Faith Resolution Opposing Private Jet Expansion at Hanscom or Anywhere

Billerica, MA - November 21, 2025 - The First Parish Church in Billerica, a Unitarian Universalist congregation, continues to live into its values of honoring the interdependent web of all existence and is strongly opposed to the private jet expansion proposal at Hanscom Field airport or anywhere. We stand in solidarity with frontline communities in their efforts to oppose private jet expansion here and everywhere.

Massport, the owner of Hanscom Field airport, has proposed an immense expansion of infrastructure for private jets - the most polluting form of travel per passenger mile for their carbon footprint. This is in opposition to the climate goals that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and our nation have set forth. Only 0.0008% of the world's population owns private jets, and it is the ultimate environmental injustice to allow a small number of the ultra-wealthy to pollute our world in such an unconstrained way, which contributes disproportionately to the climate crisis.

On November 17, 2025, at the regular meeting of the Board of Trustees, the Social Justice Committee presented the resolution opposing private jet expansion at Hanscom Field or anywhere to the Trustees and the minister. The Board of Trustees and minister, on behalf of the congregation of the First Parish Church in Billerica, recognize that we have a moral imperative to act for a just and equitable transition for a livable climate. The resolution was passed, with Rev. Steve Wilson agreeing to sign and support it.

“Our beloved community already suffers from the increased private jet traffic at Hanscom Field. The expansion will completely undermine important climate goals at a time when we should be investing more in resilient infrastructure,” said Barbara Moloney, President of the Board of Trustees. “We are proud to join local faith communities advocating for the planet and coming generations.”

The resolution has been sent to elected officials requesting a commitment to stand in solidarity with frontline communities, such as Billerica, in their efforts to oppose private jet expansion at Hanscom Field or anywhere. The resolution has also been sent to Governor Maura Healey, with a request to take all possible actions to prevent the proposed private jet expansion at Hanscom Field or anywhere else.

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Unitarian Universalist Faith Resolution 

Opposing Private Jet Expansion at Hanscom or Anywhere 

WHEREAS, as a faith community, we believe love is the power that holds us together and is at the center of our shared values, we honor the interdependent web of all existence, we adapt to the changing world, we declare that every person has the right to flourish with inherent dignity and worthiness, and 

WHEREAS only 0.0008% of the world's population own private jets, and it is the ultimate environmental injustice to allow a small number of the ultra-wealthy to pollute our world in such an unconstrained way which contributes disproportionately to the climate crisis, and 

WHEREAS private jets are recognized as the most polluting form of travel per passenger mile for their carbon footprint, and 

WHEREAS Massport, the owner of Hanscom Field airport (not Hanscom Air Force Base), has proposed an immense expansion of infrastructure for private jets which would add approximately 6,000 private jet operations a year and~ 150,000 tons of polluting greenhouse gas emissions annually over current levels; this is in opposition to the climate goals that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and our nation have set forth, and 

WHEREAS private jet emissions from Hanscom Field airport already cancel out 50% of the climate benefits from all solar PV ever installed in Massachusetts; if the proposed expansion goes forward, that impact is expected to increase to nearly 70%-a setback that our Commonwealth and climate cannot afford, 

Therefore, be it resolved, that we the undersigned: 

1. Recognize that we have a moral imperative to act for a just and equitable transition for a livable climate and that expanding hangars anywhere for private jets is immoral and unconscionable. 

2. Stand in solidarity with frontline communities in their efforts to oppose private jet expansion. climate

3. Request that the Governor take all possible actions to prevent the proposed private jet expansion at Hanscom Field airport or anywhere, and 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, if approved, we will send a signed Resolution on official letterhead to:

• Governor Maura Healey 

• Climate Chief Melissa Hoffer 

• Senator Cindy Friedman 

• Representative Marc Lombardo 

• Billerica Select Board 

Respectfully, 

Barbara Moloney, President

Lisa O'Connor, Vice-President

John Bewick, Treasurer

Kenneth English, Secretary

Matthieu Braga, Trustee

Ann O'Connor, Trustee

Joyce Wilson, Trustee

Rev. Steve Wilson, Minister