Climate Change

Lydia Edwards is deeply committed to fighting climate change and building a more resilient and equitable Commonwealth. Drawing on her experience on Boston’s City Council—where she championed fossil fuel divestment, community-based energy planning, and environmental justice—she brings that same leadership to the State Senate. In office, Lydia has sponsored and supported legislation to clean up the grid, fortify communities, cool neighborhoods, and drive emissions reductions in buildings and infrastructure.

How Lydia Has Delivered

Championing Climate‑Safe Buildings (Bill S.583)

• As lead sponsor, Lydia introduced the “Climate‑Safe Buildings” Act (S.583) in February 2025. This bill mandates new and substantially renovated structures meet greenhouse gas limits and resilience standards—helping Massachusetts lead the transition to cleaner, more efficient infrastructure.

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Cooling Corridors Grants for Environmental Justice Communities

• Lydia helped secure a $47,300 state grant for East Boston under the Healey‑Driscoll “Cooling Corridors” program—part of a $1.3 million statewide tree‑planting initiative to reduce extreme heat in underserved neighborhoods.

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Support for Climate Adaptation & Housing Fusion Legislation (S.1799)

• Lydia was a cosponsor of S.1799, passed in mid‑2024, which aligns climate adaptation investments (like flood protection) with affordable housing development—ensuring communities at risk aren’t left behind.

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Boston Fossil Fuel Divestment & Local Energy Advocacy

• Earlier in her career on the Boston City Council, Lydia teamed with Michelle Wu and Matt O’Malley to pass a groundbreaking ordinance directing city funds away from fossil fuel companies and toward local clean energy—an early testament to her environmental leadership.

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Support for Location Action

• Lydia has secured funding for local environmental organizations like Friends of Belle Isle Marsh and backed grassroots efforts led by groups such as Mothers Out Front. Whether it’s protecting vital green spaces, advancing clean energy, or decarbonizing housing, Lydia is committed to building a more resilient, equitable future for all.

News & Updates