Climate change

20 arrested in climate protest at Hanscom airfield

The climate activist group Extinction Rebellion took credit for the protest, saying in a statement that their plan was to prevent planes from taking off

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Twenty people were arrested during a protest at Lawrence G. Hanscom Field in Bedford, Massachusetts, on Saturday morning, police said.

Some of the protesters reached a security perimeter and trespassed on the tarmac, according to Massachusetts State Police. They said they made 20 arrested for trespassing, disorderly conduct and potentially other charges.

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The climate activist group Extinction Rebellion took credit for the protest, which came two days ahead of Earth Day, saying in a statement that their plan was to prevent planes from taking off. The group opposes a proposed expansion of private jet hangar space at the airfield.

Hanscom holds the most private jets in New England, and while the quasi-public agency The Massachusetts Port Authority has proposed adding 27 hangars, opponents say the move would increase carbon emissions and only serve the wealthy.

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