In the News
CALENDAR OF EVENTS Advocacy News (Includes how to reach your legislators) DEP Enforcement Actions In The Berkshire return to top |
Public Input Needed - What do you want for your state forests and parks? |
From Mass Audubon's Beacon Hill Update: Exploring Wind Power and Wildlife Mass Audubon was featured in a recent Defenders of Wildlife magazine article investigating the impacts of wind turbines on migratory birds. The article by Jennifer Weeks discusses Mass Audubon’s conditional support of Cape Wind following years of avian impact studies, and describes how conservation groups nationwide are working with federal agencies to develop wind siting guidelines that minimize effects on wildlife and the environment. To read the full article, visit: http://www.defenders.org/newsroom/defenders_magazine/winter_2010/wind,_water_and_wings.phpreturn to top |
From Mass Audubon's Beacon Hill Update: Updated versions have been substituted for two of Mass Audubon’s legislative priorities: An Act to Regulate the Use of Off-Highway Vehicles, formerly H. 3330, is now S. 2251; and An Act Relative to Comprehensive Siting Reform for Land Based Wind Projects, formerly S. 2206, is now S. 2245. Both are on the Senate calendar, with Off-Highway Vehicle Reform likely to come up first. Both must first pass the Senate before going to the House for consideration. Proposed Senate amendments to the Wind Bill are available on the Legislature’s website, http://www.mass.gov/legis/senate/s2245_amendments.htm. |
Hoosic River Revival Coalition given $10K grant NORTH ADAMS -- The Hoosic River Revival Coalition has been awarded a $10,000 grant to pursue better access to the river in the city and to make a roughly 3-mile stretch of the Hoosic that is blemished by massive flood-control chutes more aesthetically pleasing. The state Executive Office of Environmental Affairs on Friday named the revitalization effort one of only five "priority projects" to be given grant money through the state Department of Fish and Game’s Division of Ecological Restoration. "We were totally thrilled, and I think it speaks to the value of the project and what we’re trying to do for the state, as well as for North Adams," project leader Judith Grinnell said Sunday. "I think they looked at the people who have been involved in this -- elected officials, appointed officials and environmental professionals -- and they trust that we are going to carry out our plan." The grant will be combined with $5,000 received from the Hoosic River Watershed Association and $15,000 to be raised publicly over the next few months to set up a day-long community-wide meeting this spring led by river restoration professionals. The aim will be to establish a concept plan for river revitalization that will include the goals of improving fish and wildlife habitat, allowing more access to the river and creating the potential for appropriate waterfront development. Grinnell said the coalition wants to maintain flood protection but to use contemporary flood-control methods that will make the river more attractive and accessible. <more> |
EPA Unveils New Dioxin Cleanup Standards The EPA recently announced the release of new soil "preliminary remediation goals" (PRG's) for Dioxins, one of the most toxic chemicals known to man. Dioxins are a class of dangerous chemicals released by PVC's lifecycle and were the primary contaminant in Agent Orange. Dioxins have contaminated many sites across the country, such as Love Canal, NY and Dow Chemical's 22 miles of contamination in Michigan. |
Support for PAMTA mounts in Congress This session of Congress has seen an incredible outpouring of support for the Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment Act (PAMTA). As of January 22, 2010 there are currently 104 co-sponsors of the bill in the House of Representatives, and 15 co-sponsors in the Senate. This list continues to grow thanks to ongoing outreach to members of Congress. Representative Louise Slaughter (D-NY) continues to champion the issue and the bill in the House. Read her recent guest commentary in the Missourian entitled "Bill banning certain uses of antibiotics in animals is necessary." With support for the bill mounting, 2010 looks to be a promising year for renewed progress in reducing antibiotic misuse on farm. |
Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant Round now open! Eligible projects are those for the purchase of parkland, development of a new park, renovation of an existing park, or the acquisition of conservation land by a municipality with an approved Open Space and Recreation Plan, or the Department of Conservation and Recreation, or the Department of Fish and Game. The Division of Conservation Services will be hosting a grants workshop on Wednesday, March 3, 2010 at 10:00 am at 100 Cambridge Street, Boston, 2nd Floor, Conference Room B. If you are considering submitting an application, it is imperative that you attend this workshop. Please RSVP to Melissa Cryan at melissa.cryan@state.ma.us or (617) 626-1171. Applications are due March 31, 2010 at 3:00 pm. The application package and form can be downloaded from www.mass.gov/eea/dcs or www.comm-pass.com. Melissa Cryan The Massachusetts Watershed Coalition |
The Waterman Fund seeks the submission of essays about life in the mountains of the northeastern U.S. for its annual Waterman Fund Alpine Essay Contest. Wildness! Are you finding it where you least expect? Did you go in search and it wasn’t there? The Waterman Fund is seeking personal essays about stewardship of wild places, whether through a scientific lens or an encounter with wildness. What do we mean by "the spirit of wildness?" Why is it so important to our lives? Or, is it? Guy and Laura Waterman spent a lifetime reflecting and writing on the Northeast’s mountains. The Waterman Fund seeks to further their legacy through essays that celebrate this spirit. The winning piece will be published in Appalachia Journal. The winning essayist will be awarded $1500. Honorable mention will receive $500. Details: http://www.watermanfund.org/categories/essay_contest/2010_contest.php Erik Hoffner |
A Survey Request from New England FarmWays to Agritourism Farms Agritourism is growing in southern New England! Your farms, orchards, vineyards and wineries have become favorite destinations for more and more visitors. But a shaky economy is placing a premium on smart business practices and efficiencies if you hope to take best advantage of agritourism's promise. This past year New England FarmWays became a hub for southern New England's special places and an important source for training, technical assistance and marketing support. But we've only just begun. This winter, New England FarmWays will be conducting training sessions in Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island to assist more farmers to develop their agritourism goals, plans, products and services. We know that many of you want to realize more from these unique opportunities. We can help you. But first, you can help us by telling us what you need. Click here www.surveymonkey.com/s/ nefwtraining to take a short training needs survey and we'll be back in touch soon with a schedule of training programs in your area. |
River Network and MillerCoors to award $50,000 in watershed protection grants We are very pleased to announce that we are again partnering with MillerCoors to award $50,000 in watershed protection grants! Projects that are eligible for funding will be focused on agricultural and water issues. This may include working with agriculture organizations, individual farmers, Soil & Water Conservation Districts or others involved with the farming community. Projects will be expected to provide long-term benefits to water quality, quantity and/or public education. Funds are available for projects currently underway. There are no geographic restrictions. This is a contest program with direct public involvement deciding final awardees. The top vote-getting proposal will receive $25,000. February 8, 2010 Click here or contact Matt Burke at mburke@rivernetwork.org for more info. The Massachusetts Watershed Coalition |
Commonwealth Solar The Commonwealth Solar Stimulus and Commonwealth Solar II Rebate Programs will be available at 2:00 PM EST on Wednesday, January 27, 2010. Applications will not be accepted prior to 2:00PM Please read the Program Manual and all accompanying attachments prior to applying for a rebate. Commonwealth Solar has played an important role in advancing the Commonwealth’s position as a clean energy leader. In the last two years, the Commonwealth Solar rebate program issued awards for the installation of 23.5 megawatts (MW) of solar power. With more than 1,200 homeowners, businesses, and municipalities taking advantage of this innovative program, we look forward to building on this success as we continue along the path toward our clean energy future. We are very pleased to make available two new rebate programs for homeowners, business, and communities throughout the Commonwealth that will continue our momentum toward Governor Deval Patrick’s goal of 250 MW of solar energy installed by 2017. |
EPA Region One/New England’s 2010 Healthy Communities Grant Program integrates ten EPA New England programs – Assistance & Pollution Prevention, Asthma, Children’s Environmental Health, Clean Energy, Pesticides, Tools for Schools, Toxics, Tribal Compliance Assistance, Urban Environmental Program, and Wetlands Protection. These programs are working in partnership to improve environmental conditions by competitively identifying projects that will achieve measurable environmental, human health and quality of life improvements in communities across New England. In order to qualify for funding, projects must meet two criteria: (1) be located in and directly benefit one or more of the three Target Investment Areas; and (2) identify measurable environmental and public health results in one or more of the five Target Program Areas. In 2010, Target Investment Areas include: Environmental justice areas of potential concern, Sensitive populations, and/or Urban areas in one or more of the EPA Region I States of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and/or Vermont. Target Program Areas include: Asthma, Capacity-Building on Environmental and Public Health Issues, Healthy Indoor/Outdoor Environments, Healthy Schools, and/or Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, local government, public and private universities and colleges, hospitals, state or regional agencies, K-12 schools or school districts and tribes. Grants up to a maximum of $35,000 may be requested for projects with a New England-wide focus or $25,000 for projects taking place in a defined geographic area (e.g. neighborhood, city, state, and/or county) for one or two year projects. The Healthy Communities Grant Program anticipates awarding approximately 10-20 cooperative agreements through this The Healthy Communities Grant Program will sponsor four telephone conference calls to address questions before the Initial Project Summary deadline. Participation in the informational sessions is optional, but RSVPs are required. The informational sessions for the Initial Summary Outlines are scheduled for the following dates/times: Thursday, February 11, 2010 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Please see Attachment E of the Application Guidance for more details and registration information. After submitting your RSVP, you will receive instructions on how to participate in the conference calls. The Application Guidance can be found at For more information, please contact Jennifer Padula at Padula.Jennifer@epa.gov or 617-918-1698. |
Washington, D.C.'s Beautiful Bag Tax |
St Lawrence Cement owned by Lafarge North America Ordered to Clean Up Emissions |
Neighbor Conservation Network Training Workshop Please join us next Saturday for a Neighbor Conservation Network training workshop. The workshop will provide interested individuals and landowners with an overview of land conservation tools and techniques, an introduction to regional and statewide conservation organizations and government agencies, and strategies for reaching out to people to share this information. In short, you’ll learn what land trusts actually do, how to distinguish between the many different organizations and acronyms, and how to be proactive about conserving the land that you care about. For more information about the project, visit http://www.masswoods.net/index.php/ncn The program will run from 9 AM to 2 PM, at the Knox Trail Inn in Otis, and will include a free lunch. Please feel free to share this invitation with anyone that is interested in learning more about land conservation. Paul Catanzaro needs to get a final lunch count in by the middle of next week, so please let him know as soon as possible if you’ll be joining in. Paul Catanzaro Family Forest Research Center |
Soaking up some rays at Hancock Shaker Village Hancock Shaker Village is proud to announce our latest step in sharing responsible innovation - past, present and future - through our solar installation at the Visitors Center. Part of a Village wide interpretive focus on principled living in the 21st century, the solar arrays will not only save on energy costs and reduce carbon emissions, but will also help us discuss modern renewable energy options with visitors. Shakers have used renewable energy on this site for over 200 years, with water power and passive solar building design, and this installation will now become part of our dialogue about sustainability in our own lives. |
Greetings to the Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families campaign, a diverse and growing coalition of more than 100 groups working to pass federal chemical policy legislation! I wanted you all to be among the first to hear about the news from the Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families campaign that [was] revealed to the public and press Thursday January 21st. We released a new report synthesizing peer-reviewed science, "The Health Case for Reforming the Toxic Substances Control Act," which makes the case that the U.S. has the opportunity to prevent rising rates of chronic disease and reduce health care costs by overhauling federal chemical policy. Here's how Charlotte Brody, lead author of the report, describes "The Health Case:" "The report documents the increase in leukemia, brain cancer, and other childhood cancers, breast cancer, autism, difficulty in conceiving and maintaining a pregnancy, certain birth defects, preterm births and asthma. It shows how new scientific evidence is linking the increase in some cancers, learning and developmental disabilities, reproductive problems, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease and asthma and other diseases and disorders to chemicals. And it makes the case for chemical policy reform as a different kind of health care reform, with the potential to save the American people an estimated $5 billion every year in health care costs when it is fully implemented." The report [was] released in 18 states across the country, led by state environmental health coalitions, local officials, nurses and doctors, the United Steelworkers and more. On Thursday, we [held] a national teleconference. Several experts joined us on the teleconference, including: *Philip Landrigan, MD, Pediatrician, Director, Children's
Environmental Health Center, Mount Sinai School of Medicine; Andy Igrejas, National Campaign Director, for Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families moderated the call.
The following day, Friday, January 22, the report [was brought] to Congress for a briefing made possible by Representative Henry Waxman and Senator Frank Lautenberg, and co-sponsored by the Mount Sinai Children's Environmental Health Center. Richard We hope to have news about the introduction of new legislation to reform the Toxic Substances Control Act soon, so stay tuned. If you need more information about how to get involved, please email me at margie@saferstates.org. Thanks! Margie |
In accordance with their NPDES Permit, in December 2009, GE submitted a |
Conservation Partnership grant 2nd round Conservation Partnership FY10 2nd Round is now open. The program provides funding assistance to non-profits for the acquisition of interests in conservation and recreation land. Applications are due Monday, March 1. Information and the application package are available on our website www.mass.gov/eea/dcs or on www.comm-pass.com . Contact Celia Riechel at 617-626-1187 or celia.riechel@state.ma.us with questions. Thanks, Celia Riechel |
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Washington D.C. instituted a 5-cent tax on disposable bags—both paper and plastic—on New Year's Day. Now, when you go to the grocery store in the District, you pay a little extra if you get a new tree- or oil-based bag rather than bring your own.