Mass Sierra Club News

MBTA Fare Increase & Service Cut Hearings

2012-01-27T11:19:00.000-05:00

The MBTA has released a report of planned fare increases and service cuts. The plan includes two scenarios which is a mix of high fare increases and few service cuts and the other with lower fare increase but with more service cuts. Both plans will leave people who rely on the T for everything from getting to work, buying groceries or getting to cultural and entertainment centers in Boston.

Oppose the MBTA Fare Hikes and Service Cuts

2012-01-25T20:54:00.004-05:00

Sierra Club Urges Action to Save Public Transportation After many months of anticipation and dread, the shoe has finally dropped. On January 3, 2012, the Mass Department of Transportation (MassDOT) finally unveiled its plans for a massive MBTA fare increase and service cut to go into effect on July 1, saying they were needed to close a growing budget gap. Under two different scenarios, fares

The Future of Coal Dims

2012-01-25T16:07:00.000-05:00

January 25, 2012 The future of coal was dimmed by two announcements this week. The first came from the Energy Information Agency announcing that market share of coal in American electric generation is expected to drop below 40% this year. It was only a few years ago that coal was touted as being almost 50% of US generation. Since that time the Sierra Club has helped to put an end to the

Widespread Support for Alewife Floodplain Protections

2011-12-21T08:45:00.001-05:00

by Ellen Mass, President, Friends of Alewife Reservation Arlington, Belmont and Cambridge residents take note! At a Floodplain, Forest and Floodway Forum sponsored by twelve environmental groups, experts presented compelling evidence about hydrology, watershed requirements and weather that underscores the urgency to preserve the Alewife floodplain and one of its functions as the core forest

Gov: Patrick: We Want Clean Air, Clean Energy

2011-12-16T14:54:00.001-05:00

Activists and musicians from across the Pioneer Valley converged on Governor Deval Patrick’s Springfield office on Saturday, December 3rd. The group of 50 from the Sierra Club and the anti-biomass movement came together to ask Governor Patrick to clean the air that we all breathe and invest in clean renewable energy. The Pioneer Valley Beyond Coal Team had been collecting petition

Abington St. Patrick's parade organizer to hit charitable milestone

2011-12-05T11:29:00.005-05:00

St. Pat's Day parade organizer may break 2 million mark in '12[Abington, MA] - Jack Bailey expects to break the 2 million mark by the summer. That’s 2 million bottles and cans worth a cool $100,000.And it all goes to put on Abington’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade and other town programs. Since 1979, the year Massachusetts enacted a bottle bill, Bailey has been collecting them, and stuffing his garage

Local Residents Rally to Ask Governor Patrick to Stand Up For Strong Clean Air Protections

2011-12-05T11:15:00.004-05:00

Pioneer Valley asthma rates high from coal population: Biomass is not a clean energy solution for air quality issues in Massachusetts News Release: December 3rd [Springfield, MA] – On Saturday, December 3rd, the Sierra Club Beyond Coal campaign hosted a Clean Air Rally in front of Gov. Patrick’s offices in Springfield. Several dozen public health professionals and local activists called on the

New Report Shows Pioneer Valley Air at Risk; Health Professionals and Activists call on DEP to Act

2011-11-17T14:56:00.000-05:00

Air Quality model shows unhealthy levels of sulfur dioxide emissions from Mt. Tom Coal PlantNews Release: November 10 [Holyoke, MA] – On Thursday, November 10th, health professionals and environmental activists announced the results of new air quality modeling released by the Sierra Club. This report shows that Holyoke and surrounding communities are at risk of unsafe exposure to dangerous sulfur

MA Sierra Club Endorses Two in Tolman Seat Race

2011-11-07T22:21:00.000-05:00

Brownsberger and Hecht Both Hold Stellar RecordsNews Release: November 7, 2011 [Boston, MA] – The Massachusetts Sierra Club today endorsed two candidates, Will Brownsberger (D-Belmont) and John Hecht (D-Watertown) in the race to replace Steven Tolman (second Suffolk and Middlesex district.) Both State Representatives have

MA Sierra Club Announces Municipal Election Endorsees

2011-11-02T19:02:00.000-05:00

News Release: November 2, 2011 33 Candidates Statewide Recognized and SupportedBoston, Cambridge, Fitchburg, Saugus, Somerville, Springfield, Watertown, Worcester [Boston, Ma] – The Massachusetts Sierra Club announced their list of endorsed candidates for the MA municipal races. After asking candidates to fill out questionnaires, interviews, and extensive independent research, the Sierra Club has

Toxic Coal Ash from We Energies Coal Plant Pours into Lake Michigan

2011-11-02T18:56:00.002-05:00

News Release: November 2, 2011 Disastrous collapse comes just weeks after House votes against strong coal ash protections – will the Senate vote to protect Americans? [Lake Michigan] – A partial retaining bluff collapse Monday at the We Energies Oak Creek Power Plant in Wisconsin sent toxic coal ash spewing into Lake Michigan. This collapse comes just weeks after the U.S. House voted to prevent

MA Sierra Club Endorses Matt Nelson for City Council

2011-10-25T06:55:00.001-05:00

News Release: October 25, 2011 A Strong Voice for Cambridge [Boston, MA] – The Massachusetts Sierra Club today endorsed Matt Nelson for Cambridge City Council. “Matt is one of the strongest voices on climate change in the city,” said Phil Sego, MA Sierra Club Political Chair. “Building the local economy and working to reduce climate change are synonymous, and Matt has a solid record of

Sierra Club Marks 40 Years for New England

2011-10-25T06:32:00.001-05:00

By Danielle Piscatelli, Development Associate, Massachusetts Chapter In 1970, the New England chapter of the Sierra Club was established. Twenty years later the New England Chapter split into five separate state chapters. To mark the 40th anniversary, the Massachusetts Chapter decided to celebrate this milestone by hosting a celebration.We had about 100 people attend. Included were people from

Holyoke City Council Members Pass Resolution for Advisory Group to Create Reuse Plan in Preparation for Retirement of Mt. Tom Coal Plant

2011-10-24T14:31:00.000-05:00

New Release: October 19, 2011 Action/Acción for a Healthy Holyoke! Coalition supports Holyoke City Council resolution to plan for coal plant retirement [Holyoke, MA] – On Tuesday, the Holyoke City Council unanimously voted to pass a resolution to form a Community Advisory Group that will conduct a study on potential future uses of the Mt. Tom coal plant site. The resolution, offered by Council

New Data: President Obama's Fuel Efficiency Standards will save Massachusetts Residents $881 Million at the Gas Pump

2011-10-08T16:06:00.002-05:00

News Release: October 5, 2011 New Data: President Obama’s Fuel Efficiency Standards will save Massachusetts Residents $881 Million at the Gas Pump, Reduce Pollution and Cut Our Addiction to Oil [Boston, MA] – New fuel efficiency standards for cars and light trucks will save the average Massachusetts family $327 annually at the gas pump in 2030, according to a new analysis released today by the

Two Hundred Mark Hit: Norfolk becomes 200th municipality to endorse Updated Bottle Bill

2011-10-06T08:03:00.000-05:00

Boston, MA – In a tremendous testament to the statewide support for updating the Bottle Bill, the coalition pushing the bill announced today that over 200 cities and towns have passed resolutions in support of this pending legislation. “It’s rare to see this kind of overwhelming agreement between big cities, small towns, eastern and western Massachusetts, and cities and towns everywhere in

Letter to the Editor: Tired of Taking out the Industry’s Trash

2011-10-05T08:03:00.002-05:00

Dear Editor, Chris Flynn, the beverage industry and supermarket lobbyist, is obviously confusing environmental responsibility with corporate greed. Hiding behind home-access to curbside recycling is not an example of “corporate responsibility,” as Flynn wants us to think. The beverage industry doesn’t contribute funds to help pick up the litter or dispose of the empty non-deposit containers.

Massachusetts House Delegation Protects Public Health; Votes Against Deadly, Pro-Polluter Bill

2011-09-27T07:35:00.000-05:00

News Release, 9/26/2011Approval of TRAIN Act would mean More Toxic Mercury and Dirty Air in MassachusettsBoston, MA – Today, Massachusetts House Congressional Delegation stood up to the pro-polluter majority in the U.S. House of Representatives and voted against legislation that exposes Americans to toxic mercury and will increase asthma attacks brought on by smog pollution for millions in the

Rally/Press Conference Urges Governor & Lt. Governor to Limit Biomass Subsidies

2011-09-20T08:19:00.002-05:00

Press Statement - September 19, 2011 A statewide coalition of environmental, health and social justice groups is asking Governor Patrick and Lt. Governor Murray to stand by the Administration’s 2010 pledge to limit ratepayer–funded incentives for biomass combustion power plants that burn wood for electricity. In the past 2 years, residents from across the state have signed over 135,000

LETTER: Industry concerns about bottle bill are flawed

2011-09-15T08:38:00.002-05:00

Letter to the editor by Raymond A. Jussaume, Somerset Published Aug 26, 2011 On Aug. 17, The Herald News printed a guest opinion by Chris Flynn, president of the Massachusetts Food Association, in which he opposed the expanded bottle bill. I wish to respond. Mr. Flynn writes that we should work harder to educate residents on best recycling practices, expand curbside recycling, and make it

Internship Opportunities at the Mass Sierra Club

2011-08-12T16:24:00.005-05:00

Fall Internships:Bottle Bill UpdateElectric Vehicles CampaignEnvironmental Research Assistants The Sierra Club is the nation’s oldest and largest non-profit grassroots environmental organization with 1.4 million members and supporters dedicated to the preservation, protection, and exploration of the earth’s natural environment. We are seeking students and recent graduates with a passion for

Bottle Bill Advocates Preserve Ballot Option; File Initiative

2011-08-08T13:17:00.001-05:00

Statement by the Coalition to Update the Massachusetts Bottle Bill August 3, 2011 The advocates working to update the Massachusetts Bottle Bill filed a ballot initiative today in order to preserve the option of going to the ballot. While we hope the legislature will do the right thing and update the bottle bill, we are preserving the option today of taking this issue to the voters as a ballot

State and Local Officials and Residents Promise Clean Air

2011-08-06T09:57:00.002-05:00

Citizens launch “clean air promise” campaignHolyoke, MA - Today 55 Holyoke residents, local officials, business leaders and community leaders announced their promise to protect clean air at Nuestras Raices community garden, CuentoConMigo, and called on other residents and elected officials to join them in the promise.The event was held to mark the start of the Clean Air Promise campaign, in which

Environmental Agency's Report Praises Bottle Bill Update

2011-07-30T10:09:00.001-05:00

Dept. of Environmental Protection Report Debunks Industry ClaimsThe Department of Environmental Protection has just released a sweeping report that undermines industry claims of future price increases if the current proposal to update the Bottle Bill is enacted. The report includes a survey of neighboring states and the impacts of bottle bill updates.The Bottle Bill, or Container Deposit Law,

La Legislatura considera actualizar la Ley de Depósito de Botellas

2011-07-26T19:29:00.001-05:00

Con una botella inflable de siete pies de altura llena con 200 botellas, cada una con un mensaje adentro, legisladores, oficiales, grupos de ciudadanos, organizaciones ambientales, y cientos de personas de todo el estado acudieron a las puertas del Congreso para un llamado a la pronta actualización de la Ley de Botellas (H890/S1650)."Con esta ley ganamos todos", declaró la Representante Alice

Southeastern Massachusetts Residents Need Protection from Toxic Pollution from Coal-fired Power Plants on "Orange Alert" Air Quality Warning Day

2011-07-23T13:19:00.001-05:00

Sierra Club Says Dirty Air Costs Our Families too Much, Urges Strongest Possible Protections from the EPAOn July 23rd Concerned Southeastern Massachusetts residents pointed to dangerous air pollution from coal-fired power plant and from cars for contributing to Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection’s “Orange Alert Days,” warning that air pollution causes asthma attacks and makes

Sierra Club Testifies at Bottle Bill Hearing, State House Boston July 20, 2011

2011-07-20T18:01:00.000-05:00

Boston, MA - Buoyed by a newly released study by the Department of Environmental Protection that debunked industry claims of exaggerated impacts, proponents of an Updated Bottle Bill testified in large numbers before the state legislature today. Statement of Sierra Club Director James McCaffrey"For years, industry has been claiming that this will increase prices and result in huge job losses for

Davis: Slow Down the Worcester to North Station Commuter Rail Proposal

2011-07-16T07:21:00.001-05:00

Slow Down the Worcester to North Station Commuter Rail ProposalOp-ed Submitted by Henrietta Davis, Vice Mayor, Cambridge Yesterday's Globe proposes that the state quickly close the deal on running commuter rail from Worcester to North Station. While taking action quickly to provide better rail service between Worcester and the Boston area seems appealing, there are several important local and

Toomey: Grand Junction Railroad project will hurt Cambridge

2011-07-16T07:17:00.001-05:00

Toomey: Grand Junction Railroad project will hurt CambridgeAppeared in the Cambridge Chronicle 7/14/2011The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) has proposed a new transportation project that is drastic, unnecessary, and should it be implemented, will hurt the cities of Cambridge and Somerville.The Grand Junction Railroad, an 8.5 mile-long stretch of rail that runs through

Long-term solution needed for MBTA

2011-07-15T06:10:00.002-05:00

Letter to the EditorThe Boston GlobeAppeared 7/15/2011I must comment on your July 11 editorial, “MBTA should run trains from Worcester to North Station”. In June I attended a public meeting in Cambridge, where MassDOT officials discussed plans to run occasional com¬muter trains over the Grand Junction railroad through the eastern part of that city.There are several technical and operational

People’s Rally For Clean Air Delivers Clear Message to Sen. Scott Brown

2011-05-20T15:58:00.001-05:00

People’s Rally For Clean Air Delivers Clear Message to Sen. Scott Brown50 Rally For Clean Air Outside Sen. Brown’s Office Boston, MA – Today 50 people gathered outside the JFK Federal Building with signs and speakers in support of clean air. The rally was directed at Senator Scott Brown who on April 6th cast two votes that would have held back the Environmental Protection Agency’s ability to

Community Members, Environmental Groups Praise Legislative Effort to Kick Coal Out of Massachusetts

2011-05-18T08:54:00.002-05:00

May, 18 2010 Community Members, Environmental Groups Praise Legislative Effort to Kick Coal Out of Massachusetts BOSTON –Today the Massachusetts General Court begins debate on H. 2614, an act designed to create a coal free Commonwealth. The bill provides a framework to responsibly phase out coal-fired electric generation in Massachusetts by 2020. “Despite being one of the least

Mayor Menino Announces Local Support for Closing the Bottle Bill Loophole

2011-05-05T17:14:00.000-05:00

News Release from the City of Boston, MassachusettsOffice of the Mayor Thomas M. MeninoBoston and 182 other Massachusetts cities and towns support bill expansion that would save municipalities up to $6.5 million annually.Today, Mayor Thomas M. Menino joined State Senator Cynthia Creem, State Representative Alice Wolf, Salem Mayor Kimberley Driscoll, and statewide recycling advocates to announce

Biomass Energy Not So Green

2011-05-03T16:15:00.001-05:00

Biomass Energy Not So Green: Statement of Sierra Club on New Biomass Regulations Boston, MA - The Sierra Club today applauded proposed new MA regulations to limit eligibility for certain biomass fuels under state programs designed to incentivize renewable energy and combat global climate change. “The biomass regulations released today put Massachusetts squarely in sync with the latest credible

Sierra Club Volunteers Deliver Clean Air Message to Senator Scott Brown

2011-04-14T07:31:00.000-05:00

Sierra Club Volunteers Write 78 Letters Supporting Clean AirBoston, MA – On Tuesday, April 12, 2011, Sierra Club, HealthLink, National Wildlife Federation and Oceana volunteers personally delivered 78 handwritten letters supporting clean air to Senator Scott Brown. In a response to Senator Brown’s vote for the McConnell Amendment – which would have weakened the Clean Air Act - Massachusetts

Scott Brown Stands With Polluters While the Rest of the Massachusetts Delegation Votes for Clean Air and Public Health

2011-04-07T18:37:00.001-05:00

Scott Brown Stands With Polluters While the Rest of the Massachusetts Delegation Votes for Clean Air and Public Health Rep. Upton’s Bill Passes In House 240-192Boston, MA – Today the House of Representatives approved legislation that strips the Environmental Protection Agency’s ability to protect Americans’ public health against dangerous carbon pollution. The bill, introduced by Rep. Fred Upton

Greater Boston Says: ‘We Are One’

2011-04-06T17:33:00.001-05:00

April 4, 2011More than 500 union leaders, activists and community allies joined together in downtown Boston, in a driving rainstorm, on April 4 to speak out against the attacks on collective bargaining taking place in statehouses across America. We spotlighted efforts to repeal collective bargaining rights in the neighboring states of New Hampshire and Maine. Rich Rogers, executive

Massachusetts Sierra Club to Participate in "We Are One" Day of Action for Workers Rights, Civil Rights, and Environmental Rights

2011-04-02T06:58:00.001-05:00

Massachusetts Sierra Club members, elected officials, civil rights activists, teachers, farmers, public employees, business leaders, firefighters, students, seniors, the unemployed, immigrants, people of all colors and races, LGBT community members, and members of faith communities.What: “We Are One” State Day of Action for Working Families and Our EnvironmentWhen: Monday, April 4, 2011, 4:00PM

MA Sierra Club Endorses Tito Jackson for City Council

2011-03-04T12:45:00.000-05:00

Knowledge, background and a focus on communityMarch 4, 2011BOSTON – The Massachusetts Sierra Club today endorsed Tito Jackson for Boston City Council. “To meet the challenges of a new economy, a new Boston needs capable, environmentally aware leaders like Tito,” said Phil Sego, MA Sierra Club Political Chair. “His knowledge, grassroots background and focus on community make Tito Jackson a

MASC: Set Safe Yield at a Safe Level

2011-02-27T18:31:00.001-05:00

February 10, 2011 Mr. David CashUndersecretary for PolicyExecutive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs[...] Re: Safe Yield Dear Mr. Cash: The Massachusetts Chapter of the Sierra Club supports the comments on Safe Yield submitted by the Massachusetts Rivers Alliance, the Charles River Watershed Association, the Conservation Law Foundation and the Ipswich River Watershed Association in

Letter to the Editor: What is taking the Legislature so long?

2011-02-14T14:34:00.001-05:00

What is taking the Legislature so long?Submitted to the Boston Globe, February 11, 2011 Regardingthe Globe’s Feb. 4 editorial “Bottle bill: Fighting litter is reason enough,’’ we say whatever the reason for supporting or opposing the bill, it’s time for the Legislature to bring it to the floor for a vote. The bill has been pending for 14 years. Imagine 14 years of snow days. That’s what it has

Updated Bottle Bill Coalition lauds Governor’s FY12 Budget

2011-01-27T03:54:00.000-05:00

Updated Bottle Bill Coalition lauds Governor’s FY12 BudgetIncluded in Governor Deval Patrick’s just-released FY12 Budget for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is a provision that would decrease litter, increase recycling, and generate revenue: an update of the state’s bottle bill. The provision would expand the 30 year old 5 cent deposit on some soft drinks and other beverages to include water

New Poll Shows Strong Support for Bottle Bill Update

2011-01-23T00:00:00.001-05:00

New Poll Shows Strong Support for Bottle Bill UpdateA recently conducted poll shows that a vast majority of Massachusetts residents support pending legislation to update the state's Bottle Bill, the 5c deposit on some beverage containers which has been in effect since 1983. According to a poll conducted in January by The MassINC Polling Group, 77 percent of the public wants to see additional

DCR Decision at Middlesex Fells

2011-01-07T16:53:00.001-05:00

Statement of Sierra Club Director James McCaffrey on DCR Decision at Middlesex Fells ReservationBoston, MA - The Sierra Club today applauded a decision by DCR to engage in a Resource Management Planning process to guide management decisions at the Middlesex Fells Reservation. A comprehensive Resource Management Plan (RMP) is the best framework to guide complex and major policy changes that

Commentary: Plea to a plant: Burn gas not coal

2011-01-05T18:51:00.003-05:00

Commentary: Plea to a plant: Burn gas not coal By Peter Vickery and Dick SteinOriginally appeared in the Daily Hampshire Gazette, 1/5/2011Republished by permissionNews of the planned closing of the Salem Harbor coal-fired power station has leaked out. Could something similar happen to the coal-burning power station at Mount Tom in Holyoke, on the upper Valley’s doorstep?Tighter regulations and

Op-Ed: County takes long view on solid waste

2010-12-31T16:54:00.001-05:00

By Patty DaleyAppeared in the Cape Cod Times, 12/31/2010The Cape Cod Times editorial ("Reduce, reuse, recycle", Dec. 11) correctly notes that the cost of disposing of the Cape's solid waste may double in 2015 when the 20-year waste-disposal contracts between the majority of Cape towns and SEMASS incinerator will expire.Given the likelihood of a cost increase, the region has a pressing need to

Comments on CSX Worcester Rail Yard Expansion Plan

2010-12-14T08:23:00.001-05:00

December 13, 2010Secretary Ian A. BowlesExecutive Office of Energy and Environmental AffairsAttn: MEPA Office EOEA #14973Attn: Aisling Eglington, MEPA Analyst100 Cambridge Street, Suite 900Boston, MA 02114Re: Comments on CSX Worcester rail yard expansion plan Environmental Notification FormDear Secretary Bowles: The Massachusetts Chapter of the Sierra Club finds unsatisfactory the recently

Sierra Club Supports Revisions to Biomass Regulations

2010-09-17T17:38:00.005-05:00

Sierra Club Applauds Draft Regulations for Biomass EnergyFor Immediate Release: September 17, 2010 Contact: James McCaffrey (617) 423-5775 Boston, MA - The Sierra Club today applauded proposed new MA regulations to limit eligibility for certain biomass fuels under state programs designed to incentivize renewable energy and combat global warming.“The draft regulations

MA Sierra Club Announces Primary Election Endorsees

2010-09-06T07:06:00.003-05:00

61 Candidates Statewide Recognized and SupportedBOSTON – The Massachusetts Sierra Club announced their list of endorsed candidates for the Congressional, statewide and MA Legislature races. After asking candidates to fill out questionnaires, interviews, and extensive independent research, the Sierra Club has endorsed candidates who will further the work of protecting the environment, support

MA Sierra Club Praises Keating for Cape Wind

2010-09-01T13:53:00.000-05:00

SJC Decision Bolsters Keating’s StanceBOSTON – The Massachusetts Sierra Club today praised William Keating’s decision to support Cape Wind, which yesterday passed another hurdle in its nine year review and permitting process.On Monday the state Supreme Judicial Court ruled that a state board could give approval despite some opponent’s antagonism. Opponents have waged multiple legal battles in an

New Report Reveals Widespread Toxic Coal Ash Contamination

2010-09-01T13:48:00.002-05:00

Massachusetts Residents Could Be At Risk Boston, MA: A new Sierra Club report documents coal ash contamination at disposal sites nationwide. Massachusetts contains active coal ash disposal sites which could also be at risk, and at least one site in MA had previously contaminated a drinking water supply.As the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers whether and how to regulate toxic

Anita King: Nations failing to act on shared population crisis

2010-08-25T10:14:00.002-05:00

Anita King: Nations failing to act on shared population crisis by Daily Hampshire Gazette Republished by permissionAppeared July 24, 2010WILLIAMSBURG - Today, there are about 6.8 billion people on Earth and our planet's population is growing at the rate of 78 million each year. The U.N. predicts that, depending on what we do, by 2050 there will be nine to 11 billion people living on earth.Why

Bottle Bill languishes in Session's Final Hours

2010-08-05T07:24:00.002-05:00

BOTTLE BILL: Proponents of a bill to expand a state bottle recycling program cited increased momentum in the final weeks of the Senate session, pointing to a compromise proposal that emerged from committee as evidence. The current program adds a 5-cent deposit onto the cost of carbonated beverages that may be redeemed by consumers who bring them to designated recycling centers. Proponents say the

Bay-State’s Largest Enviro Groups Question Baker, Cahill’s Commitment to Environmental Priorities

2010-08-05T07:20:00.001-05:00

Endorse Governor Patrick and Lt. Governor Murray for reelection Boston - August 2, 2010 – Environmental leaders from across Massachusetts today stood with Governor Patrick to highlight the lack of leadership and commitment of both Republican Charles Baker and Independent Tim Cahill to environmental issues, and to endorse Governor Patrick and Lt. Governor Murray for reelection. Massachusetts

Updated Bottle Bill gets green light from Committee, moves to Senate

2010-07-16T16:18:00.002-05:00

For the first time in the 16 years it has been pending in the Legislature, the Updated Bottle Bill got a favorable report today from the Telecommunication, Utilities and Energy (TUE) Committee. Today was the extended deadline the committee had set for taking action on the bill, and Senate Chairman Mike Morrissey, along with House Chairman Barry Finegold, put the bill out with a favorable report

Biomass Victory!

2010-07-09T15:26:00.001-05:00

A major Chapter campaign to oppose utility-scale biomass facilities - supported by Sierra Club members, grassroots activists and environmental leaders around the state - saw major progress this week when Massachusetts issued a groundbreaking new biomass directive to the MA Department of Energy. The directive, inspired by strong citizen advocacy and based on the latest available science calls for

Big Push at the State House for Updated Bottle Bill

2010-07-07T19:40:00.001-05:00

In a dramatic show of support, over 150 people showed up at the State House today, despite 90 degree heat, in an event organized to call on the Legislature to pass the Updated Bottle Bill. The bill (H3515/S1480) would increase recycling of beverage containers and reduce litter in ballfields, parks, streets, and waterways. The crowd included over a dozen legislators, from both sides of the aisle,

Dow to Receive Special Service Award

2010-06-30T19:08:00.001-05:00

David Dow of the Cape Cod & Islands Group will receive a Special Services Award in San Francisco on September 25, 2010. This award honors a Sierra Club member for strong and consistent commitment to conservation or the Club over an extended period of time. “The Special Service Award is one of the Sierra Club's most competitive national awards since we have so many dedicated long-term conservation

Sierra Club Applauds Biomass Study and Goal to Revise Renewable Energy Standards Large-Scale Biomass Worse than Coal for Emissions

2010-06-10T16:08:00.001-05:00

Boston, MA - The Sierra Club today applauded a landmark study on biomass energy released by the Deval Patrick Administration. In a comprehensive scientific study conducted by the Manomet Center for Conservation Sciences, the administration has announced it will revise regulations for the state's Renewable Portfolio Standard based on the newly released Biomass Sustainability and Carbon Policy

Comments on Red Line/Blue Line Connector DEIR

2010-05-23T13:26:00.002-05:00

May 21, 2010 Secretary Ian A. BowlesExecutive Office of Energy and Environmental AffairsAttn: MEPA Office EOEA #14101Attn: Holly Johnson, MEPA Analyst100 Cambridge Street, Suite 900Boston, MA 02114 Re: Comments on Red Line/Blue Line Connector DEIR Dear Secretary Bowles: The Massachusetts Chapter of the Sierra Club strongly supports the proposed extension of the Blue Line from its present

Op-Ed: What’s the difference between a deposit and a tax?

2010-05-10T16:33:00.002-05:00

Now that you've just paid your taxes, raise your hand if you know the difference between a tax and a deposit.If you overpaid, or had a really bad year, you may be getting a refund on the taxes you had withheld. But the government usually keeps most of it, and we have no recourse. It’s our mandatory contribution to the Commonwealth and the country.On the other hand, if you bought a case of beer,

MA Sierra Club Announces Early Endorsees

2010-05-10T16:29:00.001-05:00

Tough Decisions with a Tight Budget BOSTON – The Massachusetts Sierra Club announced their “Early Endorsement” of 38 candidates for legislative office across the state, and three for US Congress. These early endorsees have a proven record, in the legislature, of leadership on pressing environmental issues such as protecting the environment through energy conservation, alternative energy

Forests For Our Future

2010-04-28T17:45:00.002-05:00

As the Massachusetts landscape is experiencing its annual transformation from bare branches to tender green leaves, we have more to celebrate than just warm sunny days.The state has issued a new Forest Futures Vision for management of over 300,000 acres of land under the care and control of the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). This Vision sets the stage for enhanced stewardship of

Cape Wind Decision: Huge Victory for Clean Energy

2010-04-28T10:17:00.001-05:00

Clean Energy, Not Drilling is Right Choice for Our CoastsWashington, D.C.--The Boston Globe reports that Interior Secretary Salazar will today announce final approval for the Cape Wind offshore wind project in Massachusetts. Sierra Club offered the following comments in response. Statement of Michael Brune, Sierra Club Executive Director"Today's announcement is a huge victory for clean energy.

Municipalities Would Gain Several Million Dollars with Bottle Bill Update

2010-04-09T14:59:00.002-05:00

Groups tout DEP report which shows savings on litter cleanup and trash feesJoint news release by MASSPIRG, Massachusetts Sierra Club, and MassRecycleThe Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection has issued a report that itemizes how much cities and towns will benefit from updating the Massachusetts bottle bill, legislation which has been pending for years in the state legislature and

Sierra Club Comments on CDM Report on Alternatives to SEMASS Contract After 2015

2010-04-01T06:25:00.000-05:00

To: Patty Daley, Cape Cod Commission Subject: Sierra Club Comments on CDM Report on Alternatives to SEMASS Contract After 2015 The Cape Cod & the Islands Group-Sierra Club submits the following comments on the CDM contractor report on addressing municipal solid wastes (MSW) after the SEMASS contract expires in 2015. The Massachusetts Chapter's Zero Waste Committee supports the recent

EPA Poised to Announce Historic Clean Cars Rule

2010-03-31T18:31:00.002-05:00

March 29, 2010The EPA is poised to announce a historic new clean cars rule that marks the first major increase in fuel economy standards since their inception in 1975. This new regulation will reduce oil consumption by nearly 2 billion barrels. That's more oil than we imported in 2008 from Saudi Arabia, Venezuela, Libya and Nigeria combined!Updated fuel economy standards will save consumers

Producer Irresponsibility: Toxins in our Food

2010-03-25T17:57:00.000-05:00

Editorial by the Sierra Club, Massachusetts ChapterThis past month, the Mass Department of Public Health announced a ban on some food containers that have the potent toxin bisphenol-A (BPA) – and began a study on enacting further bans. While we applaud any step to remove BPA from food products, we must remind the Department that there have been over 900 studies already, all of them conclusive.BPA

Remove all the BPA sooner rather than later

2010-03-22T15:39:00.003-05:00

Press Statement by the Sierra Club, Massachusetts Chapter on BPA. Remove all BPA sooner rather than later While we applaud any action on removing any products containing BPA, this potent toxin does not need additional study. In fact, there have been over 900 studies, all of which have confirmed BPA’s toxicity. We urge the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to take immediate action and

Mass. to consider a limited BPA ban; Baby products with chemical could be affected

2010-03-14T07:27:00.000-05:00

Mass. to consider a limited BPA ban; Baby products with chemical could be affectedBy Elizabeth Cooney, Boston Globe CorrespondentMarch 3, 2010Governor Deval Patrick has asked state health officials to look into placing a limited ban on bisphenol A, a chemical found in food and drink containers that the state last summer warned parents of young children to avoid.“We are taking this action as a

Patrick-Murray Administration Maintains Incinerator Moratorium, Expands Recycling Efforts

2010-03-01T13:37:00.001-05:00

EEA outlines priorities for comprehensive recycling push; calls for review of construction and demolition material used for fuelBOSTON – The Patrick-Murray Administration today announced that it would maintain the existing moratorium on new facilities for incineration of municipal solid waste. In addition, Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Ian Bowles outlined Governor Patrick’s

DEP Announces Shift in Waste Policy

2010-03-01T13:13:00.003-05:00

DEP Announces Shift in Waste PolicyBy Lynne PledgerChair, Mass Sierra Club Zero Waste CommitteeOn December 11, 2009, the Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs announced that Massachusetts will retain the moratorium on additional incineration capacity. The statement also outlined a plan to reduce burning and burying by new approaches that will increase recycling. “Focusing on incineration

WCVB TV5: Recycle All Bottles

2010-02-16T11:05:00.000-05:00

Bill Fine, WCVB President and General MangerApril 17, 2008:BOSTON -- What's the difference between a bottle of spring water and a bottle of sparkling water? Not much. They quench your thirst, cost roughly the same, and are sold in similar containers. But one - the sparkling water - carries a nickel deposit. And the other -- the still water -- doesn't. Does that make sense to you? Twenty-seven

Martha Coakley Receives Endorsement of Key Environmental Organizations

2009-12-14T17:08:00.001-05:00

Protectors of our environment call Coakley strongest candidate to combat global climate change, protect clean air and water for future generationsBoston, MA – Martha Coakley today received the endorsements of the Sierra Club and Massachusetts League of Environmental Voters (MLEV). Coakley also renewed her call for energy reforms that balance meeting our consumption needs with protecting our

MA Sierra Club Endorses Coakley for US Senate

2009-12-08T21:25:00.001-05:00

BOSTON – The MA Sierra Club is proud to endorse Martha Coakley for US Senate.Coakley, in responses to the Sierra Club questionnaire and in the course of the campaign has shown her commitment to the environment, reducing carbon emissions and tackling the threat of climate change.“Martha Coakley will provide leadership, the kind of leadership necessary to reduce the threat of climate change,

Adding Water and Gatorade to the Bottle Bill

2009-10-07T14:53:00.001-05:00

NEWS RELEASE: Oct. 7, 2009With growing awareness of the trash, waste, and public health problems that come from throwaway containers, a throng of supporters turned up at the State House today to push the Legislature to update the Bottle Bill.MASSPIRG, the Sierra Club, MassRecycle, Environmental League of MA, League of Women Voters, and the Cities of Boston and Cambridge – as well as other citizen

MA Sierra Club Endorses Seven in Boston City Council At-Large Race

2009-09-23T13:37:00.002-05:00

BOSTON – In a break with tradition, the MA Sierra Club has endorsed more candidates than can win the four Boston City Council At-Large seats. The Sierra Club endorsed seven candidates, but only four will win seats.“This is highly unusual for the Sierra Club,” said Sierra Club Political Chair Phil Sego. “The exciting truth is that there is an overabundance of candidates for the at-large seats who

MA Sierra Club Announces Municipal Race Endorsees

2009-09-02T18:02:00.001-05:00

MA Sierra Club Announces Municipal Race EndorseesEndorsements in Boston, Cambridge, Somerville, Watertown, Saugus, SpringfieldBOSTON – The Massachusetts Sierra Club announced their list of endorsed candidates for municipal races across the state. After asking candidates to fill out questionnaires, speaking with the Sierra Club and extensive independent research, the Sierra Club has endorsed

Setting the Record Straight on Russell and Biomass

2009-06-15T18:14:00.001-05:00

by James McCaffrey, Director, Massachusetts Sierra ClubAppeared in the Country Journal, April 30, 2009Last week’s Country Journal included a quote from Russell Biomass spokesman John Bos, implying the Sierra Club supports biomass whole-tree harvesting (a potential source of fuel for the Russell plant) and perhaps even the proposed Russell plant itself. We support neither. While we believe that

Despite "Green" Claims, Incinerator Industry Just Blowing Smoke

2009-06-15T18:09:00.000-05:00

New Report: Organizations Oppose State’s Consideration of Lifting Trash-burning MoratoriumBoston, MA – Seven national and local advocacy groups released a report today, An Industry Blowing Smoke: 10 Reasons Why Gasification, Pyrolysis & Plasma Incineration are Not “Green Solutions” revealing that new incineration technologies are no better than conventional trash-burning. The report cites

Rep Jason Lewis: Let's clean up the commonwealth (op-ed)

2009-05-07T17:52:00.003-05:00

By Rep. Jason Lewis/View from the HillAppeared in the Stoneham SunThursday, April 23, 2009Stoneham - This week on Wednesday, April 22, we are celebrating the 39th anniversary of Earth Day. Let’s use this opportunity to rally support for something relatively simple and easy that we can do right here in Massachusetts to help our environment. It’s time to update the Bottle Bill.The Bottle Bill is

Op Ed: Reduce trash sent to incinerator

2009-05-05T10:23:00.001-05:00

Appeared in the Cape Cod Times on March 17, 2009By David Dow, Chair, Sierra Club Cape and Islands GroupWe’ve all heard that “one person’s trash is another person’s treasure” Now, with concern about diminishing natural resources, including fossil fuel, it’s clear that trash has considerable value for our whole society, and we must recycle or compost most of what we now throw away: products,

Keep the Incineration Moratorium (Letter to the Editor)

2009-05-05T10:13:00.001-05:00

Submitted to the Boston Globe 4/22/09While the Sierra Club praises the Patrick Administration for their positive environmental work (Patrick gets good grades on environment, 4/22/09), unfortunately, the administration has placed trash incineration “back on the table,” potentially lifting our 20-year moratorium on this toxic practice. The well-funded waste industry wants us to believe that by

Op Ed: Public Support Still Needed to Help Obama

2009-05-05T10:10:00.002-05:00

Submitted to the Boston GlobeMarch 13, 2009Alex Beam’s March 13, 2009 column “The Continuing Crisis” lampooned Sierra Club mailings as “alarmist” – implying that because Barack Obama is now the President, Americans should no longer worry about the environment being destroyed as it was during President Bush’s years.The reality is that while yes, President Obama is making fantastic strides in

Comments on the Urban Ring Phase 2

2009-03-10T08:49:00.001-05:00

February 10, 2009Secretary Ian A. BowlesExecutive Office of Energy and Environmental AffairsAttn: MEPA Office EOEA #12565Richard Bourre, Assistant Director100 Cambridge Street, Suite 900Boston, MA 02114Re: Comments on the Urban Ring Phase 2 Revised Draft Environmental Impact Report, Draft Environmental Impact Statement, EOEA #12565Dear Secretary Bowles;The Sierra Club offers the

Responses to Globe's Op-Ed "Finding a sustainable future at the dump"

2009-01-21T10:26:00.002-05:00

On January 12, 2009, the Boston Globe published an Op Ed by Jeffery Surma, the CEO of InEnTec, a corporation that is promoting the resumption of trash incineration. Below are two responses that refute Surma's inaccuracies. You can click here to read the original op ed. 1. Letter by Ann Dorfman, Newton, MAReaders of Jeffery Surma’s Op Ed “Finding a sustainable future at the dump” (1/12/09) might

Citizens Challenge DEP on Trash Policy

2009-01-21T09:14:00.002-05:00

Citizens challenge DEP on trash policyWorcester, MA - In a spirited discussion that sometimes became heated, a standing-room-only crowd at a DEP stakeholder meeting Thursday night challenged the Department of Environmental Protection to protect public health by reducing waste in the Commonwealth.“You know that landfills and incinerators are dangerous,” said Kirstie Pecci, an attorney from

Sierra Club Recommends Zero Waste and Green Jobs Challenge

2009-01-21T08:59:00.002-05:00

News Release from the Sierra Club Zero Waste CommitteeSierra Club Zero Waste Committee Recommends Zero Waste and Green Jobs Challenge As a Recommendation for Federal Economic StimulusSAN FRANCISCO, CA (January 16, 2009) - The Sierra Club national Zero Waste Committee today released an innovative recommendation for the Federal Economic Stimulus Package. The Committee urges the Federal government

Damage to Old South Church by MBTA

2008-12-11T08:30:00.003-05:00

Damage to Old South Church by MBTALetter to the Editor to The Boston GlobeAppeared 12/11/08Below is the unedited version.I am distressed and angered to learn of the damage to the wall of the Old South Church in Copley Square, caused by the excavation of an elevator shaft into the adjacent subway station (Globe: 12/6/08). This elevator is a necessary component of the Green Line accessibility

We Oppose Lifting the Incineration Moratorium - Letter to Gov. Patrick

2008-11-30T10:58:00.003-05:00

September 18, 2008Governor Deval PatrickMassachusetts State HouseBoston, MA 02133Dear Governor Patrick:In regard to the updated Solid Waste Master Plan now being considered by the DEP, the undersigned Massachusetts organizations and legislators wish to register interest in being fully involved in the process, and begin by stating our absolute opposition to lifting the statewide moratorium on

Silver Line plan shows "willful ignorance and contempt for reality" (op-ed)

2008-11-07T08:13:00.003-05:00

Silver Line plan shows "willful ignorance and contempt for reality"Originally appeared in the South End NewsThursday Nov 6, 2008The Massachusetts Chapter of the Sierra Club is responding to several recently-filed documents including the draft Finding of Effect Memorandum dated September 16, 2008, identifying the potential impacts to historic properties that may result from the construction of the

New Solution for Waste Woes (Op-Ed)

2008-10-29T07:50:00.002-05:00

New Solution for Waste WoesAppeared in Newton TAB, September 2008By Lynne Pledger, Massachsetts Sierra ClubYou’re at the check-out line. The shopper in front of you has mounded her cart with cheap disposables. You think, “I wouldn’t pay for that junk.”But you are paying for it. Within days most of the items in that cart may be out at the curb, awaiting garbage collection and disposal supported

El Sierra Club Anunció sus Aprobaciones por las Elecciones

2008-10-16T08:37:00.002-05:00

El Sierra Club Anunció sus Aprobaciones por las EleccionesEl Sierra Club, una organización de mas de 750,000 miembros en los EEUU, anunció sus aprobaciones de 60 candidatos en las elecciones de Noviembre próximo.“Estos candidatos creen que el medioambiente es una prioridad,” dijo Felipe Sego, el presidente de la comisión de aprobaciones políticas del Massachusetts Sierra Club. Estos candidatos

MA Sierra Club Announces General Election Endorsees

2008-10-16T08:30:00.003-05:00

MA Sierra Club Announces General Election EndorseesAs states lead on environmental measures, these races more important than everBOSTON – The Massachusetts Sierra Club announced their list of endorsed candidates for the MA Legislature. With less than a month to go before the election, the Sierra Club says the push is on to elect candidates that support a clean, safe and sustainable state.“The

Sierra Club Announces Primary Contest Endorsees

2008-08-11T07:39:00.004-05:00

MA Sierra Club Announces Primary Contest Endorsees53 Candidates Statewide Recognized and SupportedBOSTON – The Massachusetts Sierra Club announced their list of endorsed candidates for the MA Legislature. After asking candidates to fill out questionnaires, speaking with the Sierra Club, and extensive independent research, the Sierra Club has endorsed candidates who will further the work of

Mass Sierra Club Announces Early Endorsees

2008-06-26T14:03:00.000-05:00

Mass Sierra Club Announces Early Endorsees Environmental Leadership RecognizedBOSTON - The Massachusetts Sierra Club announced their "Early Endorsement" of 27 candidates for legislative office across the state. In the coming weeks more endorsements will be announced but those announced today received early endorsement due to their steadfast vision to protect the environment through energy

Sierra Club Committee forms in Concord

2008-06-13T10:44:00.000-05:00

The Concord Sierra Club Committee held its first meeting on May 29, 2008, with discussion focusing on encouraging extensive cooperation among town environmental groups. Harry Bartlett presented a description of the website concordconserves.org, which offers a free page for each of Concord’s nearly 50 environmentally-related organizations. Bartlett emphasized the “portability” of the site,

State must assert authority in Fells development

2008-04-03T08:40:00.001-05:00

State must assert authority in Fells developmentLetter to the Editor, Boston GlobeApril 3, 2008It is unfortunate that the Globe missed an opportunity to fully expose the Gutierrez Co.'s efforts to make an end-run around environmental reviews and bypass the state's authority to protect our historic parks, roadways, and boulevards ("Fells condo developer may bypass permitting," City & Region, March

Sierra Club Endorses Katherine Clark

2008-01-23T09:22:00.000-05:00

Sierra Club Endorses Katherine ClarkThe Massachusetts Sierra Club has endorsed Katherine Clark in the special election to fill the seat left vacant by Representative Michael Festa."Ms. Clark has spent her entire adult life working in the public sector to protect the rights, health and safety of ordinary citizens,” said Phil Sego, the Massachusetts Sierra Club’s Political Chair. “Ms. Clark earned

Sierra Club Endorses Lori Ehrlich

2008-01-23T08:58:00.000-05:00

Sierra Club Endorses Lori EhrlichThe Massachusetts Sierra Club has endorsed Lori Ehrlich in the race to become the next State Representative for the 8th Essex District."Through years of work on some of the state's most important environmental issues Lori has proven herself a leader, and one who will fight tirelessly to protect residents of the district," said Phil Sego, the Massachusetts Sierra