SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - MassDEP celebrated its 50th anniversary in Springfield Tuesday morning. After five decades of protecting our natural resources here in western Massachusetts, this department works heavily in our area to both protect natural resources and bring more sustainable practice s to our everyday lives. Lawmakers and elected officials from around the state gathered at the carriage house in Forest Park to celebrate MassDEP's work over the past 50 years. The department recounted its early stages and what their plans are moving forward. MassDEP Commissioner Bonnie Heiple told 22News about their work in the Springfield area, "Particularly here in Springfield we have some high asthma rates, some poor air quality days. We're working to make sure that manufacturers and other facilities aren't putting out pollutants in the air that can affect residents' health and community health." The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America said Springfield was the asthma capital of the U.S. in 2019. Public health officials have since looked to improve air quality by adding extra monitoring systems and tighter pollution regulations. Massachusetts was named the most environmentally friendly state in the nation last year by Forbes. Local News Headlines Chicopee woman claims $100K prize after son sees 22News unclaimed ticket story Senator Markey and Mass. officials request answers on LIHEAP staff cuts Beauty Batlles Lounge helps combat period poverty in Chicopee and Holyoke Public Schools MassDEP celebrates 50th anniversary in Springfield WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. ...read more read less