10 More Activists Arrested in Sandisfield Wednesday Deliverying “Arrest Warrant”
for Kinder Morgan Execs
For their efforts to bring greater attention to the destruction wreaked so far by the nearly completed Connecticut Expansion Pipeline Project in Sandisfield, ten activists from the Sugar Shack Alliance and their allies, including members of a water protector camp in Central Massachusetts, were arrested Wednesday in Sandisfield, MA. Of the ten, four were charged with criminal trespassing as they donned “Pink Police” uniforms and attempted to deliver a mock warrant to the local headquarters of Tennessee Gas Pipeline Company, a subsidiary of Kinder Morgan. Activists called for the arrest of the corporate behemoth’s executives, Chairman Richard Kinder and former Vice Chairman William Morgan “environmental degradation and endangerment of the public.” Six more protesters were arrested and charged with disorderly conduct for blocking construction traffic on the road for three hours. FROM SUGAR SHACK ALLIANCE <more>
Northeast Wildlife Trackers Conference Registration Open
Introducing the New
Regenerative Organic Certification
Pruitt rules EPA under cloak of secrecy
The imposing limestone government building in central Washington where Scott Pruitt holds sway is increasingly operating away from public view with decisions made behind closed doors, once-public information blacked out, and influential insiders taking charge. As the administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Pruitt has also proven elusive, having spent more than half of his days away from Washington amid speculation he’s really focused on a future run for Oklahoma senator or governor. His frequent travel to the Midwestern state at taxpayers’ expense recently prompted the agency’s Inspector General to open an investigation – and yet, Pruitt has found time to quietly and systematically tear down policies that protect our health and safety. FROM THE ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENSE FUND <more>
Jobs (click here for full job listings)
Regional Recycling Coordinator | City of Pittsfield | Pittsfield, MA
Conservation Projects Manager | Housatonic Valley Association | Cornwall Bridge, CT
Director of Ecological Restoration | MA Dept. of Fish & Game | Boston, MA
Community Solar Interns | Co-op Power | Florence, MA
Energy Efficiency Intern | Co-op Power | Florence, MA
Community Solar Program Director | Co-op Power | Florence, MA
Energy Efficiency Program Manager | Co-op Power | Florence, MA
Chief Executive Officer | Co-op Power | Florence, MA
2017-18 Position Openings | TerraCorps – Various locations
Various Positions | The Manice Education Center (MEC) | Florida, MA
Volunteer Opportunities | The Trustees | Stockbridge & Cummington, MA
10 More Activists Arrested in Sandisfield Wednesday Deliverying “Arrest Warrant” for Kinder Morgan Execs
September 14, GREAT BARRINGTON— For their efforts to bring greater attention to the destruction wreaked so far by the nearly completed Connecticut Expansion Pipeline Project in Sandisfield, ten activists from the Sugar Shack Alliance and their allies, including members of a water protector camp in Central Massachusetts, were arrested Wednesday in Sandisfield, MA. Of the ten, four were charged with criminal trespassing as they donned “Pink Police” uniforms and attempted to deliver a mock warrant to the local headquarters of Tennessee Gas Pipeline Company, a subsidiary of Kinder Morgan. Activists called for the arrest of the corporate behemoth’s executives, Chairman Richard Kinder and former Vice Chairman William Morgan “environmental degradation and endangerment of the public.” Six more protesters were arrested and charged with disorderly conduct for blocking construction traffic on the road for three hours.
Since construction began on Kinder Morgan’s 3.8-mile $93 million pipeline project in April of this year, over seventy have been arrested in active, nonviolent resistance to the project. The activists, mostly members of the Sugar Shack Alliance— a coalition of environmental and climate justice groups from around Massachusetts— have objected to the project on several grounds, including their insistence that conserved public land should not be used for fossil fuel infrastructure.
“We hope our actions help bring awareness to the destructive nature of fossil fuel construction,” said participant Kathy Daly, on Wednesday morning. “It seems ridiculous to us that projects like this are even allowed to go in the ground, knowing what we know about the dangers of natural gas and the imminent threats of climate change. The people and politicians of Massachusetts should be turning to cleaner alternative energies.”
Six of the ten arrested were detained overnight at the Berkshire County House of Corrections when they refused to pay the bail clerk fee. Judge Paul V. Vrabel dismissed the charges of disorderly conduct at their arraignment the following day. Citing his ruling from a similar case last month, he decided that there was no probable cause for the charge of disorderly conduct in blocking the road, as those arrested were engaged for a “legitimate political purpose.” Those arrested for criminal trespass, saw their charges reduced from criminal to civil, as has been the pattern for the last six months.
“Nevertheless, we are outraged that our state police— a public entity— are acting as a private arresting force on behalf of Kinder Morgan/Tennessee Gas Pipeline— a for-profit corporation,” said arrestee and SSA member Vivienne Simon. “Effectively, what they are doing is stifling any political speech in Otis State Forest that explicitly challenges Kinder Morgan/Tennessee Pipeline construction activities.”
A hearing will be held on the civil trespass charges from this protest on September 26, likely in conjunction with the already-scheduled hearing on similar charges sustained by 22 others arrested on July 29 in the Otis State Forest.
The Sugar Shack Alliance remains deeply rooted in the principles of non-violent civil disobedience and works within the larger environmental and climate justice movement to disrupt any and all expansion of the fossil fuel industry.
Northeast Wildlife Trackers Conference Registration Open
With keynote speaker, Ben Kilham. Many years in the making, Ben Kilham’s story is heartwarming as it is fascinating. Ben is an accomplished author, entrepreneur, and educator. Ben Kilham’s Website
To enrich your Northeast Wildlife Trackers Conference experience, we are excited to once again be offering optional field sessions on Sunday October 22, 2017 from ~10:00 AM.-3:00 P.M. These sessions will be offered around Quabbin Reservoir & the Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge, for conference attendees only, with separate pre-registration and pre-payment required.
See our entire lineup of speakers and workshops at northeastwildlifetrackers.org!
Space is limited so register early! Field session registration closes September 30th. Conference registration closes October 18th.
Introducing the New Regenerative Organic Certification
The imposing limestone government building in central Washington where Scott Pruitt holds sway is increasingly operating away from public view with decisions made behind closed doors, once-public information blacked out, and influential insiders taking charge.
As the administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Pruitt has also proven elusive, having spent more than half of his days away from Washington amid speculation he’s really focused on a future run for Oklahoma senator or governor. His frequent travel to the Midwestern state at taxpayers’ expense recently prompted the agency’s Inspector General to open an investigation – and yet, Pruitt has found time to quietly and systematically tear down policies that protect our health and safety.
Here are the five most glaring examples of the EPA chief’s pattern of secrecy, and what it means for you.
1. Suppressed web pages about climate change
In response to a Freedom of Information Act request, my organization recently received EPA records detailing more than 1,900 items that had been modified or deleted from the agency’s website since President Trump’s inauguration day – including information about how climate change affects children and pregnant women.
2. Keeps his schedule secret
Pruitt is hiding from the public even the most basic information about how he spends his business hours and with whom. Contravening a bi-partisan EPA transparency practice, Pruitt no longer makes any senior management calendars – including his own – available to the public. Americans have a right to know how a high-ranking, taxpayer-funded public servant spends his time and makes decisions that directly affect their lives.
3. Suspends pollution laws without public input
Over the past six months, Pruitt has taken actions to suspend environmental safeguards without providing any opportunity for public input – including protections against toxic wastewater, oil and gas pollution as well as climate pollution.
Among one of Pruitt’s earliest actions was to suspend, without any public input, protections against safety risks at major chemical facilities. Just a few months later, the Houston-area Arkema plant exploded after Hurricane Harvey flooded the site.
4. Attacks reporter covering the EPA
Pruitt’s press team lashed out against an Associated Press journalist after he co-authored a report that exposed the EPA’s absence at Superfund sites flooded after Hurricane Harvey. The agency’s press release attacked the reporter without rebutting any of the article’s factual findings, raising concerns about the politicization of press coverage when public safety is at stake.
5. Rolls back enforcement against polluters
Under Trump’s administration, the EPA has quietly but dramatically reduced enforcement against polluters. So far, the agency has collected 60 percent less in civil penalties than previous administrations did during their first six months in office, a recent analysis by the Environmental Integrity Project found.
Not holding companies responsible for their pollution has tangible impacts in the form of more pollution, more illness and more avoidable early deaths among Americans like you and me.
As someone ‘taking a meat ax to the protections of public health and environment and then hiding it.’
So covert is Pruitt that he earned the Golden Padlock Award this summer from investigative reporters and editors who recognize the most secretive United States agency or individual. The judges were impressed by “the breadth and scope of Pruitt’s information suppression techniques around vital matters of public interest.”
Indeed, looking at the rapid transformation of the agency he led during the Nixon and Reagan administrations, former EPA Administrator Bill Ruckelshaus described Pruitt’s first six months as someone “taking a meat ax to the protections of public health and environment and then hiding it.”
Pruitt’s efforts to hollow out the EPA and weaken the public health safeguards that the agency is required to uphold is why we’re mobilizing, like never before, to protect and defend America’s clean air and water.
Public opinion and, increasingly, the courts are on our side, but we cannot let up the fight for the future of our children and grandchildren at this critical time.
Jobs
Regional Recycling Coordinator
City of Pittsfield | Pittsfield, MA
The Municipal Assistance Coordinator for the Western District (WE) provides technical assistance to municipalities to increase recycling, composting, waste reduction, household hazardous waste diversion and regional cooperation. The City of Pittsfield has been awarded a Host Community grant from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) to fund this position.
The Coordinator will act under the supervision of the MassDEP and will serve 100 municipalities in a district known as “Western”. The district extends from Ware to Richmond. For a map and list of communities in the district, please visit: http://www.mass.gov/dep/recycle/reduce/macmap.htm
This is an independent contractor position. The position is funded at 36 hours per week, with an annual ceiling of 1,800 hours. Annual compensation is commensurate with experience, starting at not less than $55,000. An additional $5,000 annual reimbursement is provided for self-employment tax (Social Security and Medicare). Use of personal vehicle is required. Vehicle mileage, tolls and parking =will be reimbursed. Limited funding for in-state professional conferences is also provided.
DEADLINE TO APPLY: Friday, September 8, 2017 @ 4:00PM
Full listing and application details here.
Conservation Projects Manager
Housatonic Valley Association | Cornwall Bridge, CT
The Housatonic Valley Association (HVA) is seeking a highly motivated, detail-oriented environmental professional to join our Watershed Conservation Team. The successful candidate will support all aspects of HVA’s conservation projects, which include (but aren’t limited to) environmental monitoring, regional road-stream crossing assessment and replacement planning, watershed management planning, stream corridor restoration, stormwater management through Green Infrastructure development, and environmental education. This position is based out of HVA’s Connecticut office.
This is only a part of the job description. To view the full descriptions and to apply, click here.
Director of Ecological Restoration
MA Department of Fish & Game | Boston, MA
The Division of Ecological Restoration is charged with restoring and protecting the health and integrity of the Commonwealth’s rivers, wetlands, and watersheds for the benefit of people and the environment. This mission is critical to the success of the Department of Fish and Game that manages, protects, and restores the natural resources of the Commonwealth.
The Division of Ecological Restoration works with community-based partners to restore aquatic ecosystems. The Division’s ecological restoration work brings clean water, recreation opportunities, and other ecosystem services to the citizens of Massachusetts.
The Director leads the Division of Ecological Restoration, one of three Divisions (and one Office) of the Department of Fish and Game. The Director is responsible for all functions and program performance ensuring that the Deputy Director is properly managing the day-today operations of the Division and the assistant director is administering annual budgets properly. The Director develops and makes sure the annual and five-year strategic plan goals are implemented and sets procedures and program priorities for the Deputy Director and Assistant Director to faithfully administer. The Director oversees development of the operational and capital budgets and manages a diverse staff.
This is only a small part of the job description. Click here to read the full description and to apply.
Various Positions at Co-op Power
Co-op Power in Florence, MA, is hiring for:
- Chief Executive Officer
- Energy Efficiency Program Manager
- Community Solar Program Director
- Energy Efficiency Intern
- Community Solar Interns
Full details and how to apply here.
2017-18 Position Openings with TerraCorps – Various locations
TerraCorps, formerly MassLIFT-AmeriCorps, is an innovative national service program helping communities conserve and secure land for the health and well-being of people and nature. This year we are looking for 36 members to serve in full-time, 11 month positions. Members will carry out capacity building projects; educate or train individuals; recruit, train, manage, and support community volunteers engaged in land-based activities; and identify new individuals and groups to participate in education, recreation, or service opportunities centered around land access and conservation.
Members serve as: Land Stewardship Coordinators, Regional Conservation Coordinators, Youth Education Coordinators, or Community Engagement Coordinators.
These 1,700 hour AmeriCorps positions receive a living allowance, education award, and additional AmeriCorps benefits. The 2017-2018 program will run from 8/28/17 – 7/27/18.
Application specifics, position descriptions, and information about organizations hosting TerraCorps members can be found at here.
Applications will be accepted until all positions are filled.
AmeriCorps programs provide equal service opportunities. TerraCorps will recruit and select persons in all positions to ensure a diverse and inclusive climate without regard to any particular status. We encourage applications from individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations for interviews and service upon request. TerraCorps is a grant program of the Corporation for National and Community Service.
Various Positions
The Manice Education Center (MEC) | Florida, MA
The Manice Education Center (MEC) is intentionally located in a unique outdoor setting within the heart of the Berkshire Mountains of Western Massachusetts. MEC operates several distinctly different seasonal programs that are experientially focused in high-quality environmental education, wilderness camping, and leadership training.
Summer Outdoor educators will lead wilderness expeditions for campers & can expect to guide an average of 6 backpacking and/or canoeing trips, ranging from 2 to 5 days in length. Expedition locations inlude the Appalachian Trail, Long Trail, Savoy Mountain State Forest, Taconic Trail, Battenkill River, Deerfield River, & Connecticut River. Educators receive training in backpacking and wilderness navigation, participate in a 2 day professional canoe clinic, & can earn free certifications in Wildernes First Aid and/or Waterfront Lifeguarding.
APPLY TODAY – SEND US A COVER LETTER AND RESUME TO EMPLOYMENT@CHRISTODORA.ORG
For more details please visit our Jobs page (click here).
Please share this opportunity with your friends and colleagues! If you have any questions about employment in Christodora programs, please contact Matthew Scholl, Programs Director at 413.663.8463 or email us at employment@christodora.org
“Time travel” with The Trustees, and take our visitors on the voyage with you! Become a National Historic Landmark Greeter at Mission House (Stockbridge) or Tour Guide at the William Cullen Bryant Homestead (Cummington) and share the stories and magic of these special places. No experience necessary. Training provided. Fridays through Sundays. Flexible. Fun. Social. Rewarding.
Visit www.thetrustees.org/volunteer or contact tbeasley@thetrustees.org or413.532.1631 ext. 3119 for more information.