Press & News
WHOI — New study finds rate of U.S. coastal sea level rise doubled in the past century
Woods Hole, Mass. -- A July 2025 report from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) claims that U.S. tide gauge measurements “in aggregate show no obvious acceleration in sea level rise beyond the historical average rate.”
Boston Globe — When does a beach become public? Maura Healey (and one of her wealthy donors) wants to redefine the answer.
By Matt Stout — Governor Maura Healey is resurrecting a proposal at the center of a long-running legal dispute between wealthy property owners on Martha’s Vineyard that, if passed, could redefine when a beach in Massachusetts is considered public.
ecoRI News — This Retreat Isn’t a Sign of Weakness
By Frank Carini — When it comes to climate change and southern New England’s eroding coastline, managed retreat is an unpopular choice. But there likely will come a time, perhaps sooner than we think, when it becomes the only option.
Boston Globe — Crews bringing in 30,000 tons of sand to protect Salisbury Beach from erosion
By Travis Andersen — Crews began installing about 30,000 tons of sand Monday along portions of Salisbury Beach that were badly eroded by nor’easters in January and February, according to state Senator Bruce Tarr’s office.
The Public’s Radio — Newport’s only public beach is eroding. Should the city save it?
By Olivia Ebertz — As structures like the carousel and snack bar building are being demolished at Easton’s Beach, city officials are grappling with how to save an eroding beach.
The Public’s Radio — ‘That conversation is coming’: South Coast towns may consider managed retreat, green infrastructure in response to rising seas
By Luis Hernandez — Beach erosion and extreme flooding are forcing South Coast officials to think more urgently about how to adapt to a rise in sea levels. New Bedford Light reporter Adam Goldstein joins Morning Edition host Luis Hernandez to discuss the many options under consideration.
Boston Globe — The seas are coming for coastal homes. How will communities, and the state, respond?
By Sabrina Shankman — In the age of climate change, as sea levels rise and more intense storms wear away the natural landscape that had protected coastal communities for generations, state and local officials are considering more radical measures, including paying people to abandon their waterfront properties altogether.
RI News Today — Rhode Island: $691,000. Massachusetts: $27.5M from new Climate-Ready Coasts Initiative
Rhode Island will have two projects funded by a new initiative announced by VP Harris. They are part of a $562 million climate change package funding projects primarily on the country’s coastline to address rising seas and coastal flooding. Rhode Island’s package will total approximately $691,000.
WGBH — Historic racism still raises barriers to beach access
By Chris Burrell — …Lynn residents are not the only people of color struggling to access Massachusetts' beaches. In some of the most racially diverse and low-income urban communities along the coast, including Lynn, pollution caused by inferior wastewater infrastructure can force local beaches to close to swimmers. And beaches in many other areas simply aren't open to the public, which critics link to lingering effects of overtly racist housing practices in coastal communities.
Politico — How FEMA helps white and rich Americans escape floods
By Thomas Frank — An investigation by POLITICO's E&E News reveals systemic favoritism toward wealthy and white people in a federal program that lifts homes above rising floodwaters.
WGBH — Barriers at the Beach: State law and town rules keep most of Mass. shoreline off-limits
By Chris Burrell — Massachusetts should be a beach lover’s paradise, but access to the state’s shores is deeply uneven. Entry to most beaches is dependent on personal wealth, your home zip code and a shrinking allotment of “visitor” parking spaces clustered far from the water and a system of parking restrictions aimed at out-of-towners.
Cape Cod Times — Dennis considers changing beach stickers and prices amid complaints by seasonal residents
By Asad Jung — The Select Board is considering changing the town's beach sticker policies following complaints from seasonal residents who say they pay higher fees and can't use resident-only parking lots.