350MA Berkshire Node

We are the Berkshire Node of 350Massachusetts, a climate action network made up of engaged volunteers who work with the media, organize events, educate their communities, lobby lawmakers, and more. We’re currently focusing on three specific statewide campaigns:

1) ReNEWable Massachusetts: We’re calling for a halt to all proposed new fossil fuel infrastructure, including all proposed fracked gas pipelines. These pipelines would bring fracked gas through Berkshire County and threaten the environment and the climate system.

At the same time, we are pushing for the development of renewable energy sources, regulatory reform, energy conservation, and infrastructure repairs to meet our energy needs and ensure a clean, sustainable energy future and economy in Massachusetts.

2) Divest from Fossil Fuels: We’re calling on our government, universities, faith organizations, businesses and individuals to divest from fossil fuel investments.

3) Fair Carbon Pricing: We’re working across the state to put a price on carbon to make polluters pay.

350MA Berkshire Node volunteers also work on a number of local initiatives, including efforts to improve public transportation, fighting to protect our conservation lands, and more.
More Information

350MA Berkshire Node Meetings Take Place on The Third Wednesday of Every Month
Next Meeting:
September 19th, 6:00 – 8:00 pm
UU Church
175 Wendell Avenue
Pittsfield MA

Huge “Natural” Gas Disaster in the Merrimack Valley

Here’s a statement from our friends at the Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT): Our condolences to those affected by the Columbia Gas system failure on September 13, 2018. One dead, many injured, at least 50 structures damaged or destroyed in Lawrence, Andover and North Andover. Earlier on Sept. 13, Columbia Gas released this statement about… [Read More]

Resolution of the town of Windsor in support of 100 percent renewable energy

Congratulations to Stu Besnoff and the Town of Windsor! The full 100% renewable energy resolution (below) has passed! WHEREAS, too much of Massachusetts’ energy comes from fossil fuels that pollute our air and water and alter our climate; and, WHEREAS, Massachusetts communities are already feeling the impacts of climate change; and, WHEREAS, the town of… [Read More]

Join us for our Holiday Party!

Join with 350 Mass Berkshire Node Friends for some relaxing social time! Holiday Party Wednesday, December 20th 5:30-8:30pm UU Church, 175 Wendell Ave., Pittsfield Bring yourself! Bring food and/or drink! Bring an instrument (your voice, guitar, ukulele, maracas, tamborines, drums, whatever!) Email info@350ma-berkshires.org if you have questions. See you there! Happy Holidays! …from the… [Read More]

Stand Up, Charlie

When our governor, Charlie Baker, is asked to stop supporting new fracked gas infrastructure, he says he wants to “keep his options open.” We know the only safe option is NO MORE FRACKED GAS INFRASTRUCTURE. Decisions about powering our regional (New England) electric grid are highly influenced by the governors of the NE states. Massachusetts… [Read More]

ISO-New England… what is it, exactly?

ISO-NE (Independent Systems Operator) manages our regional grid to ensure the availability of reliable electricity at competitive prices. ISO oversees the markets where wholesale electricity is bought and sold, and performs analyses and planning for the next 10 years. ˃ Most members of ISO-NE came from the fossil fuel industry, so it’s not surprising… [Read More]

“Gas Summit” Spotlights an Unusual Collaboration

Special thanks to Frank Farkas for this special report. MIT’s Sloan School was the setting for a “Gas Summit” on October 3rd, officially titled, “Common Goals, Uncommon Partners: Seeking Solutions to Reduce Methane Emissions.” The conference was essentially a report on an ongoing collaboration between a coalition of environmental and environmental justice groups (including HEET, Clean Water Action,… [Read More]