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Friends,

Today is a big day for those who oppose the Weymouth Compressor Station—and we need your help.

Over the past few years,
community members, nonprofits, and activists have fought the construction of this proposed natural gas compressor station in an area that's already heavily polluted. They're worried about health, safety, and our overdependence on fossil fuels. The mayors of Weymouth, Braintree, and Quincy oppose it, too, as do Senators Markey and Warren and Rep Stephen Lynch.

There was a hearing this morning at the State House about air quality monitoring at the site. The Fore River Residents Against the Compressor Station (FRRACS) are asking people to follow up by sending a letter and a personal story. See below for how to help!

In solidarity,

Rosemary Mosco
Newsletter Volunteer

Stand in Solidarity Against Fossil Fuel Infrastructure in Massachusetts

Following the hearings today, members of the Fore River Residents Against the Compressor Station (FRRACS) would like us to send letters and personal stories to the committee (find their emails here at the link). Bcc: [email protected] so we can keep track of how many letters we have sent! Here's a letter template:

Dear chairs and distinguished members of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy,

I am writing in support Bills H2909 and S1990. The bills would require simple and necessary air quality monitoring by the DEP in any location that has or is scheduled to have a methane gas compressor station. The health risks of these compressor stations are detrimental to not only our environment, but also our communities, neighborhoods, and families. The DEP has failed to be transparent and accountable during the permitting process for the air quality permit for the Weymouth Compressor Station. Their initial results were based on incomplete data that did not capture the full health ramifications of the dangerous compressor station.

[Insert a personal story if you want]

Bills H2909 and S1990 are a first step to making sure the communities most vulnerable to being targeted by corporations for toxic waste have baseline health protections for their communities.We hope that you agree to stand with families for clean air, clean water, and a better future for all of us.

Sincerely,
[Name]
[Address]

Other 350 Mass News

Solidarity Working Group Meeting: At the next SWG meeting, we'll discuss Raise Up Massachusetts' grassroots priorities and affordable housing. See this Zoom link. Thu, Jul 11, 8pm.

Breaking Down the Walls⁠—Panel on the Intersectionality of Climate, Migration, Housing, and Peace: Massachusetts Peace Action, Better Future Project, Boston Mayday Coalition, Encuentro 5, City Mission, and Biodiversity for a Livable Climate are cosponsoring and will present their perspectives. Thu, Jul 18, 6:30-8:30 pm, Encuentro 5, 9 Hamilton Pl, Boston.

Sign the Petition to Bring Green Energy to Lowell: Let’s bring green energy to Lowell through Community Choice Aggregation! Lowell hires a bulk buyer of electricity for all residents and businesses. This is the energy supplier we see on our National Grid bill, unless we opt out. Right now it’s all dirty energy except for the minimum the State requires (just 14%). We can do better! Tell the City Council: Lowell’s electricity should be green! Sign the petition here.

Write a Letter to the Editor: 350 Mass members write lots of letters to the editor, many of which get published! Here are some recent letters:

Want to join the team? Email Vignesh Ramachandran to find out more!

Other Climate Movement News

Young People Needed to Organize for the September Climate Strike: Do you know any youth aged 13-19 who are passionate about stopping climate change? Youth Climate Strike organizers are looking for more people to fill leadership positions. Share this application and encourage young people to get involved!

Petition to Holyoke Gas & Electric⁠—Stop the Pipeline: Holyoke Gas & Electric has been a clean energy leader, but they've also entered into agreements on two natural gas pipelines. They have an upcoming opportunity to terminate these agreements with no financial penalty, and they need to hear from their ratepayers that business as usual is not acceptable! Learn more and sign the petition here.

Solidarity Opportunities

Boston Lights for Liberty: A Vigil to End Detention Camps: Inspired by a national call to action, the Boston Lights for Liberty vigil will bring hundreds -- maybe even thousands -- of people together to protest the inhumane conditions faced by refugees. Join on the steps of the MA State House to hold a candle and share a moment of silence. Fri, Jul 12, 7pm, MA State House, 24 Beacon St, Boston. 

Demand An Affordable, Accessible, Reliable T: Following the fare hikes, and in light of the latest derailments and other signs that the MBTA is in trouble, the Green Justice Coalition and the T Riders' Union will be crashing the next MBTA Fiscal Control Management Board Meeting to demand investment in public transportation. Join us! Mon, Jul 22, noon, State Transportation Building, 10 Park Plaza, Boston.

Is this newsletter a helpful resource? Help us make it possible by donating today! 

About Better Future Project and 350 Mass


Better Future Project (BFP) builds grassroots power to advance a rapid transition beyond fossil fuels. 350 Mass is Better Future Project's volunteer-led climate action network. 

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