The Bay State is fortifying its shores with a new key player in its ongoing battle against climate change effects. Massachusetts' Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary, Rebecca Tepper, announced the appointment of Alison Brizius as Assistant Secretary and Director of the Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM), according to a statement released by Mass.gov. Starting May 6, Brizius will take the helm at CZM and oversee the state's coastal program under the federal Coastal Zone Management Act.
With increasing storm frequency, rising sea levels, and heightened flooding, the Healey-Driscoll administration considers this appointment crucial to its environmental resilience strategy. In the statement published on Mass.gov, Tepper expressed confidence in Brizius, saying, "It's important now more than ever to have a strong, bold, and innovative person leading CZM.” Brizius herself, reputed for her expertise and collaborative approach, commented, “Protecting our coastal environments and communities is a task I'm eager to take on."
Massachusetts is no stranger to these experts' cohort rallying against environmental threats. Brizius brings significant leadership experience from her previous role as Boston's Environment Department Commissioner. There, she dedicated herself to tackling climate change impacts head-on, striving for net zero emissions and heightening environmental justice, as reported by Mass.gov.
Statements from local leaders highlight Brizius's career consistency in the face of ever-mounting ecological challenges. Mayor Michelle Wu spoke highly of the new appointee, predicting Brizius' leadership will "benefit our city and the entire Commonwealth." In a similar tone, Betsy Nicholson from NOAA lauded her "wholesale climate resilience experience" and Amy Longsworth of the Boston Green Ribbon Commission commended her ability to implement "action-oriented resilience." Kathy Abbott, leader of Boston Harbor Now, expects continuous progress toward a robust waterfront, joined now by the strategic mind of Dr. Brizius.
