May 17, 2023 • SUBSCRIBE TO THIS NEWSLETTER!
SHORT NOTICE
Energy Bill Hearings in MA Legislature
Thursday, May 18th AND
Friday, May 19th

CORRECTION:

Please note, that despite calling legislators’ offices to double check the notice of the May 19th hearings, in light of the news about the House and Senate members of the committee vowing to hold split hearing schedules, I was told that the 19th hearing schedule would include all the bills listed.

I’ve since been able to confirm that not only are the hearings definitely split, the House bills are happening a day earlier.

Please accept my apologies for dispersing incorrect info.

— Rosemary Wessel, Director, No Fracked Gas in Mass

Hearing on House Bills
Thursday, May 18th, 10:00 - 1:00
— The deadline to sign up to speak *was* Wednesday, May 17th at noon. If the hearings are conducted in a manner similar to regulatory hearings, there *may* be an opportunity to speak after all pre-signed speakers have had their turn. We have not be able to reach anyone to verify that that will be the case

Hearing on Senate Bills
Friday, May 19th, 10:00 - 1:00
— The deadline to sign up to speak is Thursday, May 18th at 4:00 pm, link to sign-up form

These hearings cover 18 bills regarding Offshore Wind, Clean Energy, and Energy Storage Legislation.

With short notice, the team here at No Fracked Gas in Mass will not have time to look through them all, but we plant to post some information on some of them on our Comment Periods page over the next couple of days.

When submitting written testimony, please use the following document title format:  
Bill# - Your Organization’s Name – Support/Oppose
THIS WEEKEND!
Rally to Stop the Eversource Pipeline and Put Gas in the Past!

BEAT, No Fracked Gas in Mass, Breathe Easy Berkshires and dozens more organizations from across Massachusetts will be joining Springfield Climate Justice Coalition in the Rally and March in Springfield this weekend.


WHERE:
Rally at Stearns Square in Springfield. March from Stearns Square to Bliss Street gas regulator station (near the Basketball Hall of Fame).


WHEN:
Saturday, May 20
Rain date: May 21
(We’ll send out a confirmation of which day by 10:30 PM on Friday, May 19)

TIMES:
12:00-1:00 PM
Activities for children! Connect with folks around the state informally or visit tables to learn about climate, environmental and justice organizations. Pick up a takeout lunch at one of the restaurants around Stearns Square or bring your own.

Musical performance by Bomba de Aqui, a dance and music company that performs and teaches Afro-Puerto Rican traditions.

1:00 PM sharp
Rally and March!

Speakers, chants and music, followed by a half mile march past the Bliss St. gas regulator station. Bring used inhalers, if you have any, for an action along the route. At the end of the march a group will send you off with appreciation and music.   

PARKING AND AMENITIES:
Rally and march route are wheelchair accessible
Spanish language interpretation

Parking:
Free parking at MGM Casino. The rally site is 6/10ths of a mile from MGM but very close to the end of the march route so this is a great choice if you want to be near your car at the end of the march.  
 
Parking close to the Stearns Square rally site: limited on-street parking (no meter fee on weekends) and a large parking lot (with a fee) at the corner of Dwight and Harrison (enter on Harrison).

This is a large infrastructure fight that has heavy repercussions for Springfield, Longmeadow, and the energy future of the entire state.

PLEASE JOIN US!
»» RSVP here


Can’t make it? Sign the petition to Put Gas in the Past and share it widely with friends.
Please stop by often to check out our Events Page!
BEAT is Hiring!

Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT) is seeking a collaborative, responsive, and effective strategic thinker for Deputy Director.

This is a leadership position with tremendous responsibility within our organization.
For even more environmental news, info, and events, check out the latest newsletters from our colleagues at Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT)!