Climate Activists Rally Against Proposed Private Jet Hangar Expansion at Hanscom Field
Why It MattersSustained local opposition and an unresolved state environmental review show how emissions concerns can slow private jet infrastructure expansion at a regional business aviation airport.
Dozens of climate activists gathered outside a State Street office building in Boston, where one of the project's chief investors works, to protest a proposed expansion of private jet operations at Hanscom Field. The airport, owned by Massport, is in Bedford, Massachusetts. The rally continues a yearslong fight against the project, which has seemingly stalled recently.
The proposal by developer North Airfield Ventures would add 17 new private jet hangars and new jet fuel storage areas. Opponents argue the expansion would significantly increase carbon emissions and undermine Massachusetts' climate efforts. According to opponents, it would generate at least 6,000 additional private jet flights annually. Alex Chatfield of the Coalition Stop Private Jet Expansion Coalition said this would add 150,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions and set back the state's climate progress by years.
Two years ago, state officials rejected a draft environmental impact review submitted by the developers, requiring a revised report before the project could proceed. The timeline for that report remains uncertain. Last month, North Airfield Ventures told the Hanscom Field Advisory Commission, a local board made up of members of the surrounding towns, that it was unsure when it would submit the revised review. The board requested a presentation before submittal.
On Thursday, protesters went to the governor's office in the State House and dropped off a petition with more than 15,000 signatures from residents who want the proposal fully rejected. Gov. Maura Healey's office had not responded to a request for comment.
