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Eversource Rate Hike Hearing at BCC Next Week

[BEAT note] Friends, Eversource has revised a rate case proposal, so there are additional public hearings. The proposal is still bad, but in general the revision makes it slightly less bad for Western MA and a bit worse for Eastern MA among other things,  see charges for low-income customers increase in some regions and decrease in others. To be clear, the fact they are trying a Plan B is the result of overall discontent and people speaking up from various sectors and regions. <more>

CET Mattress Recycling Collection

Deadline, August 1: Mattress Recycling collection scheduled | The Southern Berkshire Solid Waste Management District has announced a free mattress and box spring recycling program for residents of participating towns. The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection awarded a grant to the Town of Monterey to pay for the program and it is expected to continue for at least one year. FROM CENTER FOR ECOTECHNOLOGY <more>

Bruce Winn to Teach Climate Change Class

This Fall, Bruce Winn will be team-teaching with atmospheric scientist Dr. Joseph Kravitz a course on climate change at Berkshire Community College. This course is open to the public, as well as BCC students. FROM BERKSHIRE ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION TEAM <more>

At 98, Crowe “Won’t Pay The Fine”
For Blocking Kinder Morgan Pipeline

Fifteen more demonstrators, including a 98-year old activist, were in Southern Berkshire District Court Tuesday for blocking Kinder Morgan’s Connecticut Pipeline expansion in Otis State Forest. Francis Crowe says she’s ready to go to jail. “No way do they want to put a 98-year-old woman in jail,” Crowe says. “But I hope this will give others the courage to think differently.” FROM WAMC <more>

 From Canada to the Commonwealth:
Hydro-Quebec’s Controversial
Northern Pass Project

One year ago, Massachusetts passed H.4568, An Act Relative to Energy Diversity. In the months following, Eversource Energy helped the Department of Energy Resources craft the Request for Proposals to meet the requirement, and included provisions that will likely encourage use of large scale hydropower. The most probable winner of the energy contract will be Hydro-Québec a corporation owned by the Québec government currently trying to bring Canadian hydropower through New Hampshire to Massachusetts and Connecticut via a proposed transmission line called Northern Pass. The project has been highly controversial, opposed by 30 of the 31 communities along the transmission line’s route. FROM CLIMATE ACTION BUSINESS ASSOCIATION | BY JAMIE GARUTI <more>

Defeating Shale Gas Infrastructure:
Strategies & Tools for Communities

The Delaware Riverkeeper Network (DRN) is convening national leaders in the battle against shale gas pipelines to share information and insight with the communities battling pipelines throughout the country. Join us for this six part webinar series to learn the most effective tools and strategies for defeating pipelines from the top legal minds, economic experts, and advocacy leaders fighting shale gas infrastructure projects nationwide. FROM DELAWARE RIVERKEEPER NETWORK <more> 


Jobs (click here for full job listings)

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

In-Lieu Fee Program Assistant – Dept. of Fish and Game – Boston, MA

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

Volunteer Opportunities in the Berkshires w/The Trustees  Stockbridge & Cummington, MA

Mass Audubon – Berkshire Nature Camp Educators @ Pleasant Valley – Lenox, MA


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Eversource Rate Hike Hearing at BCC Next Week

[BEAT note]

Friends, Eversource has revised a rate case proposal, so there are additional public hearings. The proposal is still bad, but in general the revision makes it slightly less bad for Western MA and a bit worse for Eastern MA (you can read a summarized list of changes here – note that, among other things, you will see charges for low-income customers increase in some regions and decrease in others). To be clear, the fact they are trying a Plan B is the result of overall discontent and people speaking up from various sectors and regions.

Here is a two-pronged proposal, to make this easy:

  • If you can go, please show up and say the proposal is still terrible.
  • Urge the DPU to reject the 10.9% return on equity and reject anti-solar provisions within the rate case.

The hearing will be Tuesday, August 1st at 6 PM, Boland Theatre (Koussevitzky Building) Berkshire Community College, 1350 West St., Pittsfield, MA.

Also take a look at what our Attorney General has to say about the obscene amount of money Eversource has been allowed to squeeze out of ratepayer up to now. We need a rate cut and Eversource’s top officials need pay cuts! This is not how a public utility should be allowed to operate.

Persons interested in commenting on Eversource’s June 1, 2017, revised rate design proposal may appear at any of the public hearings or may file written comments by the close of business (5:00 p.m.) on August 31, 2017.


CET Mattress Recycling Collection

Deadline, August 1: Mattress Recycling collection scheduled

The Southern Berkshire Solid Waste Management District has announced a free mattress and box spring recycling program for residents of participating towns. The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection awarded a grant to the Town of Monterey to pay for the program and it is expected to continue for at least one year.

According to ACE Mattress Recycling in Rhode Island and the program vendor, Upwards of 95% of a typical mattress and box spring can be recycled. The goal of the program is to divert and recycle as many as possible so they do not go into the trash. Participating towns include Alford, Becket, Monterey, Mount Washington, Otis and Washington.

Mattresses must be clean, dry and free of mold, mildew and bedbugs. Mattresses can be brought to the Monterey Transfer Station located on Gould Road the following days/times:

Summer Hours:
Wednesdays & Saturdays: 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Sundays 10:00am to 6:00pm

Winter Hours:
Wednesdays & Saturdays 8:00am to 1:00pm
Sundays 10:00am to 4:30pm
(Hours change when we change the clocks)

There is no charge for drop-off but proof of residency in the participating towns is required. This recycling program is funded by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection Sustainable Materials Recycling Program (SMRP).

More information: Jamie Cahillane, CET—413-445-4556 ext. 14, jamie.cahillane@cetonline.org

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Bruce Winn to Teach Climate Change Class

FROM BERKSHIRE ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION TEAM

This Fall, Bruce Winn will be team-teaching with atmospheric scientist Dr. Joseph Kravitz a course on climate change at Berkshire Community College. Dr. Kravitz will teach the first half of the semester and focus on the physical processes that govern Earth’s climate and that are responsible for climate change. Professor Winn will teach the second half of the semester and focus on the environmental consequences of climate change and on strategies for mitigation and adaptation. The three-credit science course is open to students at BCC and to the general public. For information, visit BCC’s website or contact the Registrar’s Office.


At 98, Crowe “Won’t Pay The Fine”
For Blocking Kinder Morgan Pipeline

Fifteen more demonstrators, including a 98-year old activist, were in Southern Berkshire District Court Tuesday for blocking Kinder Morgan’s Connecticut Pipeline expansion in Otis State Forest.

Francis Crowe says she’s ready to go to jail. “No way do they want to put a 98-year-old woman in jail,” Crowe says. “But I hope this will give others the courage to think differently.”

Crowe was among the Sugar Shack Alliance members arrested on June 24th for trespassing in an effort to halt Kinder Morgan from cutting down trees and laying pipe to expand its natural gas pipeline in Western Massachusetts.

Thirty-four demonstrators have been recently arrested on different occasions for trespassing on land now considered off-limits. Jail time is unlikely for Crowe, according to Sugar Shack attorney Joseph Zlatnik.

Earlier this summer, 12 other demonstrators were each fined $100 on trespassing charges. “All the arguments we made last time regard to Article 97…,” Zlatnik says. The activists argue the pipeline expansion violates Article 97 of the Massachusetts Constitution, which protects Otis State Forest. In December 2016, the state announced a settlement with Tennessee Gas Pipeline Company – a subsidiary of Kinder Morgan – for conservation land acquired by eminent domain for the company’s federally-approved project.

“With regards to the constitutional right to be on that land… all of those arguments we are still maintaining. In other words, you know … the judge has ruled against us on that but we are maintaining that those are good, true legal arguments that perhaps another judge might have another look at in another point in time. We don’t know but that’s a thought,” Zlatnik says.

Since turning 90, Crowe has been arrested several times for civil disobedience. “I don’t think I should have to pay $100 to express my conscience to try to stop the corporations,” Crowe says. “They are the ones who should be fined.”

Zlatnik says Crowe refusing to pay a fine will probably lead to more fines. “These folks are all, you know, saying that the government has sort of abrogated their responsibility, and they are the last line of the defense,” Zlatnik says.

“If it is not the governor, and it’s not the attorney general, and it’s not the legislature, and it’s not DCR, and it’s not the DPU, and it’s not the Conservation Commission, and it’s not the judge, and we have a climate crisis and it’s been documented, then who do we talk to?” That’s Vivienne Simon, the Alliance’s legal liaison, asks. U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey along with Congressman Richard Neal, have sent letters calling on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to revoke its authorization of the pipeline. FERC has said it would not comment on the letters. “If someone could please tell us who would do this: federal government, state government, local government, county government, judge… it doesn’t matter; everyone has passed on this and said ‘It’s not our job.’ So now it’s become our job,” Simon says.

Kinder Morgan plans to build a 13-mile, $93 million pipeline expansion through Otis State Forest to meet what the company says is an increased demand for natural gas in the Northeast. The project will upgrade an existing system in New York, Massachusetts and Connecticut. It would loop in Albany County in New York, Berkshire and Hampden Counties in Massachusetts, and Hartford County, Connecticut.

“Honorable Paul M. Vrabel presiding, please be seated and quiet. Make sure your cellphones are turned off. Court is now in session,” the bailiff says.

“All right, these are civil responsibility hearings concerning trespass allegations,” Vrabel says. In court Tuesday, Zlatnik claimed the protestors did not know they were trespassing. Five others previously arrested for getting too close to the tree-felling won’t have to pay because of the vague boundaries between private and state property.

“They cannot collectively say that ‘I spoke with all of these people and all of these people were trespassing.’ Why? Because liability attaches to the individual. Right? There is no such thing as collective guilt. This is not Soviet Russia,” Zlatnik says, “so the idea is that they have to prove that it was that specific individual person who was notified that they might be trespassing.”

Kinder Morgan says it respects the rights of individuals to engage in peaceful and lawful protests as long as work areas are not disturbed or damaged. The company has designated land for protesting. Many of the protestors, including Crowe, said they wanted to be arrested. “I am ready to go to jail,” Crowe says, “although I know they won’t jail me.” The judge’s verdict will be sent by mail in the next two weeks.

Kinder Morgan expects the pipeline expansion to be in service in November.


 From Canada to the Commonwealth:
Hydro-Quebec’s Controversial
Northern Pass Project

One year ago, Massachusetts passed H.4568, An Act Relative to Energy Diversity. The legislation authorized the procurement of hydropower and requires utilities to solicit and contract for 1,200 megawatts of clean energy generation. In the months following, Eversource Energy helped the Department of Energy Resources craft the Request for Proposals to meet the requirement, and included provisions that will likely encourage use of large scale hydropower.

The most probable winner of the energy contract will be Hydro-Québec, a crown corporation owned by the Québec government. Eversource is currently partnering with Hydro-Québec in an effort to bring Canadian hydropower through New Hampshire to Massachusetts and Connecticut via a proposed transmission line called Northern Pass. The project has been highly controversial, opposed by 30 of the 31 communities along the transmission line’s route.

Opponents say that the entire project, from it’s origin in Canada to it’s end point in Deerfield, NH, threatens both people and wildlife. The Pessamit Innu First Nation, who have lived on the Betsiamites River for millennia, say that if the project is carried out, the salmon in the river will be extinct within a few years. Read full article here.


Defeating Shale Gas Infrastructure:
Strategies & Tools for Communities

The Delaware Riverkeeper Network (DRN) is convening national leaders in the battle against shale gas pipelines to share information and insight with the communities battling pipelines throughout the country.

Join us for this six part webinar series to learn the most effective tools and strategies for defeating pipelines from the top legal minds, economic experts, and advocacy leaders fighting shale gas infrastructure projects nationwide.

Learn the latest on what shifting regulatory landscape means for your pipeline battle how to use the strongest tactics to defeat individual pipeline projects throughout the country while strengthening the larger unified battle against pipelines regulated by FERC. Check out other webinars in the series here!


Jobs

 


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.

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Development and Communications Director – Schumacher Center for New Economics – Egremont, MA

The Schumacher Center is looking for an exceptional individual to join our team and work with other program staff and the executive director to represent the organization and further its goals. A successful candidate will be a detail-oriented team player with proven writing, speaking, and event coordination skills, and a demonstrated interest in shaping a more just and sustainable economic system. The ideal candidate will have the ability to learn quickly and anticipate the needs of a fast-moving team, while also possessing creativity and a positive attitude. Full details and how to apply here.

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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.

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 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

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In-Lieu Fee Program Administrator

MassCareers Job Number 170003IV

The Department of Fish and Game (DFG) is accepting applications for their new In-Lieu Fee (ILF) Program Administrator position. The ILF Program Administrator will be responsible for developing a comprehensive framework for ILF Program planning and implementation including: identification, prioritization, selection, review, and approval of proposed mitigation projects; monitoring and tracking implementation, performance, and completion of approved mitigation projects; and managing all financial, accounting, budgeting, and reporting activities and requirements related to DFG’s administration of the ILF Program consistent with Department policies and the ILF Program Instrument. The ILF Program Administrator is a position within the Office of the Commissioner but will also work collaboratively and in partnership with staff from the Division of Ecological Restoration, Division of Marine Fisheries, Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, and the agency’s Land Protection Program.

For additional information and details about the ILF Program Administrator position, and to apply, please visit the MassCareers Job Opportunities website and search for Job Number 170003IV or click here. The job is open until filled. However, applicants within the first two weeks typically receive preference. For additional information about DFG’s In-Lieu Fee Program click here.

Questions? Please contact Christy Edwards at christy.edwards@state.ma.us or 617-626-1518.

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 Volunteer Opportunities with 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.

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