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In the News
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Environmental Monitor
Public Notices Alphabetically by town
The BEAT News Archives
Advocacy News (Includes how to reach your legislators)
DEP Enforcement Actions In The Berkshire
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State Forest Visioning
from Ward 6 News, City Councilor John Krol, Sun, May 23, 2010
 In recent weeks, I have received several emails from those users of the Pittsfield State Forest who are concerned about the Commonwealth's Department of Conservation and Recreation's Trail Planning and Rehabilitation vision for the forest. Most of the concerns stem from the plan's heavy focus in accommodating for ATV and motorcycle riders. These individuals concerned with the plan are hikers, trail bicyclists, and runners, who often are put-off by the speed, noise and safety issues presented by the motorized vehicles. They also see the damage to the trails, bridges and other infrastructure, caused by these motorized vehicles.
In response to these concerns, DCR's Gary Briere said there will be opportunities for residents to voice their views to further shape the plan.
Gary Briere: "...there are many who love and appreciate this forest including both motorized and non-motorized users. The planning process that we envision will provide an opportunity for many of these stakeholders to share their views on the forest and its recreational uses and help us develop plans for future investments in the property. We appreciate your thoughts at this time and hope you will participate in that process in the coming months to help guide our decisions to enhance the forest's recreational value and protect its natural resources."
**For those interested in discussing their views on the issue, Ward 6 resident Mike Coyne will be holding a meeting on the issue. E-mail Mike at mtnbikehike@gmail.com to RSVP and to receive an agenda.
Click here to read the current vision DCR has for the Pittsfield State Forest
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Pittsfield Property Viewer
from Ward 6 News, City Councilor John Krol, Sun, May 23, 2010
 This tool allows you to see properties in Pittsfield and view key elements like property lines, hydrology, zoning layers, tax zones and more. It's a way the city can better serve you with accessible technology.
Click here for information and to link to the Pittsfield Property Viewer
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Action Alert: Off Highway and Recreational Vehicles
Help Stop Illegal Off Highway Vehicles on Public and Private Lands!
from ELM Bulletin, Fri, May 21, 2010
From Mass Audubon: Illegal riding of off highway vehicles (OHVs - including ATVs, dirt bikes, and snowmobiles) on conservation lands causes tremendous damage. These sensitive areas are often protected with public dollars for wildlife or their unique natural beauty, and the ruts and erosion caused by OHVs can be severe, harming wetlands, wildlife, and endangered species.
Right now, ATVs and other OHVs often operate without clear identifiers like license plates. Fines are meaningless - the average fine for damaging forestlands or riding illegally on public or private lands is $20.00. In January, the Massachusetts Senate passed a bill reforming OHV laws including raising fines significantly. The bill is now before the House Committee on Ways & Means and we need your help to get the bill out of committee and to the House floor for a vote!
Contact your state representative and ask them to speak to House Ways & Means Chairman Charles Murphy and House Speaker Robert DeLeo expressing support for Senate Bill 2257, An Act Relative to Off Highway Vehicles!
To find out who your state Representative is, enter your address at http://www.wheredoivotema.com/bal/myelectioninfo.php and scroll down to "Rep in General Court."
If you know your Representative's name, you can just call the House switchboard and be put through: 617-722-2000. You can also email. Email addresses can be found here http://www.mass.gov/legis/memmenuh.htm.
Sample Message:
State your name and where you live and ask to speak to the Representative. If they are not there, you can speak to staff.
Tell them that you are calling in support of Senate Bill 2257, which has passed the Senate and is currently before House Ways & Means.
Say that you hope your Representative will speak to the House Ways & Means Chairman and the Speaker soon and let him know that it is an important bill to you. Information about illegal riding in your district can be useful if you have it.
Bill description
Gives enforcement officers the tools they need to stop illegal and destructive riding on public and private lands and provides funding for the development of public trails in appropriate places. The bill will:
Simplify the registration process and require registration for most OHVs with revenues directed to increasing enforcement capabilities, rider safety education, and the development, maintenance and restoration of OHV trails.
Fund enforcement - 25% of the fines collected from OHV violations will be split between the applicable law enforcement entities involved in the issuance of the fines.
Strengthen communication among riders, land managers, conservation organizations, enforcement agencies and other stakeholders by establishing an OHV Advisory Group similar to those in other states.
Thank you.
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Final Common Redesign Meeting Postponed
from City of Pittsfield Parks and Recreation News
New Date Set for June 21
The Pittsfield Office of Community Development has announced that the final public meeting on the First Street Common redesign project will not occur on Monday, May 24 as originally scheduled.
Due to the high degree of interest and sheer volume of public comment received, additional time is needed to develop the final plan. The next meeting will occur on Monday, June 21 at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 70 Allen Street.
The public is encouraged to attend this meeting where the final preferred alternative plan will be unveiled. For more information, contact 499-9344.
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Williamstown Girl Scout/Brownies Produce TV spot on Water Conservation
Ten second graders from Williamstown Girl Scout Troop 36 show television viewers how to conserve water in the 2 minute spot they produced at WilliNet, Community TV for Williamstown. The eight year olds spent the winter studying the Girl Scout curriculum "The Wonders of Water." The unit is a specific Girl Scout leadership program focused on the science and conservation of water. Troop 36 has earned four badges on this subject. The girls wanted to produce a TV spot to share what they had learned with the community. Their water conservation tips can be seen on channel 17 in Williamstown or at willinet.org on the main page.
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Want to connect your community to nature? National Park Service can help.
Are you trying to protect your local rivers, save an unspoiled landscape, or build trails
to help everyone in your community enjoy nature?
Applications for the next round of technical assistance can be submitted until August 1.
Through the Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance (RTCA) program, the National Park Service provides staff who can guide communities in conserving waterways, preserving open space, and developing trails and greenways.
Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to discuss their project ideas with our staff near you before submitting an application.
Visit www.nps.gov/rtcafor complete information and application.
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Co-op Power's Mow Better Program Offers Steep Discounts on Battery-Powered Electric Lawnmowers
You can mow green thanks to a special offer by Country Home Products and Co-op Power. You can purchase a brand new, battery-powered Neuton mower at a significant discount.
The Neuton CE5 (14" blade) and CE6 (19" blade) mowers will be offered at the discounted prices of $309 and $399, with free delivery to your home. Current Members of Co-op Power can get an additional $20 off either mower. Retail prices for the two models are $399 and $499, respectively.
To learn more, visit www.neutonpower.com or contact Sean Pollock at 413-376-8443 or seanp500@gmail.com.
The goal of this project is to empower consumers to do their part for cleaner air and less noise, something very achievable considering that:
- A typical gasoline-powered lawn mower emits more than 87 lbs. of climate-changing carbon dioxide a year
- Mowing with a gasoline-powered mower can pollute 100 acres of a
neighborhood with noise
- With over 54 million Americans mowing their lawns every weekend,
a staggering 4.6 billion lbs. of CO2 is contributed to the atmosphere
each year
- Gasoline-powered lawn mowers cause at least five percent of the
nation's total air pollutants
- Just one gas-powered lawn mower used for a year can pollute as
much as 43 new cars driven for a year
- Each year homeowners spill 17 million gallons of gasoline when
refilling their lawn equipment, which contaminates soil and
groundwater
- By putting 4,000 working gasoline mowers out of commission,
smog-forming volatile organic compound emissions will be reduced by up
to 19.7 tons per year
--
Lynn Benander
Co-op Power
www.cooppower. coop
413-772-8898
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Don't Move Firewood!
Michigan studies found that 75% of new infestations of Emerald Ash Borer, a highly destructive insect, were associated with campgrounds - and 80% of outlying infestations were associated with the movement of FIREWOOD!
Seeking to address this problem on a coordinated national basis, the U. S. Forest Service, the U.S. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service ( APHIS), and other agencies set up a National Firewood Task Force to study how to stop firewood from being a pest pathway and what steps state and federal agencies should adopt to lower pest and disease risks posed by firewood movement. The Task Force issued a 25 page set of recommendations about how to prevent the spread of non-native, invasive destructive insects and diseases through the movement of firewood, in March.
The recommendations propose ideas for outreach of warnings about the dangers of moving untreated firewood to the general public, about steps large scale producers/retailers of firewood could take to limit pest movement, about ways campgrounds can make local firewood available, and ways firewood producers/users can limit the spread of destructive pests. The recommendations also recommend that APHIS develop regulations and standards for the national movement of firewood, and states issue intrastate regulations similar to the APHIS regulations on the movement of firewood across state lines or for distances of more than 50 miles. Local movement of firewood in a 50 mile radius would be unregulated provided movement is not out of an area under an existing quarantine.
Copies of the Task Force’s Firewood recommendations can be obtained by email from MFLA by emailing Greg Cox at gcox@crocker.com.
APHIS is requesting input from firewood producers and landowners about the Task Force’s recommendations. Comments can be sent to firewood@aphis.usda.gov
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Calling Berkshire Educators, Entertainers and Chefs with a “Green” Streak!
The Westside Farm Project of Pittsfield, MA started as a small garden to supply fresh produce to Westside community pantries and food-insecure neighbors. This year the project is expanding to three plots. We're growing more food and more community.
Volunteer 1 hour of your time this summer by providing a workshop or meal to the Westside Farm Project's (www.westsidefarmproject.org) “Green Streaks” summer program - free to Westside neighborhood kids, July 7th - August 27th, Wednesdays 10:30 - 11:30.
For our Green Streaks summer program, we are seeking: 1) educators and entertainers to conduct one-hour workshops, and 2) chefs to provide healthy, kid-friendly & exciting main courses (featuring vegetables). There are eight sessions! Sign up for one (or more) by May 31st.
Using our urban garden as an educational setting, workshops offered to neighborhood kids can be flexible in content. Subject matter can range from environmental and health awareness to social issues, but should relate to the garden and ‘growing’, and impart an empowering message to a group of kids from a predominately low-income, multicultural neighborhood. The focus should be on ages 7 - 11.
Creative mediums such as music, dance, theater, art, experiments in science and food preparation are a few suggestions. We’d love to make garden art with the kids. We'd love to get them eating kohlrabi and other unique vegetables!
Workshops will be held outside, in our garden or adjoining open space, at 148 Robbins Avenue. Supervision and some material support will be provided by the Westside Farm Project.
Participants are invited to a community picnic after each workshop.
Green Streaks is a volunteer-run pilot program for and free to the Westside neighborhood. If the program is successful, it may lead to future, compensated collaboration. Additionally, participation in the program is a great volunteer opportunity for college interns and farm apprentices.
Contact Becky Rushford (westsidefarmer@gmail.com) with workshop ideas, food offerings and availability by May 31st, the sign-up deadline. www.westsidefarmproject.org.
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Art exhibit at Gramercy Bistro extended
The Williamstown Rural Lands Foundation (WRLF) and Gramercy Bistro announce the extension of the Dreaming of Green art exhibit at Gramercy through the end of May. The exhibit features paintings and photographs of the area’s scenic and preserved lands and their nature, and is one of a series of partner programs between the WRLF and Gramercy in their efforts to promote land preservation, local farms and their products. The artists represented in the exhibit come from the three-state area. Many have works in collections around the country. Sale of the artwork will benefit the WRLF and its projects and programs.
Gramercy’s Chef Alexander Smith strives to use as many local ingredients as feasible in his creative menu, including meats, cheeses and a diverse selection of seasonal vegetables. Gramercy Bistro moved to its new location on the Mass MoCA campus off Marshall Street earlier this spring and has added lunch and Sunday brunch to its dinner offerings. Gramercy is planning to open the outdoor patio soon, and will have extended hours beginning in July.
The Williamstown Rural Lands Foundation is a non-profit, member-supported land conservation trust committed to preserving the rural New England character of the north Berkshires. Year round programs and events celebrating outdoor recreation, local food, seasonal traditions and the nature of the area are offered at its Sheep Hill headquarters, Route 7 south in Williamstown.
For more information about the art exhibit and the WRLF, contact 413-458-2494, or ruraland@wrlf.org. For more information about Gramercy Bistro or to make reservations, 413-663-5300 or www.gramercybistro.com . Closed Tuesdays.
Leslie Reed-Evans
Executive Director
Williamstown Rural Lands Foundation
Sheep Hill
671 Cold Spring Road
Williamstown, MA 01267
lre@wrlf.org www.wrlf.org
413-458-2494
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Part-Time Position Description: New England National Scenic Trail Planner Appalachian Mountain Club
The Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) is seeking a New England National Scenic Trail Planner to support the completion, protection, promotion, and stewardship of the New England National Scenic Trail in Massachusetts. The Trail Planner will build on the work that a cadre of volunteers has undertaken for 50 years to establish and maintain the trail by advancing more comprehensive protection and trail management strategies.
Background
The New England National Scenic Trail (NENST) is a 200-mile trail that has been known as the Metacomet-Monadnock-Mattabesett trails system during the last 80 years or so. It travels through 39 communities in Connecticut and Massachusetts. The route features classic New England landscape features: long distance vistas with rural towns as a backdrop, agrarian lands, unfragmented forests, and large river valleys. The trail also travels through important Native American and colonial historical landmarks and highlights a range of diverse ecosystems and natural resources–traprock ridges, mountain summits, forested glades, vernal pools, lakes, streams and waterfalls.
The NENST received federal designation as a national scenic trail on March 30, 2009 and is one of only 11 national scenic trails nationwide. The AMC and the Connecticut Forest and Park Association (CFPA) manage the trail with coordination and funding provided through the National Park Service (NPS). A “Trail Management Blueprint,” developed in 2006, serves as the framework for trail management and administration. A Trail Stewardship Council (TSC) has been established to advise and support the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC). Several committees have been formed to develop and implement recommendations for trail stewardship. Key goals for the NENST are to complete sections of the route in both Massachusetts and Connecticut, develop and maintain ongoing communication with landowners and the public, and implement a long-term trail protection strategy.
Job Description
The Trail Planner will work primarily in three areas:
Public Information (~40%)
- Serve as a primary point of contact about the trail for municipal officials and town committees, land owners, hikers and the general public;
- Provide information about the trail and nearby activities and facilities and answer questions about trail access and conditions;
- Organize and facilitate meetings of TSC committees, making sure that meeting minutes are taken and distributed and/or posted on the website;
- Work closely with the TSC which provides recommendations and advice to the AMC and make presentations about the trail and related issues to TSC committees and the public as required;
- Attend all TSC and Committee meetings;
- Work closely with the Outreach and Community Connections Committee of the TSC to assure that Trail information in print and electronic formats is developed and distributed in a timely and professional manner, including newsletters, brochures, maps, and e-mail notices.
- In coordination with the TSC and AMC, identify and organize public events to highlight the trail with local organizations, community activities, and other events, such as National Trails Day;
- Working with partners, set up and carry out projects to enhance awareness of the trail, educate communities and organizations along the trail about its features and access points, and provide opportunities for the public to experience the trail first hand.
Trail Project Management (~40%)
- Work with the TSC and NPS to collect data and develop monthly and annual reports as required, maintain a database to track volunteer trail monitoring and maintenance hours; coordinate with AMC Trail Managers to assure trail maintenance and monitoring is consistent with AMC protocols;
- Work with the TSC to draft AMC’s Annual Work Plan and applications for federal funding;
- Implement the goals of AMC’s Annual Work Plan for the Trail; identify specific trail and recreation management needs and work with AMC trail volunteers and partners to implement them;
- Track expenses and develop project and program budgets and reports in coordination with AMC and NPS staff; assist with fundraising and preparing grants;
- Coordinate with CFPA and NPS staff as required to coordinate activities and projects on the Trail;
- Work with the TSC Trail Protection Committee and Massachusetts land trusts to identify and prioritize trail/land protection projects; develop a prioritized list of land protection needs and opportunities.
GIS and Website Information (~20%)
- Coordinate with AMC staff, with CFPA and NPS to provide on-the-ground updates regarding conditions that may affect the mapping and trail monitoring efforts;
- Support development of a New England Trail GIS database by carrying out on-the-ground GPS inventories as needed of trail crossings, trail relocations, access points, intersections with roads, rivers and other relevant data for input to the GIS program by AMC staff;
- Provide electronic and hard copy GIS maps to the TSC and the public as needed;
- In coordination with NPS and CFPA staff, regularly update information on the trail website (www.newenglandnst.org)
For more information please refer to the complete pdf.
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New "Water You Waiting For" Video .
Water Headlines for the week of May 24, 2010
A new video, "Water You Waiting For," is now available for viewing on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Website. Produced by EPA as part of the Agency's efforts to promote water sector careers as green jobs, the "Water You Waiting For" video is designed for high school and vocational students. The video shows vocational students with internships at drinking water systems located in the states of Massachusetts and Connecticut, and highlights the many different types of jobs available at water utilities. Published reports indicate that approximately 30 percent of the water sector workforce is eligible to retire in the next 10 years. EPA, American Water Works Association (AWWA) and Water Environment Federation (WEF) are partnering in various efforts to highlight the need for qualified professionals to enter this important field.
The video can be accessed at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/operatorcertification/index.html and is expected to be available for viewing on AWWA and WEF Websites early this summer.
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90 Scientists Urge Congress to Accurately Account for CO2 from Biofuels, Other Bioenergy Sources
PR Newswire
WASHINGTON, May 24
Concerns Expressed About Treatment of Bioenergy Sources in U.S. House and Senate Climate/Energy Bills; Improper Accounting Could Lead to Large-Scale Destruction of Forests, Undercutting of Other Climate Change Gains.
WASHINGTON, May 24 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Ninety of America's leading scientists today urged U.S. House and Senate leaders to make sure that any climate/energy bill or regulation accurately accounts for carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions when it comes to bioenergy, including biofuels such as ethanol.
In the letter to U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, U.S. Majority Leader Harry Reid, and key Obama Administration officials, the scientists caution that ignoring the carbon impact of bioenergy can actually lead to increases in greenhouse gas emissions because not all forms of bioenergy produce less carbon dioxide pollution than fossil fuels. They write: "Replacement of fossil fuels with bioenergy does not directly stop carbon dioxide emissions from tailpipes or smokestacks. Although fossil fuel emissions are reduced or eliminated, the combustion of biomass replaces fossil emissions with its own emissions (which may even be higher per unit of energy because of the lower energy to carbon ratio of biomass)."
"There may be a public perception that all biofuels and bioenergy are equally good for the environment and are all lower in carbon emissions than fossil fuels, but that's not true," said Dr. William Schlesinger, president of the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, one of the scientists who signed the letter. "Many produce just as much or more carbon pollution than oil, gas, and coal. If our laws and regulations treat high-carbon-impact bioenergy sources, like today's corn ethanol, as if they are low-carbon, we're fooling ourselves and undercutting the purpose of those same laws and regulations."
According to the scientists, what the United States decides to do in terms of accounting for bioenergy will have major repercussions around the globe. "U.S. laws will also influence world treatment of bioenergy. A number of studies in distinguished journals have estimated that globally improper accounting of bioenergy could lead to large-scale clearing of the world's forests."
Failure to properly account for bioenergy CO2 emissions could seriously undermine other efforts to address climate change, the scientists warn. "Many international treaties and domestic laws and bills account for bioenergy incorrectly by treating all bioenergy as causing a 100% reduction in emissions regardless of the source of the biomass. … Under some scenarios, this approach could eliminate most of the expected greenhouse gas reductions during the next several decades …"
The letter from the scientists cautions decision makers about the basic mistake that biomass is "carbon neutral," explaining: "Clearing or cutting forests for energy, either to burn trees directly in power plants or to replace forests with bioenergy crops, has the net effect of releasing otherwise sequestered carbon into the atmosphere, just like the extraction and burning of fossil fuels. That creates a carbon debt, may reduce ongoing carbon uptake by the forest, and as a result may increase net greenhouse gas emissions for an extended time period and thereby undercut greenhouse gas reductions needed over the next several decades."
For the full list of the 90 scientists and the text of the joint letter, go to http://216.250.243.12/90scientistsletter.pdf.
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The HHuGE ‘wagon’ reopens!
Memorial Day Week-end! (May 30th) The Old Creamery Rte 9 & 112 Cummington
Hilltown Home Garden Exchange
Join us as we share surplus seedlings, cuttings, herbs, veggies, flowers, fruits & more with Hilltown neighbors! Take Some! Leave Some! It’s going to be a great growing season!
For more info. please refer to the pdf.
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Blackstone River Watershed Association Outreach Coordinator Position Available
The mission of the Blackstone River Watershed Association (BRWA, http://www.thebrwa.org) is to protect and restore the Blackstone River and its Tributaries. To support this commitment, the BRWA conducts a variety of activities that promote the protection and enjoyment of our natural resources. The BRWA is seeking to fill the position of Outreach Coordinator. The Coordinator will work collaboratively with members of the BRWA Board. This is a part time position with potential to expand with additional funding.
Outreach Coordinator Position
The Blackstone River Watershed Association outreach coordinator position includes the promotion and outreach of the BRWA. The outreach coordinator will coordinate two cleanups along the Blackstone River and/or its tributaries, will initiate an educational program launch to raise awareness and address the threat that invasive aquatic plants present to the Blackstone River and its tributaries, and coordinate action item follow-up from previously completed shoreline surveys as well as coordinate all aspects of a shoreline survey to be conducted in 2011. The position includes, but is not limited to:
- recruiting, organizing and training volunteers
- writing press releases, designing posters and pamphlets
- interacting with town officials, teachers and scout leaders
- maintain contact information of water quality monitors, stream team surveyors, clean up volunteers, and BRWA members
- designing, printing and distributing posters, flyers and post cards
- coordinating volunteers on the day of an event
Tasks for Cleanups
- identifying clean up sites
- purchasing supplies and order dumpster if needed
- planning tire pickup (if any)
Tasks for Invasive Aquatic Plant Education Program
- organizing educational forums and work shops
- inviting representatives from MA Fisheries and Wildlife and other state organizations to speak and train volunteers
- conducting a survey and mapping of areas of concern using the trained volunteers
- researching and gathering educational material in order to develop a training program with DRC
Tasks for Stream Team Survey
- follow-up on outstanding action items from previously completed shoreline surveys conducted on the Mumford, West and Mill Rivers
- work with stream team committee leader to identify next stream to be targeted for surveying in 2011
- conduct preliminary research on identified stream characteristic
- conduct all aspect of preparing for and conducting 2011 survey
Qualifications
- Interest in the environment and familiarity with the Blackstone River Valley
- Computer skills including Word, PowerPoint, Excel
- Good organizational skills
- Excellent communication skills (written, verbal)
- Ability to work well independently and as a team player
- Must have own transportation
- Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends
- College degree in related field
- 2 years related work experience
This is a consultant position with a salary is $20 per hour. Based on the hours allotted per project the position averages out to approximately 50 hours a month, with the potential to expand with additional funding. There is also the possibility to split up the position projects.
To Apply
Please send a cover letter and résumé by June 2, 2010 to:
Blackstone River Watershed Association
Attn: Tammy Gilpatrick
271 Oak Street
Uxbridge, MA 01569
Electronic mail: tammy.gilpatrick@thebrwa.org
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Public Hearings under the Global Warming Solutions Act: Commonwealth of Massachusetts' Greenhouse Gas Emissions Target and Draft Climate Implementation Plan for 2020
The Patrick Administration has been at the forefront of moving Massachusetts into the clean energy future with an integrated approach to reduce greenhouse gases, seize economic development opportunities, reduce our dependence on foreign fossil fuel and reduce energy costs for consumers. As part of this broad approach, in August 2008, Governor Patrick signed into law the Global Warming Solutions Act (GWSA), making Massachusetts one of the first states in the nation to move forward with a comprehensive regulatory program to address climate change. The Act requires an 80 percent reduction of greenhouse gas emissions economy-wide by 2050, with a 2020 target to be set between 10 and 25 percent below 1990 levels. Massachusetts has already promulgated greenhouse gas reporting regulations under the Act; 2009 emissions will be the first year reported.
The Act requires that by January 1, 2011 the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EOEEA), in consultation with other state agencies and the public, adopt a greenhouse gas emissions target for 2020 that is between 10 and 25 percent below 1990 emissions levels ( see http://mass.gov/dep/air/climate/1990_2020_final.pdf ) and an implementation plan for achieving the reductions required to meet the target.
In February, the Commonwealth's technical consultant completed an analysis ( see http://mass.gov/dep/air/climate/ergrptf.pdf ) that showed that state and federal policies now in place or anticipated have Massachusetts on track toward emissions reductions of 18 percent by 2020. On Earth Day, April 22, 2009, the Secretary announced that hearings would be held around the state to take public comment on a 2020 reduction target between 18 percent and 25 percent. The "Commonwealth of Massachusetts' Draft Climate Implementation Plan: A framework for meeting the 2020 and 2050 goals of the Global Warming Solutions Act" is available on the MassDEP website at http://mass.gov/dep/air/climate/draftcip.pdf . The Secretary also requests testimony on measures to achieve the target that show potential for energy cost savings and job growth and has recently released a draft report on this topic entitled Cost Effective Greenhouse Gas Mitigation in Massachusetts: An Analysis of 2020 Potential ( see http://mass.gov/dep/air/climate/erg2020.pdf ).
The meetings will begin with two short informational presentations. The first presentation will be an overview of the Commonwealth's work on a 2020 emissions target and the Draft Climate Implementation Plan. The second presentation will summarize the results of the technical analysis of GHG reduction potential for 2020. After a brief time for clarifying questions, the formal hearing will be opened for testimony.
A schedule of the hearings is posted on the MassDEP website at http://mass.gov/dep/air/climate/gwsa_hearings.htm and is listed below.
Please circulate this announcement to your associates and/or members who may have an interest in these hearings.
Hearing Schedule:
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
5:30-7:30 p.m.
Berkshire Athenaeum
One Wendell Avenue
Pittsfield, MA
Thursday, June 3, 2010
5:30-7:30 p.m.
MassDEP Central Regional Office
627 Main Street
Worcester, MA
( see http://www.mass.gov/dep/about/region/centralr.htm )
Monday, June 7, 2010
5:30-7:30 p.m.
Pollard Memorial Library
401 Merrimack Street
Lowell, MA
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
5:30-7:30 p.m.
Lakeville Public Library
4 Precinct Street
Lakeville, MA
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
5:30-7:30 p.m.
Springfield Public Library
220 State Street
Springfield, MA
Monday, June 14, 2010
1:30-3:30 p.m.
McCormack Building
21st Floor, Rooms 1 & 2
One Ashburton Place
Boston, MA
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
5:30-7:30 p.m.
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Clark Building, 5th Floor Conference Area
Quisset Campus
Woods Hole, MA
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
6:00-8:00 pm
Tobin Community Center
1481 Tremont Street
Boston, MA
These hearings will be conducted under the provisions of M.G.L. chapter 30A. The public hearing notice is at http://www.mass.gov/dep/public/hearings/gwsa0610.htm .
Please accept my apologies for cross postings.
Lee Dillard Adams
Manager, Global Warming Solutions Act Implementation
MassDEP, One Winter Street, Boston MA 02108
email: lee.dillard.adams@state.ma.us
phone: 508.713.2412
fax: 617.292.5778
http://www.mass.gov/dep/air/climate
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