NEWSLETTER: Protecting Wildlands in our Communities; Show up for the river; What is the new Climate Action Department in Northampton up to?🌾

Photos: Rene Theberge

The Northampton Climate Emergency Coalition warmly invites everyone…

Meet Dr. Ben Weil

Director of Northampton’s groundbreaking

Climate Action and Project Administration (CAPA) Department

Q&A to follow

Sunday, October 6 from 3:30—5:00 pm

(rain or shine)

Under the Elks Club Pavilion

17 Spring Street Florence

Dr. Weil will be joined by the new CAPA team

&

Mayor Gina Louise Sciarra

Live Music, Cider & Gingerbread Tasting!

In the fall of 2022 grassroots climate organizers and activists came together to take action on the climate emergency here in the city in which we live. We created the Northampton Climate Emergency Coalition (NCEC).

Our first priority was to call for a climate crisis director. Mayor Sciarra responded to our call and in the winter of 2023 she created not only one new position but a new department.

Please join us to learn what this innovative department is about and what it is up to. Please come and invite your friends and neighbors!

Questions? Contact Susan at climateactionnowmass@gmail.com

Photo: Rene Theberge

Climate Action Now Monthly Gathering

Monday, October 28

7-8:30 pm via Zoom

Register here

Protecting Wildlands in our Communities

The detailed resources and mapping in the Wildlands in New England report offer a tremendous opportunity to identify and protect Wildlands in all of our communities. Massachusetts is predominantly forested (~60%), yet just 2% of the Commonwealth is documented with permanent or temporary intent as a Wildland. We need more recognized and protected Wildlands! Learn about an exciting new collaborative project and find out how you can get involved!

Photo: Rene Theberge

Show up for the River!

Thursday, October 10 at 6:00 pm

Shea Theater, 71 Avenue A Great Falls (Turners Falls) MA

The public will have an opportunity to state their objections to the relicensing of Northfield Mountain Pumped Storage by participating in the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP)’s “Public Information Session” on October 10.

We need a mass of people to show up to let them know that we hold them accountable to make a factual and honest determination about whether FirstLight is in violation of the Clean Water Act and other environmental laws, as it is. They will decide whether to grant a water quality certificate (WQC) to First Light.

Go here for detailed info: https://ctriverdefenders.org/upcoming-events/

Photo: Rene Theberge

News Flash

An ongoing eDNA study led by the Connecticut River Conservancy has found persuasive evidence of Shortnose Sturgeon (listed as an endangered species under the federal Endangered Species Act and protected by MA law), living in the Connecticut River above the Turners Falls Dam and up into Vermont! Read more about the study and its findings in this press release .

The findings are significant for the relicensing of the Turners Falls Dam and Northfield Mountain Pumped Storage Project, both owned by FirstLight Power. Read more here.

Photo: Rene Theberge

In light of the urgent need to defeat Donald Trump and his enablers, Climate Action Now is offering selected lists of election actions with a variety of options.

Click here for a short new list of high powered actions

A much longer list of actions is below:

Climate Action Now Resources for the 2024 Election

Photo credit: Mass Power Forward

MA State Legislature fails to pass a climate bill!

Demand that they finish the job before this year is over!

We are in a climate emergency and we need a just and robust climate bill this Fall!

We call on Governor Healey, Senate President Spilka, House Speaker Mariano and the entire legislature to work this fall to meet critical environmental justice goals. We need to equitably and rapidly transition the gas industry to clean energy while protecting ratepayers.

We cannot accept a narrow siting and permitting bill that does nothing for climate justice or reducing climate pollution as the outcome of 18 months of the legislative process. Stand up for the future and the people of Massachusetts, not the interests of corporations.

Please sign the Mass Power Forward petition and share widely

Photo: Rene Theberge

Climate Action Now is a people-powered, grassroots Western Mass organization dedicated to building a powerful, unstoppable and just climate movement. We work in our communities and in collaboration with diverse partners across the region to educate, advocate, and mobilize for climate justice.

The Climate Action Now Steering Committee includes a representative from each working group and campaign. Climate Action Now warmly welcomes newcomers. Let’s work together to create an inclusive climate justice movement!

Please send feedback, comments, and suggestions to:

Susan Theberge, Newsletter Editor

Photo Editor: Rene Theberge

climateactionnowma.org

climateactionnowmass@gmail.com

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