Letter To The Editor: The effects of nuclear weapons on Massachusetts

Nuclear weapons are back in the news – and there’s something that Milton residents can do about them right now.

Massachusetts has key nuclear weapons facilities which make us a target. The war in Ukraine makes nuclear risks more apparent, although the danger of nuclear war or accidental detonation is present every day.  

A state bill would create a Citizens Commission to 1) investigate steps Massachusetts can take to address the threat of nuclear weapons, and 2) make recommendations to the State Legislature. H.3688 / S.1555 is now before the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Milton’s state Senator, Walter Timilty, co-chairs this committee. Next week the committee will either move the bill forward – or not.

I urge Senator Timilty to support the bill and allow the Committee to vote, and I urge my neighbors to contact him this week. You can call him at (617) 722-1643, email him at [email protected], or join me for a virtual visit with his staff on Monday May 2 at 11:00 a.m. To attend and get link, contact [email protected]. For more details, visit nuclearban.us/mass/.  

The commission would not commit the state to any action, nor cost the state any money.  It would simply research, report back to the Legislature, and enable the state to make informed decisions. We need this vitally important conversation.