350 Mass Greater Franklin Node: Meeting, Thursday, November 2, 2023

The 350 Mass Greater Franklin Node will meet this Thursday, November 2nd, at 7:00 pm. This will be a Zoom-only meeting. 

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81930304274?pwd=Tm9VdGxYcDFaVTVDUkwyT3YvUnlFdz09             

Meeting ID: 819 3030 4274

Passcode: 350ma

Dial-in +1 646 876 9923

We will use the meeting to discuss progress and activities related to the 350 Mass Campaigns, and local actions and opportunities. 

There are some upcoming events that we've been announcing. Here they are again: 

Campaign: the Zero Carbon Renovation Fund (ZCRF). The ZCRF is a bold proposal to allocate $300 million from the Massachusetts State Legislature for a Fund to jumpstart the market for zero carbon renovations in existing buildings in Massachusetts. Renovations supported by the ZCRF will include improvements and renovations that are aligned with a zero carbon future and incorporates one or more of the following: (1) maximizing energy efficiency through building envelope upgrades; (2) electrification of building systems; (3) maximizing usage of on-site renewable energy, wherever possible; and (4) consideration of building retrofit materials that are low embodied carbon. The ZCRF will prioritize affordable housing, public housing, low- and moderate-income homes, schools, BIPOC and women businesses, and buildings located in Environmental Justice communities. 

         Hearing and Testimony: The Legislature's Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy will hold a hearing on an Act to establish the ZCRF, H.3232, on Tuesday October 31, starting at 10 AM. The public can advocate for the legislation through written, virtual or in-person testimonies. The toolkit describes the logistics of the hearings, key messages of the ZCRF, structure of comments, recommendations, and social media advocacy. Please consider submitting oral or written testimony.  See also the notice on 350 Mass' website.

         Carolyn Barthel, our Node coordinator, will testify at the hearing. She will discuss it at our meeting on Thursday.

Action: Take Back Our Energy Grid. ISO (independent system operator)-New England is a not-for-profit corporation responsible for keeping electricity flowing across the six New England states. The goal statements include the transition to clean energy, but ISO-NE is too heavily influenced by the fossil fuel industry. The Board of Directors will hold their annual open Board meeting in Boston's Seaport Hotel on November 1.

       350 Mass's Climate Courage, Fix the Grid, and Third Act are inviting you to participate in a lively street action that will send a clear message to ISO-NE, the press, the governor, and the people of this region. Join us at noon, November 1, at the nearby South Boston Maritime Park for the rally, speakers, music, and "street theater." (This is not a civil disobedience event, no arrests, just fun.)  Information and registration here.

Town of Mendon - Electricity Aggregation. Municipal aggregation is the process by which a municipality purchases electricity in bulk from a competitive supplier on behalf of the residents and businesses within the community. While it is common throughout the state, some cities and towns are still working to implement it. Mendon's Select Board has it on its agenda for this Wednesday, November 1. Carolyn Barthel, Mendon resident, will speak at the meeting. She will tell us about it at our Node meeting.

We hope you can join us on Thursday.

Our next Node meeting will be on the 3rd Thursday of the month, November 16.

Node Co-coordinators,
Carolyn Barthel
Ralph Halpern

Ralph Halpern
ralph.halpern@comcast.net
781-784-3839 (h)

339-203-5017   

350 Mass Greater Franklin Node; Meeting Update and Climate Actions

Our next meeting will be on Thursday, November 2nd, at 7:00 pm. This will be a hybrid meeting: attend in-person at First Universalist Society in Franklin, 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin; or join on Zoom.  We will send the details a few days ahead of the meeting.

350 Mass Greater Franklin Node Meeting

For now, please consider helping 350 Mass and our climate allies with our campaigns and legislative priorities. Here are some ongoing issues and upcoming events. 

Campaign: Make Polluters Pay. Make Polluters Pay is a campaign supporting legislation that will create a climate superfund, penalizing the worst polluters of greenhouse gasses, and funding resilience and adaptation projects in communities most impacted by climate change. 350 Mass joins Better Future Project and other groups like Communities Responding to Extreme Weather (CREW), Mass Youth Climate Coalition (MYCC), and Mass Power Forward – with more partners on the way – to drive a grassroots campaign to hold polluters accountable. The fund will raise an estimated $75 billion over 25 years from the largest polluting companies. This influx of funds will enable the commonwealth to prepare for the coming climate impacts, guided by the vision of the communities with most at stake. This campaign is part of a national push to Make Polluters Pay, as we are campaigning alongside political leaders and activists in Vermont, Maryland, and New York. Learn more here. 

Sign up to join our legislative sponsors, experts, and activists from across Massachusetts in an online webinar, this Sunday, October 22, 5-6 PM. Register here.  You can read the legislation we filed in the House H.872 and in the Senate S.481.

Campaign: the Zero Carbon Renovation Fund (ZCRF). The ZCRF is a bold proposal to allocate $300 million from the Massachusetts State Legislature for a Fund to jumpstart the market for zero carbon renovations in existing buildings in Massachusetts. Renovations supported by the ZCRF will include improvements and renovations that are aligned with a zero carbon future and incorporates one or more of the following: (1) maximizing energy efficiency through building envelope upgrades; (2) electrification of building systems; (3) maximizing usage of on-site renewable energy, wherever possible; and (4) consideration of building retrofit materials that are low embodied carbon. The ZCRF will prioritize affordable housing, public housing, low- and moderate-income homes, schools, BIPOC and women businesses, and buildings located in Environmental Justice communities. 

Hearing and Testimony: The Legislature's Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy will hold a hearing on an Act to establish the ZCRF, H.3232, on Tuesday October 31, starting at 10 AM. The public can advocate for the legislation through written, virtual or in-person testimonies. The toolkit describes the logistics of the hearings, key messages of the ZCRF, structure of comments, recommendations, and social media advocacy. Please consider submitting oral or written testimony.

Massachusetts utility companies' electric-sector modernization plans. The state's electric distribution companies (including Eversource and National Grid) recently submitted their five-year plans: how they intend to keep the grid reliable, their forecasts of future power needs, and strategies to make sure the grid can support more electric vehicles and electrified buildings. These plans are now being reviewed by the  Grid Modernization Advisory Council (GMAC) within the Department of Energy Resources. GMAC is an integral part of increasing transparency and stakeholder engagement in the grid planning process.

         

The public is invited to submit written comments, or to speak at two Public Listening Sessions, October 30 and November 1. Information, links to the plans, and instructions for comments can be found here.   

Action: Take Back Our Energy Grid. ISO (independent system operator)-New England is a not-for-profit corporation responsible for keeping electricity flowing across the six New England states. The goal statements include the transition to clean energy, but ISO-NE is too heavily influenced by the fossil fuel industry. The Board of Directors will hold their annual open Board meeting in Boston's Seaport Hotel on November 1.

       

350 Mass’s Climate Courage, Fix the Grid, and Third Act are inviting you to participate in a lively street action that will send a clear message to ISO-NE, the press, the governor, and the people of this region. Join us at noon, November 1, at the nearby South Boston Maritime Park for the rally, speakers, music,  and "street theater."  (This is not a civil disobedience event, no arrests, just fun.)  Information and registration here.

350 Mass' Climate Cafe. Climate Cafe is a monthly Zoom event offering a supportive place to talk over your reactions to climate change, possible solutions, or climate activism. You can share with others who are experiencing a wide range of emotions, learning nurturing ways to deal with them, and finding hope. The Cafés are facilitated by two experienced volunteer/activists. 

         

Register here for the next Climate Cafe, Tuesday, October 24th, 7 pm. 

Clearly there is no lack of opportunities to learn, participate, and add your voice to these important issues. We hope you will consider these activities, and join us at our Node meetings. 

We hope to see you at our next meeting, Thursday, November 2. 

Thank you.

Node Co-coordinators,

Carolyn Barthel
Ralph Halpern

Ralph Halpern
ralph.halpern@comcast.net
781-784-3839 (h)

339-203-5017   

Cancelled: 350 Mass Greater Franklin Node Meeting, Thursday, October 19, 2023

Due to scheduling conflicts, we have cancelled the meeting of the Greater Franklin Node that would have been held this week, October 19, the third Thursday of the month.

In place of the meeting, we will send an email later this week with information and reminders about some 350 Mass activities and opportunities for everyone to participate.

Cancelled: 350 Mass Greater Franklin Node Meeting

Our next meeting will be on Thursday November 2nd. This will be a hybrid meeting: attend in-person at First Universalist Society in Franklin, 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin; or join on Zoom.  We will send the details a few days ahead of the meeting. 

Thank you.

 

Node Co-coordinators,
Carolyn Barthel
Ralph Halpern

Ralph Halpern
ralph.halpern@comcast.net
781-784-3839 (h)

339-203-5017   

350 Mass Greater Franklin Node: Meeting, Thursday, October 5, 2023

Please join us for the next meeting of the 350 Mass Greater Franklin Node, Thursday, October 5, 7:00-9:00 pm. 

 

This will be a HYBRID meeting: you can attend in person, or join on Zoom.  

 Those of us who have been meeting in Franklin have enjoyed the chance to come together. We hope others will do the same. 

 

·       Location of the in-person meeting: First Universalist Society in Franklin, 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin. 

 

·       OPTION:  Join on Zoom   

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81930304274?pwd=Tm9VdGxYcDFaVTVDUkwyT3YvUnlFdz09             

Meeting ID: 819 3030 4274

Passcode: 350ma

Dial-in +1 646 876 9923

 

As always, we will discuss our work on 350 Mass' campaigns for 2023-24: Make Polluters Pay and Emissions Free Buildings. Read about them here. 

We will also review local and statewide developments and opportunities in climate and energy advocacy. 

 

Here are some details and actions for your attention.

Make Polluters Pay:  Make Polluters Pay is a campaign supporting legislation that will create a climate superfund, penalizing the worst polluters of greenhouse gasses, and funding resilience and adaptation projects in communities most impacted by climate change. 350 Mass joins with several partner organizations to drive a grassroots campaign to hold polluters accountable. The fund will raise an estimated $75 billion over 25 years from the largest polluting companies. This influx of funds will enable the commonwealth to prepare for the coming climate impacts, guided by the vision of the communities with most at stake. This campaign is part of a national push to Make Polluters Pay, as we are campaigning alongside political leaders and activists in Vermont, Maryland, and New York. For more info, check out the campaign website.  See the upcoming events.  Sign the petition.

Global Power Up Day of Action. On November 3-4, as fossil fuel companies publish another round of obscene billion-dollar profits, climate organizations and activists will take to the streets to show that a world powered by clean and fair renewable energy is ours to make. On every continent, we'll take action to demand a global renewable energy revolution. We'll spotlight the oil industry's greed and reclaim the money and power to fund a just future powered by the sun and the wind. Follow and sign up for actions in Massachusetts. 

New 350 Mass Activity:  Lunch.Climate.Action.  A Monthly Action on the second Wednesday of each month.  The goal of Lunch.Climate.Action is to create a forum for quick, timely actions (calling a rep, writing a letter, etc.) that allows folks to ask questions, learn, and act in a safe, supportive community. All are welcome to come dip their toes in the warm waters of activism! Meet on Zoom for 45 minutes. This Month's Spotlight:  Stopping Private Jet Expansion at Hanscom or Anywhere!  Wednesday, October 11 at 12:00 noon.  RSVP on this page to receive zoom information.  

If you haven't already done so, please sign up for the Climate Weekly email. Also, check out upcoming events on our website. 

Please try to join us for Thursday's meeting. If you have questions or items for the agenda, you can contact the Node coordinators,   carolyncbarthel@gmail.com  and/or   ralph.halpern@comcast.net.    We will send a reminder on Thursday.  

Thank you.

 

Node Co-coordinators,
Carolyn Barthel
Ralph Halpern

Ralph Halpern
ralph.halpern@comcast.net
781-784-3839 (h)

339-203-5017   

350 Mass Greater Franklin Node: Meeting, Thursday, September 21, 2023

Please join us for the next meeting of the 350 Mass Greater Franklin Node, Thursday, September 21, 7:00-9:00 pm. 

 

This will be a ZOOM meeting only. 

   

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81930304274?pwd=Tm9VdGxYcDFaVTVDUkwyT3YvUnlFdz09             

Meeting ID: 819 3030 4274

Passcode: 350ma

Dial-in +1 646 876 9923

350 Mass Greater Franklin Node

 

As always, we will discuss 350 Mass' campaigns for 2023-24, and review local and statewide developments and opportunities in climate and energy advocacy. We will also hear from our members who participated in the March to End Fossil Fuels in New York City this past Sunday. 

 

Here are a few additional items and actions for your attention:

Evaluating Climate Solutions: A National Forum Series. Are the various proposed climate solutions effective, scalable, affordable, technically possible, and politically feasible? Come to a series of virtual forums by national experts to explore the options. See information and registration for all forums here.

(final forum in the series:) Creating Sustainable Systems: Soil, Carbon, and Food. Thu, Sep 28, 7:30 pm. 

This series is sponsored by 350 Mass and Elder Climate Action Massachusetts and National in cooperation with Food Tank, 350.org, and Massachusetts Sierra Club.

 

Boston Globe Summit, Climate Sessions, Thursday, September 21. The Globe Summit is online (and in-person) from Sept, 19-21. See the schedule of climate sessions and speakers here.  There are 4 sessions on climate and energy on Thursday morning. (Register to stream them.) 

Housing and Climate Justice Lobby Day, Tuesday Sept. 26.  Join us at the Massachusetts State House to meet with our legislators and advocate on behalf of two critical initiatives: The Housing Environment and Revenue Opportunities (HERO) bill; see the fact sheet. AND The Zero Carbon Renovation Fund (ZCRF) bill; see the fact sheet. Learn more and RSVP here. Tue, Sep 26, 10 am-3 pm, Massachusetts State House, Room 428.

 

Please try to join us for Thursday's meeting. If you have questions or items for the agenda, you can contact the Node coordinators,  carolyncbarthel@gmail.com  and/or ralph.halpern@comcast.net. We will send a reminder on Thursday.  

Thank you.

 

Node Co-coordinators,
Carolyn Barthel
Ralph Halpern

Ralph Halpern
ralph.halpern@comcast.net
781-784-3839 (h)

339-203-5017   

350 Mass Greater Franklin Node: Meeting, Thursday, September 7, 2023

Please join us for the next meeting of the 350 Mass Greater Franklin Node, Thursday, September 7, 7:00-9:00 pm. 

 

This will be a HYBRID meeting: you can attend in person, or join on Zoom.  

 Those of us who have been meeting in Franklin have enjoyed the chance to come together. We hope others will do the same. 

350 Mass Greater Franklin Node

 

·       Location of the in-person meeting: First Universalist Society in Franklin, 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin. 

 

·       OPTION: 

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81930304274?pwd=Tm9VdGxYcDFaVTVDUkwyT3YvUnlFdz09             

Meeting ID: 819 3030 4274

Passcode: 350ma

Dial-in +1 646 876 9923

 

As always, we will discuss 350 Mass' campaigns for 2023-24, and review local and statewide developments and opportunities in climate and energy advocacy. 

 

Here are a few additional items and actions for your attention:

 

The March to End Fossil Fuels is in New York on Sunday, September 17th, 2023!  It's not too late to sign up for the March, although the pace of ticket sales is picking up; if you want to go on the 350 Mass bus, please reserve your seat ASAP.  See info and links here.  

A note on accessibility: The march route is 1.3 miles long, paved and mostly flat, in a dense city environment with a fair amount of shade. Drinking water refill stations will be provided, and porta-potties will be set up at the start of the march and at the closing rally, including ADA units & hand washing stations. The rally will have ASL interpretation and space reserved near the stage to see the interpreter. The rally will also have a shaded seating area for those who need it. Everyone is welcome to join any part of the event as they are able, whether that's a part of the march, or the closing rally at 49th St and 1st Ave.

 

 

Evaluating Climate Solutions: A National Forum Series. Are the various proposed climate solutions effective, scalable, affordable, technically possible, and politically feasible? Come to a series of virtual forums by national experts to explore the options. See information and registration for all forums here.

·        Nuclear Power: Expensive Menace or Low-Carbon Solution? Thu, Sept 7, 7:30 pm. 

·        Green Banks: Financing Climate Solutions. Wed, Sep 20, 7:30 pm. 

·        Creating Sustainable Systems: Soil, Carbon, and Food. Thu, Sep 28, 7:30 pm. 

This series is sponsored by 350 Mass and Elder Climate Action Massachusetts and National in cooperation with Food Tank, 350.org, and Massachusetts Sierra Club.

 

Housing and Climate Justice Lobby Day, Tuesday Sept 26.  Join us at the Massachusetts State House to meet with our legislators and advocate on behalf of two critical initiatives: The Housing Environment and Revenue Opportunities (HERO) bill; see the fact sheet. AND The Zero Carbon Renovation Fund (ZCRF) bill; see the fact sheet. Learn more and RSVP here. Tue, Sep 26, 10 am-3 pm, Massachusetts State House, Room 428.

 

Please try to join us for Thursday's meeting. If you have questions or items for the agenda, you can contact the Node coordinators, carolyncbarthel@gmail.com and/or ralph.halpern@comcast.net. We will send a reminder on Thursday.  

Thank you.

 

Node Co-coordinators,
Carolyn Barthel
Ralph Halpern

Ralph Halpern
ralph.halpern@comcast.net
781-784-3839 (h)

339-203-5017   

350 Mass Greater Franklin Node: Meeting, Thursday, August 17

Please join us for the next meeting of the 350 Mass Greater Franklin Node, this Thursday, August 17, 7:00-8:30 pm. 

We will meet on Zoom. 

This week's meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81930304274?pwd=Tm9VdGxYcDFaVTVDUkwyT3YvUnlFdz09

Meeting ID: 819 3030 4274

Passcode: 350ma

Dial-in +1 646 876 9923

350 Mass Greater Franklin Node

We want to remind you about the March to End Fossil Fuels, in New York City on September 17. 350 Mass is one the many partner organizations from across the country.  World leaders are gathering in NYC at the UN Climate Ambition Summit to demand that nations stop developing new oil, gas and coal projects and begin phasing out fossil fuels once and for all. In the largest climate march since the pandemic began, thousands will gather to demand President Biden declare a climate emergency and take bold action on climate. Fill out this form to RSVP and get involved with the protest. 350 Mass is organizing buses from Greater Boston to NYC; read more here, and follow the link to reserve a space. Note that you can indicate your interest in having a bus leave from Franklin. Ticket sales end September 1. For more information, visit end fossil fuels.us. 

This week we will continue to discuss the status and action plans for our priority campaigns, Make Polluters Pay and Emissions Free Buildings.  

We will also review recent actions by 350 Mass' Climate Courage working group. These actions are part of a national campaign to pressure those banks that finance the fossil fuel industry and expansion of its coal, oil and gas operations. 

Read about other upcoming events in the 350 Mass Event Calendar, including open discussions organized by the Charter Review Committee; the Committee welcomes and appreciates your input to help 350 Mass function as effectively as possible.  Also see updates in the Climate Weekly email (sign up for it here). 

Please try to join us for Thursday's meeting. If you have questions or items for the agenda, you can contact the Node coordinator carolyncbarthel@gmail.com. You will receive a reminder email on Thursday. 

 

Thank you.

 

Node Co-coordinators,
Carolyn Barthel
Ralph Halpern

Ralph Halpern
ralph.halpern@comcast.net
781-784-3839 (h)

339-203-5017   

350 Mass Greater Franklin Node: Meeting, Thursday, August 3 (virtual meeting)

Please join us for the next meeting of the 350 Mass Greater Franklin Node, this Thursday, August 3, 7:00-9:00 pm.  We will meet on Zoom.

 

350 Mass Greater Franklin Node: Meeting, Thursday, August 3 (virtual meeting)

This week's meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81930304274?pwd=Tm9VdGxYcDFaVTVDUkwyT3YvUnlFdz09

Meeting ID: 819 3030 4274

Passcode: 350ma

Dial-in +1 646 876 9923

You may have read in the Climate Weekly email about the March to End Fossil Fuels, in New York City on September 17. 350 Mass is one the many partner organizations from across the country.  World leaders are gathering in NYC at the UN Climate Ambition Summit to demand that nations stop developing new oil, gas and coal projects and begin phasing out fossil fuels once and for all. 

In the largest climate march since the pandemic began, thousands will gather to demand President Biden declare a climate emergency and take bold action on climate. Fill out this form to RSVP and get involved with the protest. Fill out this form to sign up for a bus from Boston to New York. For more information, visit endfossilfuels.us. We need to know by late August how many buses we'll need.

This week we will continue to discuss the status and action plans for our priority campaigns, Make Polluters Pay and Emissions Free Buildings.  

We will also review recent actions by 350 Mass' Climate Courage working group. These actions are part of a national campaign to pressure those banks that finance the fossil fuel industry and expansion of its coal, oil and gas operations. 

Read about other upcoming events in the 350 Mass Event Calendar, and in the Climate Weekly email (sign up for it here). 

Join our discussion about opportunities for actions in our Node's region.

Please try to join us for Thursday's meeting. If you have questions or items for the agenda, you can contact the Node coordinators,   carolyncbarthel@gmail.com and/or ralph.halpern@comcast.net. 

We will send a reminder on Thursday. 

Thank you.

 

Node Co-coordinators,
Carolyn Barthel
Ralph Halpern

Ralph Halpern
ralph.halpern@comcast.net
781-784-3839 (h)

339-203-5017