July 23, 2008

In the News

• EPA Lays Groundwork for Promising Technologies to Help Mitigate Climate Change
• From Hancock Shaker Village garden to your table!
• Pittsfield Shop to Host Bicycle Commuting Class
• Save the Date-Engineered Channel or Restored River: The Future of The Housatonic (September 23, 2008)
• Environmental Bond Bill - Your Action Needed!
  

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Advocacy News (Includes how to reach your legislators)

DEP Enforcement Actions In The Berkshires

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EPA Lays Groundwork for Promising Technologies to Help Mitigate Climate Change

EPA proposed a rule that supports promising technologies to prevent industrial emissions of carbon dioxide. Secure, long-term underground storage of the greenhouse gas is one way scientific innovation could lessen the effects of climate change.

"This proposal paves the way for technologies that would protect public health and help reduce the effects of climate change," said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson. "With proper site selection and management, geologic sequestration could play a major role in reducing emissions of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere."

EPA's proposed regulation creates a consistent, national framework for the injection of carbon dioxide underground and protection of underground drinking water resources. The rule would create a new class of injection wells under the authority of the Safe Drinking Water Act's Underground Injection Control (UIC) program. The proposed rule builds on the existing UIC program, including extensive requirements to ensure wells are appropriately located, constructed, tested, monitored, and ultimately, closed with proper funding. It would apply to owners and operators of wells that will be used to inject carbon dioxide into the subsurface for the purpose of long-term storage.

Carbon capture and storage is part of a portfolio of technologies available to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. EPA is coordinating with the Department of Energy on carbon sequestration research and development. EPA is requesting public comments on the proposed rule for 120 days.

Proposal and information about geologic sequestration activities and the UIC program: http://www.epa.gov/safewater/uic/wells_sequestration.html

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From Hancock Shaker Village garden to your table!

• Brightly colored annuals to perk up your flower beds
  

• Fresh basil, mints and other herbs

• Paris Cos (Romaine) lettuce

• Fresh free-range eggs

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Pittsfield Shop to Host Bicycle Commuting Class

Pittsfield – City Councilor Mike Ward announced a free informational seminar on best practices for bicycle commuting.  The class will be hosted by Ordinary Cycles at 247 North Street in Pittsfield and will take place on Tuesday, July 29th at 7:00pm.  The class will be presented by Dave Wallace, an elite amateur mountain bike racer and an avid bicycle commuter.

"More and more people are using bicycles for transportation now, either by choice or out of necessity." said Ward, who organized the event.  "Having access to some basic knowledge as well as the right equipment can make the experience much more pleasant."

The event is being held at Ordinary Cycles so that attendees can implement suggestions right away.  “So when you learn that riding a mountain bike with knobby tires on pavement is dreadfully inefficient you can purchase smooth tires and remedy that situation” said Ward.

Wallace, a purchasing agent at General Dynamics, has been bicycle commuting from his home in Richmond to the Pittsfield business for 5 years.  He cycles to work from April through November, rain or shine.  “It's more than basic transportation, I look forward to my ride into work and home again each day.” said Wallace.

For more information contact Mike Ward at 413-499-0462.

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Engineered Channel or Restored River: The Future of the Housatonic
After PCB Removal; Five Approaches To River Restoration
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Crown Plaza Hotel, Pittsfield, MA

HRI presents: A conference moderated by Andrew Fahlund, V.P. for Conservation, American Rivers

9:00            Sign-in, set-up, coffee, conversation
9:30            Introductory remarks, Benno Friedman, Andrew Fahlund, TBA
10:00          Marty Melchior, Interfluve
10:45          Wendi Goldsmith, The Bioengineering Group
11:30          Jim McBroom, Milone & McBroom
12:15          Lunch
1:00            Keith Bowers, Biohabitats
1:45            Geoff Goll, Princeton Hydro
2:30            Panel discussion & closing remarks
3:30            Conference adjourns

For more info call HRI
413-446-2520

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Environmental Bond Bill - Your Action Needed!
(from the ELM Bulletin, July 22, 2008)

Yesterday, the House Ways and Means Committee reported the environmental bond bill out of committee, and amendments to the bill are due by 5:00 pm today. 

While we are happy to see movement, with only 7 days left in the legislative session, we can't let our guard down.

Please contact both your state Representative and state Senator, and ask them to make sure that the bond bill is passed before July 31st.
Even if you have already contacted your legislators, we urge you to do so one more time! 

Once it is taken up by the House, it still has to be taken up by the Senate and then most likely go to conference committee, so there are still a number of hurdles to get through.

The bond bill is now up to $1.61 billion dollars, by far the largest environmental bond ever. There are several other very important pieces of legislation that are awaiting action so we need to make sure that our voices are heard. Please call your legislators as soon as possible.

If you are not sure who your representative is, you can easily look up current information at this site:
http://www.wheredoivotema.com
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