Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs

07/31/2026

To help protect beachgoers and white sharks, the Division of Marine Fisheries has expanded emergency shore-based white shark fishing restrictions to Nantucket.
 
Shore-based fishing that targets white sharks can attract them closer to beaches where people are swimming and recreating, while also increasing the risk of injury to the sharks themselves. The emergency regulation responds to an increase in this activity on Nantucket this summer and will remain in effect for 90 days while DMF considers longer-term action. These rules restrict gear commonly used when targeting white sharks, and do not impact the use of lighter gear meant to target other species from shore. 
 
Visit the link in our bio for the full advisory.

07/28/2026

No matter where you live, how you get around, where you work, or your budget, we can all help protect our communities, save energy, and save money.

Go to mass.gov/climateaction or visit the link in our bio to get started!

07/27/2026

07/20/2026

07/17/2026

Draft regulations will streamline permitting for ecological restoration projects

07/16/2026

Massachusetts’ forests and natural lands are always on the job! 

They protect our drinking water, store carbon, reduce flooding, provide habitat for wildlife, and create beautiful spaces for people to get outside and explore. 

Today, we awarded $2.2 million through the Landscape Partnership Grant Program to conserve over 1,600 acres of land across the state. From Worthington and Colrain to Wareham, these investments will protect the natural landscapes that help keep our communities healthy, resilient, and connected to the outdoors.

07/13/2026

Our shellfish industry supports jobs, local businesses, and a way of life along the North Shore.

We know the emergency closures caused by the Haverhill sewer overflow meant lost income during one of the most important weeks of the year for shellfish harvesters.

That’s why Governor Maura Healey is announcing $300,000 in economic relief to help impacted harvesters and oyster growers.

REMINDER: Massachusetts shellfish is safe to eat. There are strong public health protections in place to keep the shellfish in stores and restaurants safe and delicious.

Read the press release to learn more about the economic relief program: https://www.mass.gov/news/governor-healey-announces-300000-financial-relief-for-north-shore-shellfish-harvesters-impacted-by-haverhill-sewage-overflow

07/10/2026

Our shellfish industry supports jobs, local businesses, and a way of life along the North Shore.

We know the emergency closures caused by the Haverhill sewer overflow meant lost income during one of the most important weeks of the year for shellfish harvesters.

That’s why Governor Maura Healey is announcing $300,000 in economic relief to help impacted harvesters and oyster growers.

REMINDER: Massachusetts shellfish is safe to eat. There are strong public health protections in place to keep the shellfish in stores and restaurants safe and delicious.

07/08/2026

Everyone should have the opportunity to participate in decisions that affect their community.

Today, the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities launched the Intervenor Support Grant Program, a new initiative that helps eligible municipalities, community groups, and other organizations overcome financial and technical barriers to participating in proceedings on energy infrastructure or other important subjects that would directly affect them.

The program provides funding for legal representation, expert witnesses, and other eligible expenses, helping ensure communities have the resources to meaningfully engage in proceedings before the Department of Public Utilities and the Energy Facilities Siting Board.

The Intervenor Support Grant Program is part of the Healey-Driscoll Administration's broader efforts to create a more transparent, equitable, and effective energy siting and permitting process.

Learn more about the program and apply: mass.gov/dpu/intervenor-program

07/03/2026

Questions about water quality for swimming?

Check out the Massachusetts Department of Public Health Beach Dashboard for the latest updates. Most beaches impacted by the recent sanitary sewer overflow event on the Merrimack River are safe for swimming and continue to be monitored for water quality. Mass.gov/beachdata