Nexamp Appoints Massachusetts State Senator, Ben Downing, as Vice President of New Market Development
Nexamp, Inc., a leading provider of solar energy solutions, today announced the appointment of departing Massachusetts State Senator Ben Downing as the company’s Vice President of New Market Development. Mr. Downing, who has been instrumental in shaping Massachusetts’ solar policy landscape during his tenure as Senate Chairman of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy, will focus on expanding the company’s strategic development efforts across growing geographies and product lines. Notably, Downing will lead the company’s entry into the burgeoning energy storage market, guiding efforts to align and implement new technologies within existing and developing national policy frameworks. Marketwired – Nov 14, 2016. <more>
Pipeline protesters in Pittsfield support Standing Rock
Victory for America’s Youth –
Constitutional Climate Lawsuit against U.S. to Proceed
Federal Judge Ann Aiken rejects U.S. government and fossil fuel industries motions to dismiss Eugene, OR. Today, the federal court in Eugene, Oregon decided in favor of 21 youth plaintiffs in their “groundbreaking” constitutional climate lawsuit against President Obama, numerous federal agencies, and the fossil fuel industry. U.S. District Court Judge Ann Aiken completely rejected all arguments to dismiss raised by the federal government and fossil fuel industry, determining that the young plaintiffs’ constitutional and public trust claims could proceed. Now, the 21 plaintiffs, who range in age from 9-20, are preparing for trial in what is believed to be a turning point in United States constitutional history. Announcement from The Children’s Trust, November 10, 2016. <more>
Calling for Trail Volunteers on Williamstown Conservation Lands
You can help keep Williamstown’s trails in great shape! Williamstown Conservation Commissioner Bob Hatton is looking for volunteer trail workers this fall. Williamstown’s trails are one of its great assets. With most of the leaves on the ground, now is the time for clearing fallen leaves from water drainage ditches. If you have a favorite trail, or are willing to adopt one of the trails on Williamstown’s conservation land this fall, please contact Bob Hatton at 413-458-3123 to get trail maps and discuss which trails need the most maintenance. Tools are available. Information is also available from the Town Conservation Commission at 413-458-9344.<more>
360 huge businesses defend Paris climate deal
There was a time when most people advocating for climate action were bike-riding hippies and other counterculture figures. That time has long since past. The latest sign that robust climate action is a mainstream priority is the fact—as reported over at Business Green—that 360 businesses just spoke out urging President Elect Trump to honor the Paris climate agreement and continue to support bold action to reduce emissions. By Sami Grover, Treehugger, November 16, 2016 <more>
Jobs
Administrative and Event Assistant – Urban Sustainability Directors Network &
Carbon Neutral Cities Alliance – Remote position
Streamflow Protection Biologist (Fish & Wildlife Scientist III) – Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department – Montpelier, VT
Hoosic River Revival – Executive Director – North Adams, MA
Williamstown Rural Lands Foundation – Executive Director – Williamstown, MA
MassLIFT-AmeriCorps Member Positions
MassLIFT-AmeriCorps Operations & Communications Coordinator, full-time staff position, available Sept/Oct
Nexamp Appoints Massachusetts State Senator, Ben Downing, as Vice President of New Market Development
BOSTON, MA–(Marketwired – Nov 14, 2016) – Nexamp, Inc., a leading provider of solar energy solutions, today announced the appointment of departing Massachusetts State Senator Ben Downing as the company’s Vice President of New Market Development. Mr. Downing, who has been instrumental in shaping Massachusetts’ solar policy landscape during his tenure as Senate Chairman of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy, will focus on expanding the company’s strategic development efforts across growing geographies and product lines. Notably, Downing will lead the company’s entry into the burgeoning energy storage market, guiding efforts to align and implement new technologies within existing and developing national policy frameworks.
Prior to joining Nexamp, Mr. Downing represented the state’s largest Senate district, serving 52 communities across four counties in Western Massachusetts. During his decade-long tenure, Downing championed issues ranging from alternative energy deployment to reducing poverty, and supporting the expansion of civil transgender rights. Downing’s leadership on clean energy and climate change earned him numerous awards and recognition from industry groups, including the Northeast Clean Energy Council, the Solar Energy Industries Association, and the Solar Energy Business Association of New England.
“Ben’s long history of public service will complement Nexamp’s expert team of local development professionals,” said Zaid Ashai, Chief Executive Officer of Nexamp. “He joins us at the most exciting juncture in our company’s young history, and his ability to effectively communicate promising opportunities to diverse stakeholders will continue to be an immense asset in the private sector. We couldn’t be happier to have Ben on the team.”
Pipeline protesters in Pittsfield support Standing Rock
PITTSFIELD – More than 85 protesters endured at times persistent rain for more than two hours on Tuesday night to show solidarity for the Standing Rock protest group against the Dakota Access Pipeline in South Dakota.
“This is a national day of solidarity to show support for the Standing Rock Sioux tribe,” explained Cheryl Rose, who was the principal organizer of Tuesday’s event. “This is a social justice issue, a climate issue, a racial justice issue.”
The event attracted individuals from all over Berkshire County.
Protests were being held Tuesday across the country, from California to Vermont, according to The Associated Press. Activists called for demonstrations at Army Corps of Engineers offices and at banks financing the pipeline construction.
Rose and many of the protesters are members of 350 Mass-Berkshire, a local offshoot of 350 Mass. The organization is a nonprofit statewide climate action network.
“This is not just a South Dakota issue,” said Jenny Gitlitz of Dalton. “It’s not a NIMBY [Not In My Back Yard] issue. There are environmental concerns, as well, and they have the potential to affect us.”
Despite the rain, the protesters stayed for about two hours. Many bore signs decrying the Dakota Access Pipeline. On a regular basis, passing cars would honk their support.
Rose pointed out that the builders of the Dakota Access Pipeline have already announced their plans to continue their work. This, she said, despite the fact that the federal Army Corps of Engineers has indicated they will require an environmental impact report on the project.
“The treaty is not being respected, the safety of the drinking water is not being respected,” she said.
Rose pointed out that the original route of the pipeline was supposed to run near the city of Bismark, but was eventually rerouted because of fears for the drinking water for residents of the city.
“You connect the dots,” she said.
“We have concerns, but everyone should have concerns,” said Sonya Bykofsky of Lenox. “We think someone really needs to take a stand.”
Victory for America’s Youth –
Constitutional Climate Lawsuit against U.S. to Proceed
Announcement from The Children’s Trust
November 10, 2016
Federal Judge Ann Aiken rejects U.S. government and fossil fuel industries motions to dismiss Eugene, OR.
Today, the federal court in Eugene, Oregon decided in favor of 21 youth plaintiffs in their “groundbreaking” constitutional climate lawsuit against President Obama, numerous federal agencies, and the fossil fuel industry. U.S. District Court Judge Ann Aiken completely rejected all arguments to dismiss raised by the federal government and fossil fuel industry, determining that the young plaintiffs’ constitutional and public trust claims could proceed. Now, the 21 plaintiffs, who range in age from 9-20, are preparing for trial in what is believed to be a turning point in United States constitutional history.
In determining the complaint to be valid, Judge Aiken’s ruling contained these passages:
“Federal courts too often have been cautious and overly deferential in the arena of environmental law, and the world has suffered for it.” …
“Although the United States has made international commitments regarding climate change, granting the relief requested here would be fully consistent with those commitments. There is no contradiction between promising other nations the United States will reduce C02 emissions and a judicial order directing the United States to go beyond its international commitments to more aggressively reduce C02 emissions.” …
“[The defendants and intervenors] are correct that plaintiffs likely could not obtain the relief they seek through citizen suits brought under the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, or other environmental laws. But that argument misses the point. This action is of a different order than the typical environmental case. It alleges that defendants’ actions and inactions – whether or not they violate any specific statutory duty – have so profoundly damaged our home planet that they threaten plaintiffs’ fundamental constitutional rights to life and liberty.”
“My generation is rewriting history,” said Xiuhtezcatl Martinez, a 16-year-old plaintiff and youth director of Earth Guardians. “We’re doing what so many people told us we were incapable of doing: holding our leaders accountable for their disastrous and dangerous actions. I and my co-plaintiffs are demanding justice for our generation and justice for all future generations. This is going to be the trial of our lifetimes.”
“This decision is one of the most significant in our Nation’s history,” said Julia Olson, counsel for the plaintiffs and executive director of Our Children’s Trust. “This court just gave the youth of this country the critical opportunity to protect their futures. In what will be the trial of the millennium, these young plaintiffs will prove that their federal government, in cooperation with the fossil fuel industry, has knowingly put them in grave danger, trading their futures for present convenience and gross profits for a few.”
“It’s clear Judge Aiken gets what’s at stake for us,” said 17-year-old plaintiff Victoria Barrett, from White Plains, New York. “Our planet and our generation don’t have time to waste. If we continue on our current path, my school in Manhattan will be underwater in 50 years. We are moving to trial and I’m looking forward to having the world see the incredible power my generation holds. We are going to put our nation on a science-based path toward climate stabilization.”
“Based on our Constitution, Judge Aiken correctly determined we have properly claimed the federal defendants are responsible for harm caused by climate change and these young plaintiffs may challenge the government’s wholly inadequate climate change policies in court,” said Plaintiffs’ co-lead counsel Philip Gregory, with Cotchett, Pitre, & McCarthy, LLP of Burlingame, CA.
“This is a critical step toward solution of the climate problem, and none to soon as climate change is accelerating,” said Dr. James Hansen, guardian in the case for all future generations, and world-renowned climate scientist. “Now we must ask the Court to require the government to reduce fossil fuel emissions at a rate consistent with the science.”
The young plaintiffs sued the federal government for violating their constitutional rights to life, liberty, and property, and their rights to vital public trust resources, by locking in a fossil-fuel based national energy system for more than five decades with full knowledge of the extreme dangers it posed.
This federal case is one of many related legal actions brought by youth in several states and countries, all supported by Our Children’s Trust, seeking science-based action by governments to stabilize the climate system.
Calling for Trail Volunteers on Williamstown Conservation Lands
You can help keep Williamstown’s trails in great shape! Williamstown Conservation Commissioner Bob Hatton is looking for volunteer trail workers this fall. Williamstown’s trails are one of its great assets. With most of the leaves on the ground, now is the time for clearing fallen leaves from water drainage ditches.
If you have a favorite trail, or are willing to adopt one of the trails on Williamstown’s conservation land this fall, please contact Bob Hatton at 413-458-3123 to get trail maps and discuss which trails need the most maintenance. Tools are available. Information is also available from the Town Conservation Commission at 413-458-9344.
360 huge businesses defend Paris climate deal
By Sami Grover
Treehugger
November 16, 2016
There was a time when most people advocating for climate action were bike-riding hippies and other counterculture figures. That time has long since past.
The latest sign that robust climate action is a mainstream priority is the fact—as reported over at Business Green—that 360 businesses just spoke out urging President Elect Trump to honor the Paris climate agreement and continue to support bold action to reduce emissions.
These aren’t inconsequential businesses, either. The list includes:
—DuPont
—Gap Inc.
—General Mills
—Hewlett Packard Enterprises
—Hilton
—HP Inc.
—Kellogg Company
—Levi Strauss & Co.
—L’areal USA
—NIKE
—Mars Incorporated
—Schneider Electric
—Starbucks
—VF Corporation
—Unilever
And most of these businesses are taking major steps themselves to cut emissions and move our economy toward a lower carbon future. Mars, for example, is fully committed to moving toward 100% renewable energy and is already purchasing massive amounts of wind power to get there.
Heck, even Exxon is openly supporting the Paris climate agreement.
None of these moves should be taken as a signal that vigilance over corporate environmental abuses is no longer relevant, nor that corporate power can inevitably prevent backsliding on climate progress, but they are one more sign among many that the ultimate momentum is on the side of continued, prolonged and far-reaching action to cut emissions.
Jobs
Administrative and Event Assistant
Urban Sustainability Directors Network &
Carbon Neutral Cities Alliance
Position Type: Full-time
Position Description: The USDN/CNCA Administrative and Event Assistant plays a crucial role in supporting information exchange among members by delivering member services and providing support to other staff in a virtual team environment.
This position will provide the following administrative support: – Schedule meetings, conference calls, and webinars for members and staff, working with various national and international time zones and logistical challenges. – Assist with logistics for webinars and conference calls. – Assist with logistics for in-person meetings before, during, and after the events. – Format USDN/CNCA documents and presentations with branding and graphics. – Maintain member spreadsheets, website profiles, and tracking documents. – Assist in tracking member activity, including responses to scheduling polls, call attendance, and other participation data. – Track status and execution of subcontracts and partnerships. – Other administrative tasks as assigned.
Requirements: Education: – Associate’s degree required. Bachelor’s degree preferred. – Background in administrative assistance or customer service preferred. – Demonstrated interest in sustainability or local government desirable.
Previous experience: – 2-3 years related experience required. May include internships. – Past experience in detail-oriented position preferred.
Hard and Soft Skills: – Long-term commitment to provide high-level administrative support in a fast-paced environment. – Excellent communication skills to keep multiple team members abreast of progress with ongoing tasks, while in a virtual environment. – Detail-oriented and able to accurately meet and communicate about deadlines. – Organized, analytical, and highly motivated. – Independent (comfortable and efficient working alone) while a good team player (communicating with other team members through frequent electronic correspondence and infrequent in-person interaction). – Skilled in computer technology, including Microsoft Office and Google products. – Experience in managing large data sets preferred. – Proactive, able to identify potential issues and brainstorm solutions. – Results-oriented and committed to learning and continuous improvement. – Mission-driven with a passion for fostering social, economic, or environmental change. – Diplomatic, comfortable interacting frequently with city officials and funders.
Compensation: Competitive for early-career position. Benefits negotiable.
Location: USDN/CNCA has no central office, so the position is strictly work-from-home with weekly web meetings. Ability to travel to Milwaukee or western Massachusetts area desired but not required. Candidates must furnish their own quiet office space, computer, and Microsoft Office suite.
To Apply: Send a cover letter addressing the requirements for the USDN/CNCA Administrative Assistant, resume, and three references to Mia Arter, USDN Program Director, at miaarter@usdn.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Streamflow Protection Biologist
(Fish & Wildlife Scientist III)
Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department
Overview: The Fish and Wildlife Department’s mission is to the conservation of fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats for the people of Vermont. The protection and enhancement of aquatic habitat is essential to the maintenance of healthy aquatic populations and the recreational fisheries that they support. This position provides an excellent opportunity to make a difference in a small state where you will be involved in a variety of dam, streamflow and other aquatic habitat issues.
General Job Description: This position will work to protect and restore aquatic habitat and aquatic biota throughout the State of Vermont. This position requires strong interpersonal, communication, organization and technical skills, and requires close coordination with regional fisheries staff and collaboration with state, federal and non-governmental organizations. This job involves the participation in FERC hydroelectric licensing permit proceedings; coordinating Department positions on a variety of dam and streamflow project proposals; developing aquatic protection policies, protocols and regulations; and maintaining partnerships and conducting outreach and trainings. Applicants should have a strong background in aquatic/fisheries biology and a solid understanding of the principles of hydrology, fluvial geomorphology, aquatic habitat and fish passage. Experience with IFIM and PHABSIM analytical approaches is desirable. The position requires a mix of field, office and outreach activities. Work is performed under the supervision of the Fisheries Program Manager and is stationed in Montpelier VT.
Minimum Qualifications:
Education: Master’s degree or higher in a natural resources field.
Experience: 2 years in a natural resources field. OR….
Education: Bachelor’s degree or higher in natural resources field or biology.
Experience: 4 years in a natural resources field. OR….
2 years as a Fish & Wildlife Scientist II with the State of Vermont.
Special Requirements: N/A
Starting Salary: $ 23.89 per hour (Pay Grade 24), plus benefits.
Closing Date: 12/7/2016
Contact: Apply online: http://humanresources.vermont.gov/ Job#620271
This Fish & Wildlife Scientist III position is open to all State employee and external applicants. If you would like more information about this position, please contact Rich Kirn via email (rich.kirn@vermont.gov). Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail. You must apply online to be considered. The State of Vermont is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applications from women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and people from diverse cultural backgrounds are encouraged.
Hoosic River Revival – Executive Director
The Hoosic River Revival, based in North Adams, Massachusetts, seeks an Executive Director to lead our river restoration efforts. We are a community-based nonprofit working to contribute to North Adams’ urban renaissance by transforming an unattractive concrete-walled section of the Hoosic River into a beautiful, ecologically-sound and publicly-accessible riverscape. This full-time position provides an opportunity to live in the beautiful New England Berkshires and oversee a project that will benefit local ecosystems and economies. No previous experience with river ecology is required. Our ideal candidate will have strong experience with project management and working closely with a board, as well as navigating government processes. To read the full job description go to http://www.hoosicriverreviv
Williamstown Rural Lands Foundation –
Executive Director
The Williamstown Rural Lands Foundation (WRLF), a 30-year old land conservation trust and education organization in Williamstown Massachusetts, announces the retirement next year of its long-time executive director, Leslie Reed Evans, and the search for her replacement to lead WRLF during an exciting time in its history. Leslie’s tenure at WRLF has spanned 23 years of exemplary service to our community. She was hired in late 1993 as interim director and was offered the permanent position in 1995 at a time when the organization was completing several major land conservation projects under her dynamic leadership and was in the midst of its largest yet, the effort to preserve the south Williamstown farm and forest lands owned by Norris Phelps along Oblong Road and extending to the Taconic Ridge. At that time, WRLF had a 14-member Board of Directors, a supporting membership of about 200 families, and an annual budget of $39,000. There were 268 acres of private land under conservation restriction, and 66 acres in WRLF’s direct ownership.
Today, WRLF annually monitors 288 acres of conservation restriction land and has close to 600 acres under its own management, including its 55-acre Sheep Hill headquarters and 380 acres on Pine Cobble, its largest preserve. Its membership has more than doubled and its annual budget has grown nearly tenfold. It has established itself as a key resource in the community and an important contributor to the beauty and quality of life which Williamstown residents and visitors alike enjoy.
During Leslie’s tenure and with the active participation of an engaged, dedicated Board of Directors, WRLF undertook many innovative projects, including managing the Reynolds limited development/conservation project, making land available for the Williamstown’s first Habitat for Humanity home, and establishing Caretaker Farm as a Community Land Trust to make it affordable to a new generation of farmers. Perhaps what Leslie is most proud of and in addition to the land conservation projects she has overseen is the acquisition and preservation of Sheep Hill and its establishment as a community resource for outdoor education and recreation for families, school children and visitors.
The search for a new executive director will begin immediately. The job posting and explanation of the application requirements are described on WRLF’s website, wrlf.org, under “Job Opportunities” on the home page. For further information contact WRLF or call its headquarters at 413-458-2494.
MassLIFT-AmeriCorps Member Positions
MassLIFT-AmeriCorps was established in 2010 by Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust as a collaboration of regional conservation organizations seeking to engage with more people and do more community conservation projects. The mission of the Massachusetts Land Initiative for Tomorrow (MassLIFT-AmeriCorps) is to strengthen and grow the land conservation movement by developing the next generation of land trust leaders and mobilizing them in every MA community. Our vision is one where the benefits of land conservation reach every community and are meaningful for all people.
This year, 36 MassLIFT-AmeriCorps members will serve at 21 different host sites (including urban conservation and community gardening/food systems non-profits) across Massachusetts as Land Stewardship Coordinator, Regional Conservation Coordinator, Youth Education Coordinator, or Community Engagement Coordinator. Members create and accomplish projects that increase their host site’s capacity, educate people in environmental stewardship, engage people in volunteerism, and include new constituencies. Specific activities vary by host site.
People of color strongly encouraged to apply. AmeriCorps programs provide equal service opportunities. MassLIFT works 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. The program runs 8/29/16 – 7/28/17. More info at masslift.org.
MassLIFT-AmeriCorps Operations & Communications Coordinator, full-time staff position, available Sept/Oct
MassLIFT-AmeriCorps was established in 2010 by Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust as a collaboration of regional conservation organizations seeking to engage with more people and do more community conservation projects. The mission of the Massachusetts Land Initiative for Tomorrow (MassLIFT-AmeriCorps) is to strengthen and grow the land conservation movement by developing the next generation of land trust leaders and mobilizing them in every MA community. Our vision is one where the benefits of land conservation reach every community and are meaningful for all people.
The Operations and Communications Coordinator (OCC) supports the MassLIFT-AmeriCorps program vision on a statewide scale. Reporting to the MassLIFT Program Director, the OCC manages member recruitment and onboarding, communications and marketing, and day-to-day administration of program operations.
We’re aiming to fill this position in September/October 2016. MassLIFT-AmeriCorps may spin off as a separate nonprofit between Fall 2016 and Summer 2017, in which case program headquarters would likely move to Lowell, MA. Applicants should be prepared and willing to relocate to be able to work out of a Lowell office. View the complete position description and application instructions at masslift.org.