HVA Needs Volunteers to Help Conduct River Assessments in the Housatonic Watershed on the Southwest Branch and the Green River
The Housatonic Valley Association (HVA) invites interested individuals to help form “Stream Teams” to complete River Assessments of the Southwest Branch and the Green River this spring. “Stream Team” volunteers will walk (sometimes in the river) or paddle along an assigned segment of the river and record information along the way. These surveys help HVA better assess the health of the river and what is needed in that part of the watershed. Training will be provided. March 7, 2017 <more>
Finalized capacity auction results confirm FCA #11 procured sufficient resources, at a lower price, for 2020–2021
(BEAT note: Translated that headline means that enough electric generating capacity was secured at a LOWER price than expected. The lowest price since 2013.) Finalized results from the 11th Forward Capacity Auction (FCA #11) confirm that the February 6 auction concluded at a lower price than the previous three annual auctions and with sufficient resources to meet electricity demand in 2020–2021. ISO New England filed the results with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) on February 28. The FERC filing includes a list of resources that have an obligation to be available in that capacity commitment period. <more>
UNH Research Finds Increased Energy Use Not Needed to Grow Economy
DURHAM, N.H. – New England does not need to increase energy use to continue to grow its economy, according to new research released by the Carsey School of Public Policy at the University of New Hampshire that looked at cost, reliability and risk associated with the region’s electricity future. According to the researchers, from 2005-15 real GDP in New England grew by 9.7 percent while energy use fell by 9.6 percent. In addition, electricity consumption is expected to drop by 0.2 percent per year over the next decade. UNH Today, Tuesday, March 7, 2017 <more>
Clean energy jobs have been in the news lately, and for good reason. Solar jobs expanded by 25% and accounted for one out of every 50 new jobs created in America last year, according to the Solar Foundation’s annual census of solar employment. Based on projections from the U.S. Department of Labor, the fastest growing job in the U.S. over the next 10 years isn’t in healthcare or high tech, but in clean tech: wind turbine technician. And solar and wind power generation jobs (474,545 combined nationwide) now outpace jobs in natural gas electric power generation (362,118) and coal power generation (160,119), as reported in the second annual Department of Energy (DOE) survey of energy jobs in America. By Ron Pernick, Clean Edge Views Blog, March 7, 2017 <more>
Support botanical education, botanical research,
and native plants for restoration
On February 14, 2017, two members of Congress introduced H.R. 1054, “The Botanical Sciences and Native Plant Materials Research, Restoration and Promotion Act” (aka the Botany Bill). This bill calls for federal investment in botanical research and education in botanical science and for the use of locally adapted native plants in federal landscaping and restoration projects. New England Wild Flower Society participated in the development of this legislation as part of the Plant Conservation Alliance; others involved were American Public Gardens Association, Botanical Society of America, Garden Club of America, and National Plant Conservation Campaign. To date, 62 organizations have endorsed this historic legislation. <more>
Jobs
Stream and Pond Sampling Volunteers Needed – Acid Rain Monitoring Project – Various sites
Entry Level Solar Technician – BPVS, Berkshire Photovoltaic Services – Adams, MA
Experienced Solar Technician – BPVS, Berkshire Photovoltaic Services – Adams, MA
Advocacy Center Director – Conservation Law Foundation – Boston
Recruitment Director – The Public Interest Network – Boston
Caretaker – Cold Brook Wildlife Sanctuary – Otis, MA
Streamflow Restoration Specialist (Environmental Analyst II) – Boston
HVA Needs Volunteers to Help Conduct River Assessments in the Housatonic Watershed on the Southwest Branch and the Green River
March 7, 2017
The Housatonic Valley Association (HVA) invites interested individuals to help form “Stream Teams” to complete River Assessments of the Southwest Branch and the Green River this spring. “Stream Team” volunteers will walk (sometimes in the river) or paddle along an assigned segment of the river and record information along the way. These surveys help HVA better assess the health of the river and what is needed in that part of the watershed. Training sessions are scheduled for Tuesday, April 4th (5:30 – 7pm) at the Mason Library, Main Street Great Barrington and Saturday, April 8th (2:30 – 4:30pm) at the Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield’s library located on the corner of East and Wendell Streets. Funding for the River Assessments is provided by The Berkshire Environmental Endowment Fund, a fund of the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation. To register for one of the training dates or for more information, please call HVA at 413-298-7024 or email Alison at adixon@hvatoday.org.
The two River Assessments to be completed this year are the Southwest Branch of the Housatonic River which flows through Pittsfield from Richmond Pond and the Green River which begins in Austerlitz and Hillsdale New York and continues through Egremont, Alford and Great Barrington, Massachusetts where it joins the Housatonic River. “Stream Teams” for each of the rivers will be made up of small groups of 2 – 3 volunteers each assigned a 1 – 2 mile segment of the River. HVA will train “Stream Team” volunteers on how to conduct the survey, what information to record, and safety protocols. Volunteers will be asked to record things of note such as: discharge from storm drain outfalls, invasive plants or wildlife observations, and general river conditions and usage. Following the surveys, the “Stream Team” volunteers will come together to share their findings and discuss suitable recommendations. The information gathered will be compiled into final River Assessment reports – one for each of the tributaries.
Not all “Stream Team” members need to be involved in conducting a survey, if you have an interest or expertise in the either the Southwest Branch or Green River, HVA welcomes your input. Trainings will be scheduled in April. Surveys will be completed in April and May (weather and water levels permitting!). The final reports, which are expected to be compiled in June, will be submitted to the local municipalities and state government and should also be available to the public by the end of July. Please contact HVA at 413-298-7024 for more information about volunteering for a “Stream Team.”
About Housatonic Valley Association
Founded in 1941, HVA is uniquely dedicated to protecting the entire Housatonic River Watershed. The watershed includes about 2,000 square miles of land stretching from western Massachusetts through western Connecticut and eastern New York to Long Island Sound. HVA’s offices are in Cornwall Bridge, Connecticut; Stockbridge, Massachusetts and Wassaic, New York. For more information, visit hvatoday.org.
Finalized capacity auction results confirm FCA #11 procured sufficient resources, at a lower price, for 2020–2021
(BEAT note: Translated that headline means that enough electric generating capacity was secured at a LOWER price than expected. The lowest price since 2013.)
UNH Research Finds Increased Energy Use Not Needed to Grow Economy
Tuesday, March 7, 2017
DURHAM, N.H. – New England does not need to increase energy use to continue to grow its economy, according to new research released by the Carsey School of Public Policy at the University of New Hampshire that looked at cost, reliability and risk associated with the region’s electricity future. Support for the research was provided by the New Hampshire chapter of The Nature Conservancy and the New Hampshire Community Development Finance Authority.
According to the researchers, from 2005-15 real GDP in New England grew by 9.7 percent while energy use fell by 9.6 percent. In addition, electricity consumption is expected to drop by 0.2 percent per year over the next decade.
The researchers also found that, contrary to conventional wisdom, New Hampshire residents and businesses actually pay the same or less for energy as other areas of the country. While the price per kilowatt has been higher than the national average for decades, the average residential electricity bill in New Hampshire is equal to the national average.
“It is important to prevent further increases in the cost of energy and ideally to reduce the overall cost of electricity in New Hampshire, especially for customer groups adversely affected by the state’s relatively high electricity prices, including more intensive commercial and industrial users as well as low-income households that pay a greater portion of their income for energy,” the researchers said.
While some have called for investment in new natural gas pipelines, the researchers found that the data suggest current natural gas pipeline capacity is adequate. Better contracting and other soft-infrastructure changes such as changes to rules, regulations and policies combined with the promotion of energy efficiency and renewable energy will have at least as much return on investment as expanded pipeline capacity without exposing ratepayers to higher electricity rates from expensive infrastructure investments.
The share of electrical power generated from natural gas has grown in New England from 15 percent in 2000 to almost 50 percent in 2015. Previous studies suggesting that grid reliability may be an issue after 2021 recognize the challenges are primarily associated with extreme operating conditions. In fact, the new Carsey study concludes that New England’s electrical grid has been reliable during periods of high energy demand associated with cold winter temperatures, including the extreme polar vortex event of January 2014.
“We believe that while the utility companies’ goal of reducing electricity costs in the state is admirable, their strategy of expanded natural gas capacity in the region funded by ratepayers poses a significant risk of raising electricity costs further,” the researchers said. “Policy makers may want to consider options that carry less risk and a better return on investment, including better use of existing infrastructure and increased investment in energy efficiency and renewable energy.”
The Carsey report can be found here: https://carsey.unh.edu/publication/perspective/nh-electricity-markets
The research was conducted by Cameron Wake, research professor with the Earth Systems Research Center and the Josephine A. Lamprey Professor of Climate and Sustainability at UNH; Matt Magnusson, doctoral student in UNH’s College of Engineering and Physical Sciences; Christina Foreman, affiliate research professor with the Earth Systems Research Center at UNH; and Fiona Wilson, executive director of the Center for Social Innovation and Enterprise and associate clinical professor at the Peter T. Paul College of Business & Economics at UNH.
The Carsey School of Public Policy conducts research, leadership development, and engaged scholarship relevant to public policy. They address pressing challenges, striving for innovative, responsive, and equitable solutions at all levels of government and in the for-profit and nonprofit sectors.
The University of New Hampshire is a flagship research university that inspires innovation and transforms lives in our state, nation and world. More than 16,000 students from all 50 states and 71 countries engage with an award-winning faculty in top ranked programs in business, engineering, law, liberal arts and the sciences across more than 200 programs of study. UNH’s research portfolio includes partnerships with NASA, NOAA, NSF and NIH, receiving more than $100 million in competitive external funding every year to further explore and define the frontiers of land, sea and space.
Clean Energy Jobs Mean Business
By Ron Pernick
Clean Edge Views Blog
March 7, 2017
Clean energy jobs have been in the news lately, and for good reason. Solar jobs expanded by 25% and accounted for one out of every 50 new jobs created in America last year, according to the Solar Foundation’s annual census of solar employment. Based on projections from the U.S. Department of Labor, the fastest growing job in the U.S. over the next 10 years isn’t in healthcare or high tech, but in clean tech: wind turbine technician. And solar and wind power generation jobs (474,545 combined nationwide) now outpace jobs in natural gas electric power generation (362,118) and coal power generation (160,119), as reported in the second annual Department of Energy (DOE) survey of energy jobs in America.
The growth in clean-energy jobs isn’t surprising when you consider that renewable energy sources (biomass, geothermal, hydropower, solar, and wind) accounted for nearly 15% of domestic utility-scale electrical generation last year, up considerably from just 10.4% in 2010. An assessment by the Sun Day campaign, which reports regularly on U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) data, finds that “electrical output by utility-scale plus distributed solar grew by 44% in 2016 compared to 2015. By comparison, electrical generation by coal dropped by 8.3% and that from petroleum liquids & coke plummeted by 15.4%. Solar-generated electricity is now more than double that from petroleum sources.”
The DOE’s U.S. Energy and Employment Report provides the best available census on the traditional energy and clean energy workforces. A consortium of national business groups, including the Business Council for Sustainable Energy, Advanced Energy Economy, American Wind Energy Association, and Solar Energy Industries Association – utilizing government statistics and applying a common definition of what constitutes a clean energy job, say that the clean energy industry now accounts for more than three million U.S. jobs. That’s roughly equal to those in retail stores, and twice those in building construction.
Support botanical education, botanical research,
and native plants for restoration
Act now! On February 14, 2017, two members of Congress introduced H.R. 1054, “The Botanical Sciences and Native Plant Materials Research, Restoration and Promotion Act” (aka the Botany Bill). This bill calls for federal investment in botanical research and education in botanical science and for the use of locally adapted native plants in federal landscaping and restoration projects.
New England Wild Flower Society participated in the development of this legislation as part of the Plant Conservation Alliance; others involved were American Public Gardens Association, Botanical Society of America, Garden Club of America, and National Plant Conservation Campaign. To date, 62 organizations have endorsed this historic legislation.
Help us build support for the bill in Congress. Use the online Action Alert released by the American Institute for Biological Sciences.
The Action Alert finds your House representative, based on your nine-digit zip code, and provides an electronic form/template you can easily email them to ask that they co-sponsor H.R. 1054.
Calling your representative is even more effective! But either way, please ask your representatives to support the Botany Bill.
A strong number of co-sponsors from all political parties will improve the odds that the legislation is considered in a hearing, which is the next step.
Jobs
Stream and Pond Sampling Volunteers Needed – Acid Rain Monitoring Project – Various sites
The Acid Rain Monitoring Project is seeking volunteers to sample streams and ponds across Massachusetts. Currently, we have over 80% of the 150 sites covered, but we still need volunteers at 24 sites. Most of these sites are southwest of Boston from Quincy down through Attleboro, Taunton, Fall River, and Westport. There are also two sites available near Pittsfield. To view all of the available sites, please see the map on our website that indicates which sites still need volunteers:
https://wrrc.umass.edu/research/projects/acid-rain-monitoring-project/information-volunteers
Please contact Travis Drury, below, if you are interested in sampling these sites on Sunday, April 2nd. Also, please forward this email to anyone in those areas who may be interested in volunteering for this project.
Thank you,
Travis Drury, ARM Statewide Coordinator
Mass. Water Resources Research Center
203 Ag Engineering Building
250 Natural Resources Rd
Amherst, MA 01003
413-545-5979 or tdrury@umass.edu
Entry Level Solar Technician
BPVS, Berkshire Photovoltaic Services – Adams, MA
BPVS, Berkshire Photovoltaic Services, Inc is seeking a full time entry level solar technician. Minimum requirements are a High School Diploma, valid drivers license, ability to work on roofs and lift 50 pounds. Vocational education, carpentry or roofing experience and OSHA certification is a plus. Candidate should be a self starter and demonstrate an eagerness to learn. Competitive compensation and excellent benefits offered.
Please send resume & cover letter to Becca Martin at Becca@bpvs.com.
BPVS, Berkshire Photovoltaic Services, Inc
46 Howland Ave
Adams, MA 01220
HIC MA 131996
Tel.: 413-743-0152
Fax: 413-743-4827
BPVS, Berkshire Photovoltaic Services – Adams, MA
BPVS, Berkshire Photovoltaic Services, Inc is seeking a full time experienced solar technician. Minimum requirements are a High School Diploma, valid drivers license, 1 year experience in solar design and installation is required. NABCEP certification and a valid Massachusetts Construction Supervisors License is a plus. Competitive compensation based on experience and excellent benefits.
Please send resume & cover letter to Becca Martin at Becca@bpvs.com.
BPVS, Berkshire Photovoltaic Services, Inc
46 Howland Ave
Adams, MA 01220
HIC MA 131996
Tel.: 413-743-0152
Fax: 413-743-4827
Boston MA
Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) is seeking an experienced and innovative advocate on energy and the environment to lead its Massachusetts Advocacy Center, the largest of its five Advocacy Centers in New England. Working with the President, the Executive Vice President, and CLF senior staff, the Massachusetts Advocacy Center Director (ACD) will be responsible for developing and implementing an advocacy program for Massachusetts with the potential to impact law and policy throughout New England and nationally. Responsibilities include managing the Massachusetts Advocacy Center staff, working with the Massachusetts Advisory Board, and establishing and deepening relationships with members, partner organizations, businesses, government agencies, supporters, media, and the public.
This position is based in CLF’s Boston, Massachusetts office.
Qualifications
The ideal candidate will be:
A highly motivated individual with 7 or more years of advocacy experience in environment, energy, or related public interest fields.
Able to devise effective strategies for achieving advocacy goals and objectives;
Able to coordinate among diverse partners and understand how advocacy campaigns function;
Experienced in law, policy and politics at the federal, state, and local levels;
Able to take complicated issues and communicate them in a way that is accessible to new audiences
Experienced writing blogs and opinion pieces, and using social media platforms for advocacy and social change;
Able to create and implement strategic advocacy campaigns;
Experienced as a media spokesperson (print and broadcast);
Experienced in fundraising including identifying prospects and cultivating major donors and grant funders;
An individual possessing excellent interpersonal and organizational skills, having respect for a diversity of opinions, and able to work effectively in a fast-paced environment;
Accustomed to articulating and meeting measurable goals; and
Experienced managing an operating budget and professional staff.
Responsibilities
The Massachusetts ACD:
Manages the Massachusetts Advocacy Center and reports directly to the President and the Executive Vice President (EVP);
Works with program directors (PDs), the managing director of CLF Ventures and the EVP, to develop and implement advocacy goals and strategies in the state;
Serves as the hiring manager for, supervises and mentors staff advocates, legal assistants, legal interns and fellows, office managers and volunteers in her/his state, in coordination with PDs where appropriate;
Works closely with senior staff colleagues and CLF constituencies to develop and execute fundraising strategies in her/his state, manage operations and expenses of her/his state office and develop and execute media strategy in the state;
Manages and works closely with the CLF Massachusetts Advisory Board to maximize relevance, visibility and effectiveness of advocacy in Massachusetts, and to develop and execute fundraising strategies;
Represents CLF at the Massachusetts state legislature, in legal and regulatory proceedings at the state and federal level, at public forums, media events and conferences;
Develops, directs and stewards relationships with relevant NGOs, government agencies, political and legislative representatives, the business community and other stakeholders in her/his state;
Manages the Massachusetts office, including its operating budget, administrative matters, a staff of professionals, and an office manager;
Collaborates with other CLF staff at all levels on interdisciplinary matters; and
Contributes to the strategic direction and stewardship of the organization throughout the region.
Experience in a nonprofit public interest advocacy setting is highly desirable. A law degree and litigation experience at the state court, federal district court, and/or appellate court levels are preferred, but would not be required for an appropriate candidate.
Salary and Benefits
CLF offers a competitive salary, an extensive benefits plan, and an open, inclusive and accepting work environment where differences are highly respected.
To Apply
Send your resume titled “your last name-first initial-resume” (e.g. “SMITH J RESUME”) and a detailed cover letter titled “your last name-first initial-cover” (e.g. “SMITH J COVER”) to careers@clf.org. Please make “MA ACD” the subject of your e-mail. No phone calls please.
Recruitment Director at The Public Interest Network
We have organizers currently work in 25 states working with national campaigns to get our country to 100 percent renewable energy, ban the use of bee-killing pesticides, and end the overuse of antibiotics on factory farms.
Right now, we’re looking for a Recruitment director to help leverage our strong field presence, team of 30+ staff and our track record of results to help identify and hire our next leaders.
WHAT YOU’LL DO WITH IMPACT
The Recruitment Director is responsible for recruiting talented entry-level staff to run campaigns on some of our country’s biggest issues. Specific responsibilities include:
Recruitment strategy: The Recruitment Director works with staff across the country to coordinate messaging and carry out comprehensive plans to meet our overall staffing goals.
Candidate outreach: The Recruitment Director identifies top potential candidates, conducts interviews and makes hiring decisions.
Networking: The Recruitment Director develops strategic relationships with partner organizations, universities and serves as the public face for our recruitment efforts at conferences, career panels and job forums.
Tracking and data analysis: The Recruitment Director oversees our tracking and data analysis to identify trends and opportunities.
Operations management: The Recruitment Director oversees daily operations of the department, including creating and managing the department’s budget and overseeing systems and candidate communications.
During the summer, you’ll run a canvass office, building the organization by canvassing and training others to canvass.
PAY AND BENEFITS
Target annual compensation for this position is commensurate with the relevant professional experience and/or advanced degrees that a candidate has. We value experience with project management, networking and running grassroots campaigns. Impact offers a competitive benefits package.
LOCATIONS
Denver CO, Boston MA, or Washington DC
TO APPLY
http://bit.ly/2kGkuNm
APPLY by March 1, 2017
Caretaker – Cold Brook Wildlife Sanctuary – Otis, MA
Contact Person: Stephen Hutchinson
Contact Email: shutchinson@massaudubon.org
Job Description:The Resident Caretaker serves as a friendly and professional representative of Mass Audubon to wildlife sanctuary visitors, as well as within nearby communities of the property. The caretaker provides ongoing security and monitoring of the property and responds quickly to emergency issues as they arise. He/she performs facility and/or property management duties on the property for a specified number of hours each week, often in conjunction with Mass Audubon staff and/or volunteers. Residing in a Mass Audubon residence on the premises is a requirement, which includes signing and abiding by all the provisions of a housing license. Housing provided in exchange for 8 hours/week work. Caretaker responsible for utilities. This position runs from February 1, 2017 through July 31, 2017 with a possible extension after that initial time period.
Responsibilities: Property Management 1. Ensure the maintenance and security of the properties by regularly monitoring and patrolling the premises, as well as responding to emergencies as they arise. Arrange for alternative security if absent from property for more than 24 hours. 2. Maintain grounds, buildings, and property as needed by: assisting in developing and maintaining a schedule of tasks to be completed, keeping records and reporting monthly to supervisor on tasks planned and completed; supervising contracted services, as well as volunteers; assisting with purchasing supplies and equipment;assisting with equipment and building repair and maintenance; and providing support for ecological management activities. Work independently at times as well as identify and resolve facility and property maintenance issues. 3. Assist Mass Audubon staff and volunteers with tasks related to the sanctuary or other Mass Audubon properties as directed. Visitor and Community Relations Ensure positive visitor experiences; promote membership in Mass Audubon; assist visitors with orientation and admission; install and maintain interpretative signage and exhibits; and establish and maintain positive community relations.
Qualifications: Demonstrated interest and support for the mission and goals Mass Audubon. Mature, responsible, and organized; experience in buildings and grounds maintenance, including proficiency in using hand tools, operating power tools, vehicles, and landscaping equipment, Must be at least 21 years old with a valid driver’s license. Must have at least two years related experience. Strong ability and willingness to communicate well with staff, volunteers. and thepublic.
Physical Demands: The physical demands listed are representative of those that must be met by the caretaker to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodation maybe made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. While performing the duties of this position, the caretaker is required to talk, hear, sit,stand, and walk. The caretaker is required to bend/stoop, crawl/kneel, carry, reach, push/pull,walk over uneven terrain, and operate power tools and equipment, climb ladders, and lift up to 50 lbs. The caretaker is required to apply limited manual dexterity in combination with eye-hand coordination, such as basic keyboarding, basic hand tools and equipment, filing, operating office equipment, and operating a motor vehicle. The caretaker must have good vision to read documents for general understanding and for analytical purposes. Occasionally, the caretaker is required to review non-written materials for general observation purposes and for analytical,detailed purposes. Occasionally it is necessary for the caretaker to differentiate between colors.
Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that the caretaker encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. Routinely work is performed outdoors or in unheated building spaces.Work may require performing responsibilities on evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Tools and Equipment Used: The employee is required to use a personal computer and general office equipment (e.g., telephone, calculator, adding machine, copier, facsimile, etc.) as well as hand tools, ladders, power equipment, and vehicles. May require the use of two-way radios for communication with staff. Requires a valid driver’s license.
Compensation and Benefits: Housing provided in exchange for 8 hours/week work. Caretaker responsible for utilities. This position runs from February 1, 2017 through July 31, 2017 with a possible extension after initial time period.
Streamflow Restoration Specialist (Environmental Analyst II) – Boston
Date of posting: 1/26/17
Closing: The position will remain open until filled. However, first consideration will be given to those candidates who apply within the first 14 days.
The Streamflow Restoration Specialist works with partners to gather and assess high quality data on streamflow and to promote and support restoration of more natural streamflow regimes and aquatic ecosystem health. This position will support the collection and analysis of streamflow data to inform sustainable water management and ecological restoration actions. Work will involve monitoring equipment installation and maintenance, field measurements, local outreach and education, volunteer coordination, technical and policy support, and data analysis and modeling. The Streamflow Restoration Specialist will also coordinate and manage holistic streamflow restoration projects, and provide technical assistance, such as monitoring support, to the Division of Ecological Restoration’s river and wetland restoration projects. This is anticipated to be a one-year contract position. Interested candidates can learn more about DER and view the full job announcement here: http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dfg/der/.
To apply online, please visit the MassCareers website at
https://massanf.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobdetail.ftl?job=160008O5
For more information about the position, please contact Michelle Craddock at michelle.craddock@state.ma.us or 617-626-1544.
Michelle Craddock
Watershed Ecologist
Division of Ecological Restoration
Department of Fish and Game
251 Causeway Street Boston, MA 02114
617-626-1544
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