“Actually getting there is really going to take everything Massachusetts can muster”

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The Massachusetts Senate plans to take up a far-reaching package of climate bills whose major components include an electric MBTA bus fleet by 2040, carbon-pricing mechanisms for transportation, homes and commercial buildings, and a series of five-year greenhouse gas emissions reduction requirements that ramp up to net-zero emissions in 2050.

The three bills, teed up for debate on Jan. 30, with amendments due by Monday, amount to what Senate President Karen Spilka called a “comprehensive plan for the state” to respond to an international issue – global climate change.

“This is a race against time,” Spilka told reporters. “Climate change is changing not only Massachusetts and the United States, it is changing the face of our planet, and our planet’s survival is at stake.”

The carbon pricing and net-zero emissions provisions are both contained in one piece of legislation, dubbed An Act Setting Next-Generation Climate Policy (S 2477). The other bills address energy efficiency (S 2478) and electric vehicles (S 2476)."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200126/carbon-pricing-is-cornerstone-of-senate-climate-package

Links to the specific legislation referenced

• An Act setting next-generation climate policy https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/S2477
• An Act to Accelerate the Transition of Cars, Trucks and Buses to Carbon-Free Power https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/S2476
• An Act Relative to Energy Savings Efficiency https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/S2478

The post earlier this week with the MA Senate press release can be found
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/01/massachusetts-state-senate-unveils-next.html

Massachusetts State Senate Unveils Next Generation Climate Policy

Amid increasing reports of environmental devastation worldwide, the Massachusetts State Senate has taken major new steps in advancing the state's approach to combating global warming. The Senate's next generation climate policy package, including An Act Setting Next Generation Climate Policy, An Act to Accelerate the Transition of Cars, Trucks and Buses to Carbon-Free Power, and An Act Relative to Energy Savings Efficiency, were released by the Senate Ways and Means Committee today, and are scheduled to be debated by the full Senate next week.

"The young people of Massachusetts have told us in no uncertain terms that they are looking to state leaders to take bold action on climate change," says Senate President Karen Spilka. "The Massachusetts State Senate has listened. I'm proud of Senator Barrett for his diligence in crafting a thorough legislative package that takes concrete steps to reduce emissions and provides a plan to create a greener, healthier and more sustainable future. I would like to thank Senator Barrett and Senator Michael Rodrigues for their contributions to this next generation of climate leadership."

"As a result of a collaborative stakeholder process, the package of bills polled out by the Committee today proposes a comprehensive plan to reduce our carbon footprint and boldly confront the impacts of climate change," said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues, Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. "I applaud Senate President Spilka for her leadership and Senator Barrett for his thoughtful collaboration and partnership, which helped shape our efforts to put forward a series of bills to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and transform our energy delivery system to benefit our climate and future generations. I look forward to a robust and energetic debate next week on the Senate floor."

"Getting to net zero is absolutely necessary but it's also a big lift," said State Senator Mike Barrett, lead author and Senate Chair of the Utilities & Energy committee. "This bill is all about the how of it, as in 'Here's how we are going to get there.'"

Key provisions of the climate policy package include:

• Setting a statewide greenhouse gas limit for the year 2050 of "net zero" emissions. To achieve this, An Act Setting Next-Generation Climate Policy requires the state to hit near-term limits in 2025, 2030, and every five years thereafter; set sub-limits for transportation, buildings, solid waste, natural gas distribution, and other major sectors; and make implementation plans that are "clear, comprehensive, and specific."
• Establishing the Massachusetts Climate Policy Commission. The commission would be a new, independent public watchdog to oversee government's handling of the unfolding crisis of climate change. Commissioners will be charged with offering a nonpartisan, science-based view of the problem as it plays out in Massachusetts with its attendant natural, economic, and demographic impacts and risks.

"We want this commission to be an independent guardian of the future, notably the future of younger generations, insulated from political pressure and consisting of the most authoritative and credible Massachusetts voices we can find," stated Senator Barrett. "Job one for the Commission is to tell us if we're on track in bringing down emissions. Job two is to advise us on what to do next. The commission will give us objective information about the performance of both government and the private sector and will pay special attention to the impact on low-income and other disadvantaged communities. If the commission works as intended, it will be a new voice, standing apart from politics as usual and committed to shedding light on a very hard problem."

Reflecting the price of carbon. Under the bill, the Administration would be free to choose among various market based forms of pricing carbon—including a revenue-neutral fee or a regional "cap and trade" system similar to the Transportation Climate Initiative (TCI)—but he or she would have to do so by Jan. 1, 2022, for transportation; Jan. 1, 2025, for commercial, industrial and institutional buildings; and Jan. 1, 2030, for residential buildings. Any mechanism would be implemented so as to minimize the impact on low-income households, disadvantaged communities, and vulnerable manufacturing sectors.

Providing legislative direction to the Department of Public Utilities (DPU), the state's primary energy oversight agency, for the first time. Compensating for a decades-long omission, the bill assigns the DPU a mission statement. It requires the agency to balance five priorities: reliability of supply, affordability, public safety, physical and cyber security, and, significantly, reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

Jumpstarting efforts to supply low-cost solar electricity to low-income communities. To reverse the failure of state programs to incentivize solar energy projects in low-income neighborhoods, as well as spur job creation, the bill requires the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) to set aside future solar allocations for such neighborhoods.

Letting cities and towns adopt a "net zero" stretch energy code. The bill allows the state to support communities that choose on their own to move away from fossil fuels as the source of heating for new buildings. The state's contribution is to promulgate a "net zero" energy code, so that localities have the option available if they want to use it. The bill shifts responsibility for the code's development from the Board of Building Regulations and Standards to the DOER.

"When it comes to bringing down emissions, buildings are the toughest nut to crack," Barrett says. "We need to move on multiple fronts."

Nudging natural gas utilities to adapt. The bill authorizes utilities to test technology and pipelines that generate and transport "renewable thermal energy," an emissions-free way to heat buildings that draws on the relative warmth of temperatures below ground.

Strengthening executive branch oversight of MassSave. The bill directs the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) to set emissions reduction goals, in advance, for each three-year plan the utilities formulate for MassSave. It requires the DPU, at the conclusion of each three-year plan, to certify how much the plan actually contributed to meeting the Commonwealth's greenhouse gas emission limits.

Tightening the alignment between MassSave and emissions limits. The bill requires electric utilities to include an explicit value for emissions reductions whenever they calculate the cost-effectiveness of a MassSave offering.

Setting a deadline for converting MTBA buses to all-electric power. An Act to Accelerate the Transition of Cars, Trucks, and Buses to Carbon Free Power directs the MBTA to limit bus purchases and leases to zero-emissions vehicles beginning in 2030, and to aim for an all-zero-emissions fleet by 2040, to reduce transportation-related emissions in city neighborhoods.

Offsetting the Trump Administration's efforts to slow progress on efficient appliances. An Act Relative to Energy Savings Efficiency updates Massachusetts appliance standards to improve energy and water efficiency standards for common household and commercial appliances, helping to conserve energy and save consumers and businesses money.

Other provisions include:

• Assembling the state's first-ever database of energy use in large buildings.
• Adding two building efficiency experts and an expert in advanced building technology to the membership of the Board of Building Regulations and Standards, which will retain responsibility for the base energy building code.
• Authorizing the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) to fund energy innovation pilots, and to take actions addressing health effects associated with the distribution and consumption of fossil fuels such as natural gas.
• Directing the DPU to consider the impact on emissions when it reviews electric and natural gas rates, prices, charges, and contracts.
• Directing state government to limit purchases and leases of vehicles to zero emissions vehicles only, beginning in 2024, if affordable replacements are available.
• Conducting a study of the opportunities to electrify vehicles owned or leased by municipalities, regional school districts, and regional transit authorities, taking into account costs and possible sources of financial help from state and federal government.
• Providing permanent statutory authorization for the "MOR-EV" program, the Commonwealth's system of financial incentives for purchasers of zero emission vehicles.

"In Boston, we set a goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050," stated Boston Mayor Marty Walsh. "Buildings along with transportation make up nearly 99 percent of Boston's carbon emissions and I'm proud to join my colleagues at the Legislature in support of this proposal, which puts critical strategies in place to cut emissions across the Commonwealth. Together, we'll work towards a more sustainable Boston for our residents, and generations to come."

"We applaud the Senate's leadership and are pleased to see President Spilka making good on her promise to move forward critical climate legislation," stated Jacob Stern, Deputy Director of the Massachusetts Sierra Club. "Given that climate science tells us we only have until 2030 to substantially reduce our emissions, we hope that this legislation will serve as a catalyst for immediate action. We look forward to reviewing the bill in detail and working with our movement allies to pass these much-needed policies into law."

"NECEC commends Senate President Spilka and the Massachusetts Senate for proposing a net zero emissions standard, in alignment with scientific consensus," said Northeast Clean Energy Council (NECEC) President Peter Rothstein. "Swift passage of this legislation will accelerate the clean energy transition in the energy, buildings and transportation sectors, and will cement Massachusetts' position as a premier place to build a robust clean energy economy."

"We thank the Senate for releasing an energy bill that sets us on a course to more boldly address climate change—the most critical issue of our time," stated Elizabeth Henry, President of the Environmental League of Massachusetts. "By setting interim GHG reduction targets and echoing the Governor's call for net zero emissions by 2050, the Senate acknowledges how much work is left to do. In particular, we applaud the Senate for directing DOER to develop a net zero stretch code to address the built environment, and for including provisions that would accelerate electric vehicle use and ability of low income communities to access solar energy."

"With the bill released today, President Spilka and Senate leadership are setting the Commonwealth on a meaningful pathway to a net-zero carbon economy by 2050", said Deborah Donovan, Acadia Center's Massachusetts Director. "The strong interim target of a 50% reduction by 2030 ensures that Massachusetts will make the next decade count. The ambitious provisions of this bill will boost our economy and protect the health of our most vulnerable residents and our planet."

"Communities want and need a Net Zero stretch code in order to meet their local climate goals," said Rebecca Winterich-Knox of the Mass Climate Action Network. "Committing to the goal of Net Zero by 2050 is a big step in the right direction, and will let cities and towns take leadership on better buildings."

"The Senate Committee's climate bill will make a real difference for people's health and our climate," said Alyssa Rayman-Read, Vice President and Director of CLF Massachusetts. "Getting to zero emissions by 2050 is an absolute necessity, and pushing the T to exclusively use electric vehicles will go a long way towards hitting that goal."

"This legislation will continue to fuel our transition away from a carbon intensive economy, while promoting new job growth and economic opportunities for the Commonwealth," stated Michael Green, Executive Director of Climate Xchange. "A carbon free economy will benefit all of the Massachusetts businesses and residents. This legislation will unlock much needed market signals, providing the opportunity for sustainable business growth, innovation and continue to make Massachusetts one of the most vibrant economies in the nation."

The entire Senate is expected to vote on the legislation by the end of January.

Links to the specific legislation referenced

• An Act setting next-generation climate policy https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/S2477
• An Act to Accelerate the Transition of Cars, Trucks and Buses to Carbon-Free Power https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/S2476
• An Act Relative to Energy Savings Efficiency https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/S2478

"Unprecedented changes in all aspects of society will be required to avoid the worst effects of climate change"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Massachusetts is trending toward its long-term greenhouse gas emission reduction targets, but the effort to reduce global emissions is failing, according to a new United Nations report.

“The summary findings are bleak,” the UN reported in the 10th edition of its emissions gap report. “Countries collectively failed to stop the growth in global GHG emissions, meaning that deeper and faster cuts are now required.”

The report, prepared by scientists who assessed “all available information,” concluded that greenhouse gas emissions have risen at a rate of 1.5% per year in the last decade, and total greenhouse gas emissions reached a record high in 2018. Emissions from energy use and industry grew 2% in 2018.

The UN said there’s a growing political focus on “the climate crisis” in several countries, driven in part by protests, and that “technologies for rapid and cost-effective emission reductions have improved significantly.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20191201/un-reports-bleak-findings-on-global-greenhouse-gas-emissions

"The annual Sustainable Development Goals Report provides an overview of the world’s implementation efforts to date, highlighting areas of progress and areas where more action needs to be taken to ensure no one is left behind.

Four years since the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals, the 2019 Report notes progress in some areas, such as on extreme poverty reduction, widespread immunization, decrease in child mortality rates and increase in people’s access to electricity, but warns that global response has not been ambitious enough, leaving the most vulnerable people and countries to suffer the most."

From the UN page on the SDG Report 2019 
https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/progress-report/

The report itself can be found in sections or downloaded as a PDF from here
https://unstats.un.org/sdgs/report/2019/

"Unprecedented changes in all aspects of society will be required to avoid the worst effects of climate change"

Happy Thanksgiving....from Enbridge and FERC

Dear Greater Franklin node friends,

We've received some unfortunate news from our hard-fighting ally, the Fore River Residents Against the Compressor Station (FRRACS) in Weymouth.  They have been stalwartly fighting this battle against an Enbridge compressor station for five years as of next month.  They are not giving up and neither can we.  

The compressor station would emit greenhouse gases equivalent to half the vehicles driven in Massachusetts and make it nearly impossible to reach carbon emission reduction goals in the state.  And that's saying nothing about spewed toxic chemicals that would poison residents, leading to even higher rates of cancer, respiratory and heart disease in the community--already among the highest in the state.

While there some actions only they can take (e.g., lawsuits), we can support them as an ally by filling out the pledge form below to help in various ways, including spreading the word to and engaging neighbors and friends, making calls and other actions, and donating to their legal fund (this working community has already spent $1.75 million in legal costs).  Please see the linked form and sign up to do what you can!

Please hold your family and friends close this holiday season as we all need to help each other.

In solidarity,

Carolyn Barthel

Greater Franklin Node Coordinator

508-473-3305 H

View this email in your browser Dear Friend of FRRACS, It's the beginning of the Holiday Season for most of us, and as per usual, Enbridge and FERC (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission) have been busy preparing presents for all of us!   On Monday, Enbridge filed the Final Release Abatement Measure along with some very unsatisfactory answers to all of our comments. This Final RAM allows them to start digging in the arsenic and oil laden soil.  The DEP did not even make them answer to the questions of asbestos in the soil due to the decomposing furnace bricks.  Enbridge filed a notice with the Conservation Commission of the Town of Weymouth to begin digging this coming Tuesday, December 3!  You can read the RAM here--all 1692 pages of it.  This morning, FERC granted Enbridge the Notice to Proceed (NTP) construction on the compressor station.  While this was not unexpected, it comes over the objections of all of us, our Federal delegation, our state legislators, the Town of Weymouth, our allies, and pretty much everyone you can think of except for Gov. Baker.  While the contracts for the gas dry up, FERC is abdicating its role as overseeing "necessity" for gas and gas infrastructure.  They are an agency that has always been in the pocket of the fossil fuel industry, but now they are just allowing the gas companies to do whatever they want without proving need for the gas.  And, guess what?  We will all pay for the folly of Enbridge and FERC through our utility bills.  National Grid and Eversource say they don't need more gas and they don't need the Weymouth compressor station.  NG New England (Canadian company) is trying to sell their contracts back to National Grid.  Irving (Canadian as well) has entered into new agreements to get the gas they were to receive from this pipeline from Canadian sources.  No need for the gas.  No need for the compressor.  But Enbridge wants it, so FERC provides...with your money. We really did not want to ruin your Thanksgiving, but we want you to know that we are still in the fight.  With your help--your time, your treasure, and your talent--we are not giving up this fight.  We will work to stop this by all means available.  And we need you to stay focused, stay strong, and stay with us as a community.   How are we fighting?  We are: Fighting in court on the Air Quality permit and the Waterways permit. We are also looking for appellate relief on the Coastal Zone Management determination. Working with our local governments and our state delegation to keep the heat on FERC and Enbridge for this unnecessary compressor in our Environmental Justice neighborhoods. Working with our federal delegation to change FERC and their mandate to push fossil fuel. Working with our allies to organize actions on the ground. Working with all of you to keep you informed, organized, and strong. Will you join us?  If you have not signed the pledge yet, please go here to sign up to help on the ground wherever you can.  https://www.nocompressor.com/ To the Trolls who are likely on this email site, know that we are not going to give up or give in.  Those who seek to destroy our coastal home and our planet will ultimately lose this war.  Let's hope that it is sooner than later, as every day we get closer to planetary destruction.  All because the few refuse to join the many to save us all.  We wish you a change of heart and attitude over this season. We invite you to join our side. Just one more thing--FRRACS is committed to non-violence in our thoughts, our words, and our deeds.  We will continue non-violent civil disobedience trainings throughout this battle.  If you have not attended a training, please check our Facebook page or the website for upcoming times.   We were reminded this morning by Dr. Curt Nordgaard of a poem by Maya Angelou. "You may trod me in the very dirt. But still, like dust, I'll rise."   We wil rise.   In Peace and Solidarity, The FRRACS Team  https://www.nocompressor.com/ Visit NoCompressor.com

"This is a massive, societal undertaking"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"While traveling to Yellowstone National Park in a car during the summer of 2018, state Rep. Marjorie Decker and her family were escorted by pilot cars through active wildfires, the road illuminated by glowing flames. 

“It was 40 minutes of driving through thick smoke with (my two) grandmothers and the kids,” said Decker, D-Cambridge, as volunteer firefighters chopped down trees to allow drivers through. Some residents were evacuated, while others stayed put and went about their daily lives, taking detours around fires and limiting their time outside. 

While on the road, Decker said her family had to regularly monitor for smoke, air quality and location of the fires. 

“Boy, my anxiety was just right up there,” she said."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20191018/climate-change-proves-to-be-hot-topic-in-franklin

"This is a massive, societal undertaking"

Reminder: Two important events today -> Candidate Forum or Climate Crisis

1 - Meet the Candidates Event = Oct 17

The Town of Franklin invites you to hear from the candidates for Town Council and School Committee on Thursday, October 17 - 7:00 PM

Franklin voters: Meet the Candidates Event - Oct 17

Additional election information can be found on the Town Clerk page
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk

and of course the Election Collection
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/07/franklin-election-collection-2019.html


2 - "Franklin 2050:The Climate Crisis"

"Rising temperatures, eroding coastlines, fearsome storms and disappearing species.

All of these issues are raising alarm among people concerned about the specter of climate change.

“It’s not too late, but we’re not talking the distant future. We’re talking right now,” said Richard Halpern, chairman of the Franklin Democratic Town Committee’s events subcommittee.

Halpern is the force behind planning for an upcoming discussion on the subject the organization is sponsoring.

“Franklin 2050: The Climate Crisis” is set for 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at the Elks Lodge, 1077 Pond St."

Continue reading the article online
https://franklin.wickedlocal.com/news/20191009/forum-on-climate-crisis-planned-in-franklin/1

"Franklin 2050:The Climate Crisis" is free, but seating is limited. Registration is recommended. 

Pre-registration is available at:  
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/franklin-2050-the-climate-crisis-tickets-65325208457

Franklin 2050:The Climate Crisis

"what action, if any, will be taken by humans and when"

"Rising temperatures, eroding coastlines, fearsome storms and disappearing species.

All of these issues are raising alarm among people concerned about the specter of climate change.

“It’s not too late, but we’re not talking the distant future. We’re talking right now,” said Richard Halpern, chairman of the Franklin Democratic Town Committee’s events subcommittee.

Halpern is the force behind planning for an upcoming discussion on the subject the organization is sponsoring.

“Franklin 2050: The Climate Crisis” is set for 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at the Elks Lodge, 1077 Pond St."

Continue reading the article online
https://franklin.wickedlocal.com/news/20191009/forum-on-climate-crisis-planned-in-franklin/1

"Franklin 2050:The Climate Crisis" is free, but seating is limited. Registration is recommended. 

Pre-registration is available at:  
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/franklin-2050-the-climate-crisis-tickets-65325208457

Franklin 2050:The Climate Crisis

In the News: "We're all in big trouble"; Polar Park plans reveal a 'Worcester Wall'

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

‘We’re all in big trouble’: Climate panel sees a dire future

"Earth is in more hot water than ever before, and so are we, an expert United Nations climate panel warned in a grim new report Wednesday.

Sea levels are rising at an ever-faster rate as ice and snow shrink, and oceans are getting more acidic and losing oxygen, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change said in a report issued as world leaders met at the United Nations.

It warned that if steps aren’t taken to reduce emissions and slow global warming, seas will rise 3 feet by the end of the century, with many fewer fish, less snow and ice, stronger and wetter hurricanes and other, nastier weather systems.

“The oceans and the icy parts of the world are in big trouble, and that means we’re all in big trouble, too,” said one of the report’s lead authors, Michael Oppenheimer, professor of geosciences and international affairs at Princeton University. “The changes are accelerating.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/zz/news/20190925/were-all-in-big-trouble-climate-panel-sees-dire-future/1


Plans for Polar Park call for seating atop a ‘Worcester Wall’

"Much-anticipated plans for the Polar Park project and associated private developmen proposed for the Canal District and Kelley Square area have been filed with the Planning Board.

Five applications seeking definitive site plan approval for various aspects of the overall project have been filed by the Worcester Redevelopment Authority, which is overseeing the construction of the ballpark and a municipal parking garage, and Madison WG Holdings, LLC, which is doing the private development.

In some instances, the applications were jointly filed by the WRA and Madison WG Holdings.

All the applications are scheduled to go before the Planning Board on Oct. 9."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190925/plans-for-polar-park-call-for-seating-atop-worcester-wall

Charlie Baker Nine-Foot Puppet Comes To Franklin

On Thursday, September 26, at 10:00 AM, a group of climate activists and supporters from Franklin and surrounding towns, will gather at 541 West Central St. (Route 140) in front of Dunkin' Donuts with a nine-foot puppet of Governor Charlie Baker. The hour-long event is part of the Charlie's Climate Catastrophe Tour happening around the state organized by 350 Massachusetts, a statewide network of climate activists. The public is invited.

Carolyn Barthel, Coordinator of the 350 Mass Greater Franklin node, said, “Despite the disastrous Merrimack Valley explosions a year ago in which over 80 homes were damaged or destroyed and one person killed by gas line explosions, Charlie Baker continues to push new gas infrastructure in the state, including the dangerous Weymouth compressor station project. We must reduce our carbon emissions by stopping new gas infrastructure projects and transitioning from fossil fuel to renewable energy sources like solar and wind.”

The West Central location for the September 26 demonstration was chosen because it is the site of just one of 71 detected gas leaks in Franklin. Consumers pay for these gas leaks, not only monetarily in their gas bills, but in our atmosphere, adding to our growing climate crisis.

350 Mass is also sponsoring Thursday, October 17, 7:00-9:00 PM, with the Massachusetts Climate Action Network and the Franklin Democratic Town Committee a two-hour educational presentation, “Franklin 2050: The Climate Crisis” at the Franklin Elks Lodge, 1077 Pond Street, Franklin. It features a short video narrated by Morgan Freeman and three speakers to talk about the causes, the effects and what we can do about the climate crisis. The public is invited.

For more detailed information, go to “Franklin 2050: The Climate Crisis”
at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/franklin-2050-the-climate-crisis-tickets-65325208457


Franklin alone has 71 detected gas leaks!
 

Franklin 2050:The Climate Crisis

Franklin Democratic Town Committee Votes To Endorse The Green New Deal

The Franklin Democratic Town Committee approved a motion to endorse The Road To The Green New Deal at their September 9 monthly meeting voicing their support of the principles of the Green New Deal, which include:a rapid decarbonization of the economy and government investment in green jobs and infrastructure.

The Committee has been working hard to promote awareness among Franklin voters of the impact of the Climate Crisis on our environment and citizen's health. The Committee has six active sub-committees, including a Forum Committee chaired by Richard Halpern that chose as its first activity to cosponsor a climate crisis forum: "Franklin 2050:The Climate Crisis." 

The Climate Crisis forum will be held October 17 from 7 - 9:00 pm at the Elks Lodge,1077 Pond Street. Speakers will include Marjorie Decker, State Representative, 25th Middlesex District, FDTC member Ted McIntyre, PhD, Board Member, Mass Climate Action Network (MCAN), and Carolyn Barthel from 350 Mass for a Better Future, Carolyn Barthel, Coordinator and Steering Team, 350 Massachusetts For A Better Future.

"Franklin 2050:The Climate Crisis" is free, but seating is limited. Registration is recommended. Pre-registration is available at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/franklin-2050-the-climate-crisis-tickets-65325208457

Franklin 2050:The Climate Crisis