MA Clean Energy Future Tour in Pittsfield June 19th
On Monday, June 20th the MA Clean Energy Future Tour will come to Pittsfield. State Senator Adam Hinds will host the hearing at Berkshire Community College. This is an opportunity for constituents to make their voices heard on energy issues, climate change, and the legislation they want to see from the commonwealth. FROM THE MA CLEAN ENERGY FUTURE TOUR <more>
AG Healey Challenges Trump Administration Over Failure to Protect the Public From Toxic Pesticide
Attorney General Maura Healey today announced that she has joined six other attorneys general in filing a challenge against the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s decision to abandon an important proposed ban on the use of a toxic pesticide which is widely used on food consumed by infants, young children, and pregnant women. PRESS RELEASE FROM THE MA ATTORNEY GENERAL’S OFFICE, June 7, 2017 <more>
Democratic Representatives Reintroduce Legislation to Boost Public Participation at FERC
Representatives Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Sean Patrick Maloney (D-NY), Ann Kuster (D-NH), Niki Tsongas (D-MA) and Stephen F. Lynch (D-MA) reintroduced legislation to create an Office of Public Participation and Consumer Advocacy at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). As one of the lead agencies responsible for developing energy infrastructure and ensuring reliability of the electric grid, FERC has sweeping authority over the wholesale power markets and ultimate jurisdiction in the federal siting and permitting process for natural gas pipelines. And while FERC’s decisions determine which energy projects are constructed and significantly influence the energy prices consumers pay, private citizens have expressed frustration that participating in FERC’s complex proceedings is extremely challenging. PRESS RELEASE FROM REP. SCHAKOWSKY’S OFFICE, May 25, 2017 <more>
Climate Leaders Don’t Support Fracking
Thanks are due to US Senators Mazie Hirono, Ron Wyden and Bernie Sanders for their votes in the Senate Energy and Natural Resources committee a couple days ago against Trump’s two nominees to be FERC leaders. They aligned themselves with the FERC Vacancies Campaign, a network of 170 mainly grassroots groups which have been fighting the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s rubber-stamping ways when it comes to new fracked gas pipelines proposed by the gas industry. It was painful to hear Democratic Party committee leader Maria Cantwell talk before the committee vote about her intention to support Trump’s nominees because of the importance of getting a quorum back at FERC so they can keep doing their thing. BY TED GLICK, June 9, 2017<more>
Jobs (click here for full job listings below)
Program and Development Assistant – Schumacher Center for New Economics – Egremont, MA
2017-18 Position Openings with TerraCorps – Various locations
Various Positions – The Manice Education Center (MEC) – Florida, MA
Housatonic Valley Association / River Stewards of Tomorrow – 2017 Internship Positions Available – South Lee, MA or Cornwall Bridge, CT
Sierra Club – Temporary Boston Online Organizer – Boston, MA
Volunteer Opportunities in the Berkshires w/The Trustees – Stockbridge & Cummington, MA
Mass Audubon – Berkshire Nature Camp Educators @ Pleasant Valley – Lenox, MA
Farm Apprentices – Greenagers – Great Barrington, MA
Experienced Solar Technician – BPVS, Berkshire Photovoltaic Services – Adams, MA
MA Clean Energy Future Tour in Pittsfield June 19th
FROM THE MA CLEAN ENERGY FUTURE TOUR
On Monday, June 20th the MA Clean Energy Future Tour will come to Pittsfield. State Senator Adam Hinds will host the hearing at Berkshire Community College. This is an opportunity for constituents to make their voices heard on energy issues, climate change, and the legislation they want to see from the commonwealth.
This tour is an answer to thousands of constituent conversations, calls and emails concerning the health and future of our local communities; our state; our country; and our world as a whole. We want your collective voices to ring throughout the legislature as we craft policy. Bring your friends, bring your neighbors! We look forward to hearing from you.
AG Healey Challenges Trump Administration Over Failure to Protect the Public From Toxic Pesticide
PRESS RELEASE FROM THE MA ATTORNEY GENERAL’S OFFICE
June 7, 2017
AG Coalition Charges EPA with Violating Federal Law by Allowing the Use of a Toxic Pesticide That Causes Harm to Children’s Neurological Development
BOSTON – Attorney General Maura Healey today announced that she has joined six other attorneys general in filing a challenge against the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s decision to abandon an important proposed ban on the use of a toxic pesticide which is widely used on food consumed by infants, young children, and pregnant women.Joining in the filing are the attorneys general of Massachusetts, New York, California, Maine, Maryland, Washington, and Vermont. The filing 
says that the EPA failed to make a key safety finding needed to continue to allow levels of chlorpyrifos to remain on food.
“This is yet another outrageous and wrongheaded decision by Administrator Pruitt that harms public health. By failing to take appropriate action to ensure that foods are not dangerously contaminated with this toxic pesticide, the EPA is putting the health of the public – particularly our most vulnerable infants, children and pregnant women – at risk,” said AG Healey. “We demand that EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt vacate this order immediately to ensure that our residents are not eating food that is tainted with this highly unsafe product.”
Chlorpyrifos is a very common insecticide in the United States and is used on numerous food crops, including apples, strawberries, bananas, pears, peaches, nectarines, and cherries. Residues of the pesticide have repeatedly been found in baby foods and juices. Chlorpyrifos acts by inhibiting an enzyme that is key to the proper development and functioning of the central nervous system and brain. Studies have shown that children born to mothers who were exposed to the toxic pesticide during their pregnancy exhibited cognitive and motor development delays in the first three years, and structural changes in the brain, lower working memory and IQ scores at age 7, and movement disorders (including arm tremors) at age 11.
EPA’s own scientists twice have been unable to identify a safe level for the pesticide on food. In November 2015 and again in November 2016, EPA issued notices of proposed rulemaking to revoke all tolerances and prohibit food from having chlorpyrifos pesticide residue food. However, EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt disregarded those proposed regulations and decades of accumulated scientific evidence and – citing “uncertainty” in chlorpyrifos’ toxicity – denied an administrative petition by the Natural Resources Defense Council and the Pesticide Action Network North America to revoke the current tolerances for chlorpyrifos on food. By its order, EPA effectively left the current tolerances in place indefinitely.
In their challenge, the attorneys general argue that Administrator Pruitt’s order violates the federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act because it lacks the safety finding that would be required for EPA to be authorized to maintain the current tolerances. The AGs’ challenge requests that the EPA vacate its recent order and that EPA issue a final order within 60 days granting the request and establishing a final regulation revoking tolerances for chlorpyrifos on food.
Democratic Representatives Reintroduce Legislation to Boost Public Participation at FERC
May 25, 2017
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Representatives Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Sean Patrick Maloney (D-NY), Ann Kuster (D-NH), Niki Tsongas (D-MA) and Stephen F. Lynch (D-MA) reintroduced legislation to create an Office of Public Participation and Consumer Advocacy at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). As one of the lead agencies responsible for developing energy infrastructure and ensuring reliability of the electric grid, FERC has sweeping authority over the wholesale power markets and ultimate jurisdiction in the federal siting and permitting process for natural gas pipelines. And while FERC’s decisions determine which energy projects are constructed and significantly influence the energy prices consumers pay, private citizens have expressed frustration that participating in FERC’s complex proceedings is extremely challenging.
The Public Engagement at FERC Act will assist residential and small commercial energy consumers in participating in FERC proceedings, ensuring the public has a strong role in shaping the nation’s energy future. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Al Franken (D-MN), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Mark Warner (D-VA) introduced companion legislation in the Senate.
“Consumers deserve a seat at the table when FERC regulates electricity rates or when they approve energy infrastructure,” said Rep. Jan Schakowsky. “Those decisions can raise or lower the utility bills for families and small businesses, and they matter for the communities where a pipeline or transmission line is routed. In 1978, Congress recognized the need for public involvement and authorized the Office of Public Participation, yet almost four decades later this office has yet to be created or funded. Our legislation would establish an Office of Public Participation and Consumer Advocacy to ensure that consumers and small business customers are represented in proceedings that affect their lives and their pocketbooks.”
“Safety comes first when it comes to energy infrastructure and folks have the right to make their voices heard during the approval process,” said Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney. “I’m proud to join my colleagues to call for a much-needed public advocate to ensure that folks living next door to Indian Point, pipeline projects, or new energy infrastructure, have a champion at FERC and a seat at the table.”
“I’ve met countless times with local community members who have expressed serious concerns that FERC has not adequately taken their viewpoints into consideration,” said Rep. Ann Kuster. “We need to ensure that local communities have a meaningful opportunity to weigh in on the impact of any new energy project that comes through their backyard. I’m proud to support this bill, which will fund the Office of Public Participation within FERC and require the agency to better give constituents a voice in the review process of projects.”
“In recent years we have seen how vital transparency is to reviewing new infrastructure projects,” said Rep. Niki Tsongas. “Public input is necessary for a fair and effective process and this legislation would help protect the public’s right to participation and information. By creating an Office of Public Participation and Consumer Advocacy, we not only give voices to the families most impacted, but we ensure accountability for the agencies, officials and companies involved. I thank my colleagues for their partnership in this effort and look forward to working with them to move this bill forward.”
“FERC’s decision-making has a direct effect on the quality of life and safety of the residents of the 8th Congressional District of Massachusetts and I share their serious concerns about the lack of public input in FERC proceedings. As we’ve seen with the proposal for the West Roxbury Lateral pipeline and the Weymouth Compressor Station, the natural gas pipelines that FERC approves create serious public safety and environmental risks for cities and towns across Massachusetts. Thanks to the collaborative work of my colleagues, Rep. Schakowsky, Rep. Maloney, Rep. Kuster, and Rep. Tsongas, we are increasing public engagement to ensure that local residents have a seat at the table going forward and we are working hard to ensure that the voices of the families we represent are heard loud and clear by FERC,” said Rep. Stephen F. Lynch.
In 1978, Congress authorized FERC to create an Office of Public Participation under the Public Utility Regulatory Policy Act (PURPA) that would assist public and consumer advocates in intervening at FERC. While the authorization has been in effect for nearly 40 years, the Office of Public Participation was never created. The Public Engagement at FERC Act would update and strengthen the 1978 PURPA language to better ensure that the Commission is making decisions that are in the best interest of those who will be most impacted.
Specifically, the Public Engagement at FERC Act would:
- Establish an office that would directly participate in FERC proceedings on rates, service, and infrastructure siting to represent the interests of residential and small commercial consumers.
- Employ directed outreach methods, such as consultation services and technical assistance, to ensure the interests of the public are adequately represented at FERC.
- Create a Public and Consumer Advocacy Advisory Committee for the office composed of representatives from the national and state-based nongovernmental consumer advocacy community.
- Prepare reports and issue guidance for potential improvements to industry and FERC practices to better incorporate the public voice.
- Provide intervenor funding to individuals or small commercial energy consumer groups to encourage their participation in FERC proceedings.
Climate Leaders Don’t Support Fracking
June 9, 2017
Thanks are due to US Senators Mazie Hirono, Ron Wyden and Bernie Sanders for their votes in the Senate Energy and Natural Resources committee a couple days ago against Trump’s two nominees to be FERC leaders. They aligned themselves with the FERC Vacancies Campaign, a network of 170 mainly grassroots groups which have been fighting the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s rubber-stamping ways when it comes to new fracked gas pipelines proposed by the gas industry.
It was painful to hear Democratic Party committee leader Maria Cantwell talk before the committee vote about her intention to support Trump’s nominees because of the importance of getting a quorum back at FERC so they can keep doing their thing. I worked hard back in 2009 and 2010, when I was employed at the Chesapeake Climate Action Network, in support of a cap-and-dividend CLEAR Act she and Susan Collins had co-sponsored as an explicit alternative to seriously problematic cap-and-trade legislation. But here she was 8 years later fronting for Trump’s pro-fracking, pro-fossil fuel industry nominees.
So I stood up and spoke out. In words I felt were so awfully appropriate for Senator Cantwell and so many other Democrats, I said, as loudly and clearly as I could, “Climate leaders don’t support fracking and new fracked-gas pipelines and infrastructure. FERC is all about the expansion of fracking. 30 years FERC has been operating and rubber stamping all the pipeline proposals except one. FERC has rubber stamped them. Don’t support FERC. It’s got to change.”
That was all I could say in the time it took for Capitol Police to grab me and move me out of the room. Minutes later Jess Rechtschaffer and Sid Madison also spoke up along similar lines and were removed the same way. All of us were arrested. Jess and Sid were released later that day after paying a small fine; I was held overnight and then released at 6 pm the following day.
We had not planned for me to interrupt Cantwell, but as the designated first speaker/disrupter, I just couldn’t sit silent when she so painfully spoke up for business-as-usual at FERC. There is little doubt that she’s aware of our movement’s concerns; her top energy staff people were met with weeks ago; I personally spoke at length with one of them in April, and energy and climate are a personal priority for her.
Of course, President Obama was a supporter of (some kinds of limited and incremental) climate action too, but ‘til the day he left office he was a cheerleader and open supporter of fracking despite all of the science showing how dangerous it is because of methane leakage and methane being 86 times more powerful as a greenhouse gas than CO2.
Part of the explanation for this state of affairs is the wimpishness of a number of Big Green groups on the fracking issue. Though there are few which are still outright supporters of methane gas as a “bridge fuel” to a renewables-based energy system, there are more than a few whose commitment to ending the current gas-and-pipeline-and export-terminal-rush is weak to barely there.
That’s why it’s so important that the FERC Vacancies Campaign has emerged over the last months when FERC has been without a quorum. Though most of the 170 groups are local grassroots groups, there are also national, regional groups and state groups that have signed on.
Jobs
Program and Development Assistant – Schumacher Center for New Economics – Egremont, MA
The Schumacher Center is looking for an exceptional individual to join our team and support other program staff and the executive director in representing the organization and furthering its goals. A successful candidate will be a detail-oriented team player with proven writing, speaking, and event coordination skills. 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. Interviews begin mid-April, and we aim to fill all positions by the end of June.
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
Housatonic Valley Association – River Stewards of Tomorrow
2017 Internship Positions Available
The Housatonic Valley Association (HVA) is seeking applications for our River Stewards of Tomorrow Environmental Internship positions, available for summer 2017. The River Stewards will work on a variety of projects related to water quality and habitat conservation. River Stewards will either be assigned to our Berkshire field office in South Lee, MA and work primarily in the Massachusetts portion of the watershed; or to our main office in Cornwall Bridge, CT and work primarily in the Connecticut and New York portions of the watershed. Each River Steward will be expected to complete at least 280 hours of work from June – August (at least 35 hours/week over 8 weeks). There is the potential to extend the internship to 12 weeks- with a proportional increase in stipend- depending on available funding. Full information and application details are here.
Sierra Club – Temporary Boston Online Organizer
The Online Organizing team furthers Sierra Club’s goals by using online tools and tactics to engage members and activists at the local and national level. The team focuses on providing timely, engaging actions that Club activists can use to influence policy decision-making processes, as well as further develop and grow Sierra Club’s activist and volunteer leadership bases. This is a temporary position running June – September 2017. Visit the Sierra Club’s website for all the details.
Volunteer Opportunities in the Berkshires w/The Trustees
“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.
Bird Research Technicians – Aton Forest – Norfolk, CT
Aton Forest, Inc. has been awarded an Audubon Connecticut Important Bird Area Grant for 2017 to conduct Breeding Bird Surveys and Breeding Territory Studies in northwestern Connecticut. Two experienced birders will be hired in 2017 as Research Technicians to conduct and report on this project.
Brief Description of Project: This grant will continue and expand the breeding bird research conducted at Aton Forest by hiring two experienced birders to complete breeding bird surveys along three established survey lines and determine breeding territories within selected managed shrub land and meadow habitats at Aton Forest, Norfolk, CT. Data from such study will go into the eBird database and contribute to the understanding of the distribution, populations, behavior and habitat use of Connecticut’s birds.
Aton Forest (AF) is an ecological research field station in the Northwest Hills of Connecticut in the northeast corner of the Town of Norfolk. The Forest was designated an Audubon Important Bird Area in 2015. Because of its location the Forest falls within a rather unique geographical area of Connecticut, part of the Berkshire Plateau, with many plants and animals more common further north. The elevation, topography, terrain, weather, climate, and flora all contribute to its special nature. This uniqueness is also reflected in the variety of forest birds that breed there each year. Breeding forest birds include: cerulean warbler, black-throated blue warbler, black-throated green warbler, least flycatcher, magnolia warbler, wood thrush, eastern towhee, American woodcock, and ruffed grouse to name just a few. The AF breeding bird surveys were begun in 2002 and have been conducted continuously to the present day. All breeding bird survey data has been entered into the citizen science database eBird, as well as records maintained at Aton Forest.
Specific Goals and Objectives of Project: There are two goals of the project: one, to organize two breeding bird surveys on each of the three interior survey lines and, two, to determine bird breeding territories within selected managed shrub land and meadow habitats at Aton Forest. The breeding bird line surveys will be conducted between June 1 and 15, 2017; the breeding territory study will be accomplished between June 1 and 31, 2017. It is estimated that the project will require 72 hours per technician and wages will be $15 per hour. Aton Forest, Inc. will also make sleeping quarters, office space and a computer available for the researchers. Orientation, coordination and supervision will be provided by the Executive Director of Aton Forest, Inc.
There may also be an opportunity for student interns to work on this project, to assist the Research Technicians, to learn research techniques, to better their knowledge of northern Connecticut birds, and to further develop their birding skills.
Anyone interested please contact:
John Anderson, Executive Director, Aton Forest, Inc.
Email: contact@atonforest.org
Aton Forest, Inc.
P.O. Box 509
270 N. Colebrook Rd.
Norfolk, CT 06058
(860)542-5125
www.atonforest.org
www.sandybrook.org
Great Summer Jobs with Greenagers!
Apply now.
Greenagers employs 50 youth each year for work on local trails and farms, through our trail crews (3 in Berkshire County and 2 in Columbia County) and our Farm Apprenticeships.
Our new and improved Farm Apprenticeships program is the result of an exciting collaboration with Jen Salinetti of Woven Roots Farm in Tyringham, MA. Jen is the new Farm Apprenticeship Coordinator and she has designed a thorough farm/soil/food curriculum to bolster the paid apprenticeship experience. The program runs from April through November. Apprentices are matched with area farms and are expected to work a minimum of four hours per week on that farm. Apprentices will also participate in the Young Farmer Education Series, bi-monthly farm education workshops and farm tours led by Jen on the first and third Wednesday of every month. Workshops are held at Woven Roots Farm, Tyringham, MA and Greenagers, Housatonic, MA. Farm visits will take place throughout Central and South County.
Participant Requirements: 15-22 years old • Able to manage own transportation • Prepared to work outdoors for a minimum of 4 hours/week • Willing to commit to workshop and farm visit schedule • Ready to engage in community dialogue and discovery
Workshop Topics Include • The Soil Food Web • Food Systems • Food Literacy • Food Diversity • Food Justice • Sustainability • Wholesome Food Preparation
If you have any questions about the program, please contact Jen Salinetti, Program Coordinator.
Apply for a Farm Apprenticeship.