Environment

Massachusetts will fail to hit a major emissions reduction requirement in 2030 unless Beacon Hill passes significant legislation to accelerate progress, leaders of a top advocacy group warned Wednesday.

Mallory Stanton launched her vintage decor and furniture business – first on Instagram and then with an Etsy store.

The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife said deer densities vary widely from an ideal range of about 12–18 deer per square mile in most of central and western Massachusetts to more than 30–50 deer per square mile in areas of eastern Massachusetts and on the islands, where hunting access is restricted.

The state's transition to renewable power does not have to threaten workers who rely on the fossil fuel industry for their livelihood, Gov. Maura Healey said Thursday, joining advocates at a labor-led event centered on bills designed to bring about a "just transition" to clean energy.

Natick-based software company MathWorks will donate $25 million over seven years to nature conservation organization Mass Audubon. It is the largest programmatic gift received by the organization in its 127-year history.

As lawmakers look at regulating building and infrastructure materials in pursuit of the state's emission reduction goals, the concrete industry wants to been seen as a partner, not a foe, in the effort to make Massachusetts greener.

Gov. Maura Healey thinks changes need to be made to the Mass Save program that conducts home energy assessments and offers rebates to help Bay State residents save money on energy bills.

The U.S. Department of Energy awarded a $50 million grant to aid utility company National Grid’s $140 million initiative to modernize the electric grid.

Worcester has been seeking to grow its life sciences industry, but industry advocates say adopting the opt-in specialized energy code will hinder biotech development in Worcester.

The EcoTarium Museum of Science and Nature in Worcester has named Debra Shear to the newly created position of chief advancement officer.