Climate activists detained following runway blockade at airport
Around 20 climate protesters were arrested at Hanscom Field Airport in Massachusetts. The protest, led by Extinction Rebellion Boston, aimed to oppose the airport’s plan to expand with 27 hangars on 47 new acres. Some demonstrators blocked the runway, resulting in a temporary airport closure. Charges include trespassing and disorderly conduct. The group highlighted environmental concerns and dissatisfaction with Massport’s actions.
Some 20 climate protesters were arrested Saturday during a runway demonstration at Massachusetts‘s Hanscom Field Airport.
Massachusetts State Police confronted a group of 25 protesters from the group Extinction Rebellion Boston, which was demonstrating in opposition to the airport’s proposal to add 27 more hangars across 47 new acres on the airport’s western side. A portion of the protesters crossed a perimeter to block a runway, which shut down the airport temporarily. The individuals are now facing charges of trespassing and disorderly conduct.
“The residents of Massachusetts don’t want it, and sending letters to Massport isn’t getting the message across,” Jamie McGonagill, the group’s spokeswoman, said. “There is nothing environmentally redeeming in what you’re planning to do here, and you don’t care about that anyway. You cater to the small niche of the richest people in Massachusetts, and you make no bones about it. I want to express severe disappointment in Massport. I know the destruction you folks intend to wreak on Massachusetts, and I resent it. This is all about becoming richer yourselves by helping people a little richer than you.”
However, Massachusetts determined the affected area has an “Environmental Justice Population,” a category that means the residents there either make at most 65% of the statewide annual median household income, 40% of them are minorities, or a quarter of them identify as not speaking English well. Any population that makes 150% more than the annual median do not qualify for this category.
The Washington Examiner reached out to Hanscom Field for comment.
Extinction Rebellion Boston called for Gov. Maura Healey (D-MA) to take a stand against the expansion. Healey did not respond to the Washington Examiner’s request for comment.
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Massachusetts Port Authority has a goal to be net zero in its greenhouse gas emissions by 2031. This includes all the state’s airports.
This latest protest follows several protests across Illinois, California, New York, and other targets, where people blocked roadways to airports in a pro-Palestinian stance.
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