By Bob Katzen

“[She] committed gross misconduct and demonstrated she is unable to discharge the powers and duties of a Cannabis Control Commission commissioner. I do so with deep regret because she has a long history of public service, and when appointed I anticipated she would lead the commission capably and in an appropriate manner.

I expect my appointee’s actions to be reflective of the important mission of the Cannabis Control Commission and performed in a manner that incorporates the standards of professionalism required in today’s work environment.”
—State Treasurer Deb Goldberg on firing Cannabis Control Commission Chair Shannon O’Brien.

“[The firing of O’Brien] whitewashes the unequivocal evidence that would lead any reasonable and fair fact finder to conclude that there are no grounds for removal and would immediately reinstate her to steer the rudderless shipwreck.”
— Max Stern, the lawyer who represents O’Brien responding to the firing and indicating O’Brien will appeal Goldberg’s decision to the Supreme Judicial Court.

“Our cities and towns stand shoulder to shoulder with us in the fight against climate change. When we partner with them and provide tools and resources, we’re unstoppable. This news re-affirms that dynamic and is yet another reason to be proud of Massachusetts.”
—Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll commenting on a report from researchers at the University of Texas and the University of California-San Diego which cites Massachusetts as a nationwide leader in food waste reduction.

“Too many kids breathe harmful pollution every day just to get to and from school. Electric school buses eliminate this threat to their health.”
— Deirdre Cummings, Consumer Program Director of the MASSPIRG Education Fund on MASSPIRG’s report that 434 clean electric school buses are committed, on their way or operating in Massachusetts.”

“Greyhound must hit the brakes on excessive idling. Illegal and excessive idling not only harms our environment but also harms our health, especially children whose lungs are still developing. And urban communities suffer disproportionately from toxic, polluted air.”
— Clare Soria, attorney for the Conservation Law Foundation, on filing a lawsuit against Greyhound Lines, Inc. for violating the Clean Air Act by unlawfully idling at the South Station bus terminal and at its bus lot in South Boston, releasing toxic emissions into the neighborhood.