Speakers included Mark Gottlieb of Northeastern Law’s Public Health Advocacy Institute, Samantha Hamilton of Public Health Institute of Western MA, Victor Ortiz from the MA Dept. of Public Health Office of Problem Gambling, and State Representative Lindsay Sabadosa. The discussion was moderated by Jessica Collins of the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts. Webinar Materials recording slides Video shared by Mark Gottlieb- Online Casino Gambling Ad Take Action This month, PLEASE email the MA Legislature’s Committee on Economic Development & Emerging Technologies and ask them to SUPPORT Sen. Keenan’s bill (S.302) to add regulations on sports-betting, AND, OPPOSE H.4431, a bill that would legalize online casino gambling. Instructions & Email Template Links Shared during webinar Read speaker bios Understanding Youth Gambling Behavior in Springfield: Findings from the Springfield Youth Health Survey PHIWM Written Testimony An Act relative to internet gaming An Act addressing economic, health and social harms caused by sports betting The MA Problem Gambling Helpline , 800-327-5050
notification bell with text that says,
January 9, 2026
Access the Action Alert on Google Docs or below. This month, PLEASE email the MA Legislature’s Committee on Economic Development & Emerging Technologies and ask them to: A. SUPPORT Sen. Keenan’s bill (S.302) to add regulations on sports-betting AND B. OPPOSE H.4431, a bill that would legalize online casino gambling. Step 1. Write and send this email on your own time, from your personal email , unless you are representing your employer, with their approval. This action is lobbying. Step 2. Use any (or all) of the template below to write your email; be sure to tailor the highlighted blanks with your own words.
December 11, 2025
Online sports betting became legal in Massachusetts in 2023, and now the Legislature is considering a bill (H4431) to legalize internet casino gambling—also known as “iGambling” or “iGaming.” What would more options for 24/7 gambling mean to the public health of our communities? Speakers include Mark Gottlieb of Northeastern Law’s Public Health Advocacy Institute, Samantha Hamilton of Public Health Institute of Western MA, Victor Ortiz from the MA Dept. of Public Health Office of Problem Gambling, and State Representative Lindsay Sabadosa. The discussion will be moderated by Jessica Collins of the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts, and attendees will have the opportunity to submit questions during a live Q&A.