Mothers Out Front Asks Residents to Add Their Voices to Stop Private Jet Expansion

Concerned citizens at a Stand Out at Bedford’s Veterans Park on April 11. Courtesy photo

Submitted by Mothers Out Front:

Massport and private developers are proposing a massive 50-acre expansion of new hangars at Hanscom Field for private luxury jets. Mothers Out Front – Bedford, working for an equitable future and livable climate for all children, has partnered with the Coalition to Stop Private Jet Expansion at Hanscom or Anywhere to stop the threat of private jet expansion.

Massport’s plans are a direct and immediate threat to Massachusetts efforts to combat climate change. Private jet emissions from Hanscom alone already cancel nearly 50 percent of the climate gains from all solar PV ever installed in Massachusetts.

The developer submitted a Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) as part of the state environmental review process that makes many false and misleading claims. How can the report claim that this is a Net Zero project? The developers only count emissions from buildings, not the hundreds of thousands of tons of emissions from the private jets they plan to house!

Meanwhile, a recently released independent report by Industrial Economics, Inc, refutes the developers’ claims that their hangar plans will eliminate ferry flights (empty flights), decrease overall flights, and decrease greenhouse gas emissions.

The public comment period is our formal opportunity to oppose the plan for Massport-owned Hanscom Air Field (not Hanscom Air Force Base). Check out the Bedford Select Board’s excellent public comment letter in their April 16 meeting agenda packet. How can you add your voice to stop private jet expansion?

Submit a Public Comment to the DEIR Opposing the Hanscom Hangar Expansion

This is the most impactful way to voice our opposition to the proposed project. The deadline is Friday, May 10. Use the resources from the Mothers Out Front April statewide Climate Action Call:

Rick Johnson (left) will be guest speaker for the Mothers Out Front Chapter meeting on Tuesday, April 23. Kati Winchell (right), Coalition Coordinator, recently spoke at First Parish in Bedford and a short video of her talk will be shared at the Bedford Chapter meeting. Also pictured are Reverend Jamie Hinson-Rieger of First Parish in Bedford and Corinne Doud of Mothers Out Front Bedford. Courtesy photo

Attend The Mothers Out Front Bedford Chapter Meeting at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 23

RSVP HERE to get the Zoom Link.

Rick Johnson, former attorney for the Environmental Protection Agency, will briefly describe the state environmental review process regarding the Hanscom Field proposed expansion for private jets, and then take questions. There will also be an opportunity to write a public comment.

Stand Out to Oppose Private Jet Expansion

Join a Bedford Stand Out to oppose private jet expansion at Veterans Memorial Park, 160 The Great Road. We will have signs, or make/bring your own, and stand in solidarity. See Bedford Citizen calendar (4 to 5 p.m. on Thursday, May 2, and 8 to 9 a.m. on Thursday, April 25 & Thursday, May 9), or the Coalition website https://www.stopprivatejetexpansion.org/ for area events.

Want a “Stop Private Jet Expansion Yard” Sign?