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Statewide Coalition to Deliver Petition to Governor:
Call for Moratorium on Sand Mining in Southeastern Massachusetts
Location: State House, 24 Beacon Street, Boston, MA
Date: August 20, 2024
Time: 11:00 am
A diverse coalition of grassroots activists from across Massachusetts will gather at the State House on August 20, 2024 to deliver a compelling petition to Governor Healey, advocating for an immediate moratorium on sand mining operations in the southeast region of the state. The petition, signed by over 2000 concerned citizens and organizations, underscores urgent environmental and health concerns that have emerged from the region’s rapid expansion of sand mining activities.
The coalition, representing a broad spectrum of community leaders, environmental advocates, and local residents, will convene at 11:00 am at the Ashburton Park Entrance of the State House to present the petition. The proposed moratorium aims to address growing concerns in the community about the adverse effects of sand mining on local ecosystems, drinking water sources, and public health. Activists will highlight significant evidence of habitat destruction, pollution, and the increased risk of respiratory issues linked to particulate matter from mining operations.
“We are bringing this petition to the Governor’s office because our communities are facing an urgent crisis,” said Margaret Sheehan, Coordinator for Community Land and Water Coalition, and a representative of the coalition. “The environmental degradation and health hazards posed by sand mining are no longer abstract concerns—they are affecting our daily lives and the future of our region. A moratorium is a necessary step to assess the full impact of these operations and to protect our natural resources and public health.”
In addition to presenting the petition, the coalition will host a press conference at 11:00, featuring testimonials from affected residents and expert speakers on the environmental impact of sand mining. The event will offer media opportunities to speak directly with activists and community members, as well as to capture footage of the gathering and petition delivery.
The coalition invites all media representatives to cover this critical event and support the call for immediate action to safeguard the health of state residents and the rare and unique ecosystems and delicate natural resources of Southeastern Massachusetts.
For more information on the rise of sand mining in Southeastern Massachusetts and its impacts on community, health, and the environment, visit www.sandwars.org
For a copy of the petition, visit https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/end-sand-mining-in-southeastern-massachusetts
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Community Land & Water Coalition
environmentwatchsoutheasternma@gmail.com
P.O. Box 1699
Plymouth MA 02362
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Working to preserve, protect and steward the land and water resources of Southeastern Massachusetts. We are losing them fast.
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