Climate group to Gov. Maura Healey: Keep up the good work, do more

BOSTON - A group of climate activists gathered at the Massachusetts Statehouse Wednesday as a show of support for Gov. Maura Healey, her stated climate goals and her newly appointed climate chief Melissa Hoffer.

The group, Mothers Out Front, brought along bouquets of colorful paper hands printed with messages of support, a decorative archway, a letter requesting the governor move forward with bold climate policies and several of their children.

In the missive that boasts more than 3,000 signatures, the group demands the governor protect air quality, stop the construction of “dirty energy” plants and stop utility companies from building underground pipelines that deliver carbon-based fuels to Massachusetts communities.

Healey addressed the group but was particularly attentive to the youngsters, explaining that the Statehouse is the people’s house.

“We work for you,” Healey told the youngsters. She continued the mini-civics lesson by explaining that the Constitution provides everyone with a voice and that their voices were heard in the Statehouse Wednesday.

“Did you leave school early today?” she asked as she joked with the youngsters and then asked for their hall pass. “It’s worth it,” she said.

Healey promised her attention to climate issues would be aggressive and that mitigating climate change and working toward climate resiliency would inform all her departments from transportation to housing and education to economic development.

“I know how imperative this moment is,” Healey said.

“I want Massachusetts to lead the way” in mitigating climate change, Healey said.

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Gov. Maura Healey promises activists swift action on climate issues