Pictured l-r: MassDEP Commissioner Bonnie Heiple, Rep. Kate Hogan, and

Director of MassDEP’s Central Regional Office in Worcester Mary Jude Pigsley 

BOSTON – June 11, 2025 – State Representative Kate Hogan (D-Stow) was honored to be recognized with the ‘Central Region Legislator of the Decade’ award from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP). The award was given at a celebration of the Department’s 50th anniversary, held recently in Worcester.  

“MassDEP is proud to honor Representative Hogan as one of MassDEP’s Legislators of the Decade,” said MassDEP Commissioner Bonnie Heiple. “Whether it’s connecting neighborhoods to clean drinking water after an emergency, or spearheading a task force to develop solutions to emerging concerns like PFAS, Representative Hogan has been a tireless advocate for her constituents and a tremendous partner to MassDEP as we seek to collaborate to address the most critical environmental and public health issues of our time.” 

“When I first ran for the state legislature, I couldn’t have realized how central a role water would play in shaping my career as a legislator. In the years since, the communities in my district have experienced water crises – wells running dry and invisible chemicals threatening water supplies – and the need for assistance in building culverts, replacing water treatment facilities, monitoring rivers, and safeguarding firefighting sources from drought. Each piece of legislation I have championed regarding safeguarding our water, each constituent crisis I have helped resolve, has become part of a larger narrative: protecting and preserving this most essential resource for generations to come,” said Rep. Kate Hogan. “At every step along the way, MassDEP has offered its support. They are the unsung heroes who solve problems and roll out real solutions. It has been my privilege to partner with the Department and is a true honor to receive this award.” 

MassDEP Legislator of the Decade  

The MassDEP Legislator Award recognizes legislators who demonstrate a commitment to advancing environmental protection, sustainability and justice through policy and legislation. The recipient of this award has been a partner to MassDEP in addressing critical environmental challenges. They are an environmental champion on Beacon Hill – promoting clean air, land, and water and committed to mitigating the impacts of climate change. MassDEP is recognizing an outstanding leader in every region of the state.   

MassDEP Celebrates 50 Years   

2025 marks the 50th Anniversary of MassDEP as a state agency. To commemorate the occasion, MassDEP will be hosting events around the state, recognizing the accomplishments of the agency over that time, honoring individuals who have ushered this work forward, and looking toward the next 50 years.  The theme is “50 Years of Protecting Our Environment and Preserving Our Future.”  

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