CHICAGO, Illinois, Aug. 1 -- The American Association of School Librarians, a division of the American Library Association, issued the following news release: The American Association of School Librarians (AASL) formally commends the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC), approving a resolution made by the Massachusetts School Library Association (MSLA), an AASL Chapter. AASL annually recognizes outstanding programs, events, and products nominated by AASL Chapters for their suppo  more

NEW YORK, Aug. 2 -- The Family Equality Council issued the following news release: * * * The landmark legislation, which will modernize Massachusetts' outdated parentage laws to better protect families, heads to Governor Healey's desk for signature * * * Boston, MA -- Following seven years of advocacy, the Massachusetts House of Representatives and Senate enacted the bipartisan Massachusetts Parentage Act (MPA), a historic piece of legislation that will ensure legal parentage equality by pro  more

YARMOUTH, Massachusetts, Aug. 1 -- The International Fund for Animal Welfare issued the following news release: * * * As the fifth-largest wildfire in the state's history rages through northern California, IFAW is deploying to support animal rescue efforts * * * In addition to the dozens of other fires burning across the western US and Canada, forcing thousands to evacuate, the Park Fire, which began on Wednesday, 24 July, has spread through more than 385,000 acres. It currently impacts Teha  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 1 [Category: Environment] -- The Sierra Club issued the following news release: BOSTON, MA. Today, the State Legislature ended the 2023-2024 session without the passage of a climate omnibus bill, S.2838 An Act Upgrading the Grid and Protecting Ratepayers. Negotiations fell apart when the Massachusetts Senate and the Massachusetts House of Representatives could not reconcile an abridged bill that would expedite siting and permitting issues for companies building electrical infra  more

BOSTON, Massachusetts, July 29 -- The Massachusetts Public Interest Research Group issued the following statement: * * * With less than 48 hours left until the Massachusetts legislature's July 31 deadline; MASSPIRG, the statewide public interest group, issued a 'last call' for legislators to pass three major bills to reduce waste in the state. The bills, which have been pending for years, would reduce single use plastic bags, ban styrene (also known as Styrofoam) packaging and modernize the st  more

BOSTON, Massachusetts, July 30 -- The Massachusetts Public Interest Research Group issued the following statement: * * * The Massachusetts State Senate passed An Act relative to the reduction of certain toxic chemicals in firefighter personal protective equipment, S.2902 which will phase out the use of toxic PFAS in firefighters protective gear. In response, MASSPIRG Legislative Director Deirdre Cummings, released the following statement: "It's good news that the Massachusetts Senate has pa  more

BOSTON, Massachusetts, Aug. 2 -- The Massachusetts Public Interest Research Group issued the following news release: The Massachusetts Legislature advanced An Act relative to the reduction of certain toxic chemicals in firefighter personal protective equipment, S.2902/H.4975 early this morning, which, if passed, will phase out the use of toxic PFAS in firefighters protective gear. The bill still needs a final procedural step-"engrossment"- before it is formally passed and sent to the Governor  more

WESTBOROUGH, Massachusetts, Aug. 1 -- The New England First Amendment Coalition issued the following news release on July 31, 2024: The New England First Amendment Coalition and the ACLU of New Hampshire called on the City of Manchester today to revise its rules on public comments during Board of Mayor and Aldermen meetings. Officials recently prohibited profanity and uncivil expression, among other types of speech, in violation of state and federal constitutions. "Categories of speech such a  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 2 -- The Solar Energy Industries Association issued the following statement on Aug. 1, 2024: * * * BOSTON, Mass. -- The Massachusetts Legislature adjourned today after failing to pass legislation addressing critical barriers to the development and deployment of clean energy and solar energy in the Commonwealth. The bill died after the conference committee charged with negotiating final legislative language failed to offer a compromise bill. Valessa Souter-Kline, Northeast reg  more

WOODS HOLE, Massachusetts, Aug. 1 -- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution issued the following news release: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) is delighted to announce a landmark $10 million gift from the Grossman Family Foundation to establish the Grossman Catalyst Fund. Designed to provide seed funding for innovative research and technology projects, this endowed fund will accelerate ocean science and engineering, spur innovation, and strengthen WHOI's position at the forefront of o  more