2010.04.22 00:47:02

Amanda Tai

The following NY Times article focuses on the Senate’s upcoming agenda to tackle both Wall Street reform and climate change legislation. After much effort was put into passing healthcare legislation, the Senate will continue to push forward with its agenda by addressing economic recovery and climate change. Carbon markets will be a key topic for discussion for both the business and environmental communities as Senate leaders look to map out legislative strategy. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) intends to work  with committee leaders on the Kerry, Graham, Lieberman legislative proposal; expected to be released in the next week.

NY Times: Obama Wants Senate to Tackle Climate Bil After Wall St. Reforms

2010.04.22 00:46:10

Amanda Tai

The following press release from the USDA announces new resources to enhance market-based approaches to conservation. Through the USDA’s Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) in the 2010 fiscal year budget, about $25 million will be allocated to help assist producers in using market-based approaches and technological innovations in land conservation efforts. In addition to conservation, CIG also encourages innovative solutions for climate change, water/soil/air quality, and wildlife habitat protection. More information about the CIG program and application material can be found at http://www.grants.gov/ or the CIG web page.

2010.04.16 07:59:41

Martin Driggs

efficiency legislation home_star

2010.04.08 10:00:00

Martin Driggs

Renowned climate scientist-activist Dr. James Hansen posted the following op-ed in the Huffington Post, earlier this week.  Will President Obama seize his chance to address "the predominant moral issue of the 21st century?  We sure hope so!

For the full article, please visit the Huffington Post.

"President Obama, finally, took a get-involved get-tough approach to negotiations on health care legislation and the arms control treaty with Russia -- with success. Could this be the turn-around for what might still be a great presidency?

The predominant moral issue of the 21st century, almost surely, will be climate change, comparable to Nazism faced by Churchill in the 20th century and slavery faced by Lincoln in the 19th century. Our fossil fuel addiction, if unabated, threatens our children and grandchildren, and most species on the planet.

Yet the president, addressing climate in the State of the Union, was at his good-guy worst, leading with "I know that there are those who disagree..." with the scientific evidence. This weak entrée, almost legitimizing denialists, was predictably greeted by cheers and hoots from well-oiled coal-fired Congressmen. The president was embarrassed and his supporters cringed."

Read the full op-ed, here.

350 hansen climate obama

2010.04.06 09:08:28

Martin Driggs

There's a fun and free community event this Saturday (April 10th) in Dorchester - Following a job and health fair from 9 – 1pm, the Commonwealth Challenge is hosting a Green Jobs Rally and Block Walk. The event is one of the first stops on a Green The Block National Tour hosted by Green For All and Hip Hop Caucus.  Enjoy some conscious hip hop provided by Tem Blessed of YouthBuild New Bedford (and MAGJC Board member), learn about weatherization, then join in on a "Neighborhood Block Walk to Retrofit Dorchester."

MAGJC is proud to be partnered on the Commonwealth Challenge, a grassroots campaign led by community partners across Massachusetts. As MAGJC members, we hope that you will visit the website and take the pledge to reduce your own electricity demand 5% this year.  "When the People Lead, the Leaders Will Follow."  We can have 100% clean electricity in 10 years! 

Please check out the below details on this great event!  We hope to see you there (and yes, we realize its the same time as down:2:earth - another reason we need volunteers :)

To volunteer, please call Laurie at 857.445.8313 or email marty[at]magjc.org

What: Rally for Green Jobs: Party & Block Walk
When: Sat. April 10th, 12:30p - 3:00p
Where : Russell Auditorium, 70-80 Talbot Ave. Dorchester, MA
Contact : This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
How much?: FREE!

green_for_all | campaign | climate | green_jobs

2010.03.05 21:14:03

Martin Driggs

MAGJC is excited to be partnered on a new campaign meant to spark green jobs creation, energy conservation and poverty eradication across the Massachusetts, its called "The Commonwealth Challenge."  Here's an important message from the Campaign Coordinator, Josh Lynch.

 

Dear friends,

When the people lead, leaders will follow!

It is seven weeks before the 40th Earth Day, and the people of Massachusetts are coming together for The Commonwealth Challenge - a "retrofit revolution" that will fight poverty and pollution at the same time.

The Commonwealth Challenge is a campaign to collectively save 100,000 kWh of electricity by Earth Day, April 22. This achievement will stand as a challenge to our leaders to put a national price on carbon and clean up the Massachusetts electric grid within ten years. You see, we are tired of talking. Our aim is action. The results of our actions will send a message to our leaders more powerful than any petition drive.

I am asking you to join us. Whether you rent a shack, own a mansion, or live somewhere in between, you can make a difference by meeting The Commonwealth Challenge. Save 5% of your electricity by April 22. Find out how at:
http://www.CommonwealthChallenge.org

The CommonwealthChallenge.org website has many tools to help you meet your 5% pledge while saving money, reducing pollution, and creating good local jobs. Thanks to our community and business partners, you can:

• Sign up for a free home energy screening
• Retrofit your home at a group discount
• Track and compare your energy use with neighbors

Learn more and get involved:
http://www.CommonwealthChallenge.org

Massachusetts is the birthplace of American Revolution so let's create a spark that catches fire. Help us do that by sending this message to five Massachusetts friends and encouraging them to get involved.

When the people lead, leaders will follow. In a world where "green" is the hottest trend, let's take The Commonwealth Challenge and turn dreams into results.

With hope,
Josh Lynch

Coordinator, The Commonwealth Challenge

------------------------------

efficiency campaign

2010.02.28 09:46:48

Martin Driggs

The project reported below protects the union rights of “green jobs” workers.  The Western Mass. Green Economy Working Group helped the consortium members find each other.  WMGEWG advocates for a Green Economy which serves local communities, guarantees workers' rights to organize, and promotes community-owned sustainable projects.  We meet monthly on the fourth Wednesday, 12:30-2:30pm (Brown Bag Lunch at Noon), at the Pioneer Valley AFL-CIO Hall, 640 Page Boulevard, Springfield.

'Green' trades jobs await training

Springfield Republican, Wednesday, February 24, 2010

By Jim Kinney, business writer

http://www.masslive.com/hampfrank/republican/index.ssf?/base/news-25/1266999308286590.xml&coll=1

SPRINGFIELD - Classes in a "green" building trades program run by UMass, area labor unions and contractors, won't begin for months, but organizers already have jobs or slots in more advanced apprenticeship programs lined up for 19 graduates.

"Our joint apprenticeship partners are optimistic," said Joseph F. Connolly, director of the Labor/Management Workplace Education Program at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

If the Springfield training goes well, Connolly said the Workplace Education Program would like to expand it to Holyoke, Amherst, Greenfield, Pittsfield and Northampton.

read the full article here

2010.02.25 06:22:00

Martin Driggs

We might have a Black president, but that doesn't mean that systems of oppression are not still firmly in place, especially here in Boston.  The mainstream media would still have us think that, with the exception of a few shining hip-hop artists, athletes, and, well, one Commander in Chief, black people are largely incapable of succeeding in the professional world.  If, as allies, we are are going to help dismantle the stereotypes and remove the stigmas holding down our brothers and sisters, we must support them in holding up the role models and leaders within the community who are rewriting the story every day.

The Massachusetts Green Jobs Coalition (MAGJC) is dedicated to supporting this work, and we are happy to be here today at a special meeting of "Black People for Better Schools," to "honor the 11 of Boston's Black Male Educators and their commitment and passion to serve the youth in our communities."  These headmasters of Boston Public Schools have so often done so much with so few resources. It is so important to highlight their steadfast efforts and successes.

We are in the Piedmonte Room at Boston City Hall, filled with some of the strongest leaders in the Boston Public School system and the local Black community.  We are so very honored to be able to attend this event in solidarity and mutual support.  Spirits are high as a few of the honored headmasters address the crowd. "Fools have called this a thankless job," proclaimed Winston Cox, Director of the Social Justice Academy, "but we are reminded how important it is, every single day."

These men continue to work diligently in what was today referred to as "the trenches of education," to provide critical role models for so many young people in the Boston Public School system. As Headmaster Cox tells his students, "You can see us, so you can be us."

 

2010.02.25 00:49:43

Martin Driggs

From the President of the NAACP, as reported by CNN:

He is quite simply one of the few Americans in recent years to have generated powerful new ideas that are creating more jobs here.

He wrote the national bestseller, "The Green Collar Economy," which provided the definitive blueprint for retooling American industry to create pathways out of poverty and generate a national economic recovery. He was a driving force behind passage of the 2007 Green Jobs Act. In fact, Van's ideas have helped lead to the creation of tens of thousands of jobs across the industrial Midwest and throughout the nation's decaying urban and rural areas.

Van Jones also may be the most misunderstood man in America.

Read the Full Article, here.

 

Update:

 

 

 

2010.02.11 10:00:00

Martin Driggs

Mass Alliance is looking to hire a Deputy Director.  This is an excellent opportunity for an individual with some experience in politics and organizing, but with plenty of room for professional growth.  It is a great job for someone  who wants to have a tangible role in helping to  build the progressive movement in Massachusetts.

Apply Now!  Deadline March 1st!

get the details here http://massalliance.org/career.html

2010.02.01 01:52:56

Martin Driggs

Massachusetts leading the way in energy efficiency

January 31st, 2010

Energy efficiency is the most readily available resource that will help us cut down our fossil fuel use and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.  As this recent New York Times article explains, Massachusetts has been ranked #2 (after California) for energy efficiency, as a state.  There is still, of course, much room for improvement.  Last Friday, state officials announced new energy efficiency standards that will, if implemented, bump the state to the forefront and create and estimated 25,000 new green jobs.

Massachusetts Sets Ambitious Energy Standards :: New York Times :: by Leslie Kaufman

 

 

 

efficiency | weatherization

2010.01.23 04:18:13

Scott Samenfeld

Green Economy Blogs Of interest to anyone working to create a just, inclusive and green economy. — 9/9 - Siloxanes Complicate Biogas Picture, But Solutions are at Hand [CleanTechnica]    (Wednesday, 08 September 2010 22:48) siloxanes appearing in agricultural biogasPerhaps you’ve heard of siloxanes — those ubiquitous chemicals found in hair care products, make-up, deodorant, food additives, soaps, textiles, lubricants, paints – oh heck, the list goes on and on. The problem is, siloxanes end up in biogas recovered from landfills, industrial operations and sewage treatment plants. If not removed they can end up causing severe damage to equipment. In recent years the problem has also migrated over to... — 9/8 - Federal Agency Sues LED Bulb Maker [Green Inc.]    (Wednesday, 08 September 2010 17:40) The Federal Trade Commission says that in many instances, Lights of America's LED bulbs produce significantly less light and have far less longevity than the company says in its marketing. — 9/8 - Panel Urges Tougher Offshore Regulation [Green Inc.]    (Wednesday, 08 September 2010 16:37) A review board suggests hiring dozens of new oil and gas drilling inspectors, giving additional training to those already on the job and investing regulators with more authority to cite violations and impose fines. — 9/8 - To Go Where Compact Fluorescents Cannot [Green Inc.]    (Wednesday, 08 September 2010 12:09) The area in which LED's will best replace compact fluorescent bulbs, an executive suggests, is in directional lighting. — 9/8 - ONE NATION WORKING TOGETHER UNITES AMERICANS FOR JOBS, JUSTICE AND EDUCATION FOR ALL [Green For All]    (Wednesday, 08 September 2010 11:48) (WASHINGTON, DC) – Heeding a call to Put America Back to Work and Pull America Back Together, tens of thousands of people across America have united as One Nation Working Together for jobs, justice and education. One Nation Working Together is a fast-growing movement of people of diverse backgrounds, hues and faiths demanding an American economy that works for all of us. — 9/8 - The Death Defeating Solar Panel | Groundbreaking Nanotechnology [CleanTechnica]    (Wednesday, 08 September 2010 10:21) Wayne National Forest Solar Panel ConstructionLife: once you’re past your early twenties it becomes a war of attrition. Nagging little things start to plague your existence .. a sprained ankle one year, a stiff calf every morning the next. A few too many beers and slowly a spare type starts to inflate uncontrollably around your middle. Suddenly you’re forty and will never be able to run as fast as you could half a lifetime ago. Eek! Wouldn’t it be nice to be a solar panel instead? Not only could you... — 9/8 - A Regenerative Feat for Solar Cells [Green Inc.]    (Wednesday, 08 September 2010 10:17) A discovery could help extend the life of experimental high-efficiency solar cells, which often suffer from short lifespans when tested outside the laboratory, researchers say. — 9/8 - On the Migratory Trail, Leaders and Followers [Green Inc.]    (Wednesday, 08 September 2010 08:09) In any herd, some animals have an acute ability to take in environmental cues like temperature and geomagnetic fields and lead the way. But there also is an advantage to being less sensitive to such cues and more attuned to other members of the herd, a study suggests. — 9/7 - Street Cred vs. Green Cred [Green Inc.]    (Tuesday, 07 September 2010 15:28) Arizona's Green Party is not amused by a Republican operative's effort to recruit people from the streets to run as Green candidates on the November ballot. — 9/7 - Is BPA Safe? Europe Also Seeks Answers [Green Inc.]    (Tuesday, 07 September 2010 13:58) Like federal and state entities in the United States, the European Food Safety Authority is now re-evaluating BPA, in this case by analyzing the data from more than 800 studies.

 

 

 

2009.12.12 22:16:51

Martin Driggs

Dedicated climate acivists huddle together for the Boston Climate Vigil

by Marty Driggs

12/12/2009

Boston's "Vigil for Survival" last Friday brought together some of the most dedicated and passionate advocates for climate justice and climate action in the area, as demonstrated by their steadfast determination to weather one the coldest and windiest nights we've had yet. It seemed to be an appropriate way to stand in solidarity with those who are will be most affected by climate change.  Many thanks to all those who joined us for this solemn event.

Dozens of us gathered in the Cardinal Cushing Park, right in front of Senator Kerry's office in downtown Boston, "to express our support for a science-based international climate treaty and climate legislation in the U.S. that gets us back to atmospheric CO2 concentrations of less than 350ppm."  It was a bit too windy to keep candles lit, but there were a few flames to be seen (including electric candles and one creative substitute: a blinking safety light!).  The crowd weathered brutal winds and were rewarded with inspirational words and songs.  By the end the group had almost perfected the huddling techniqe of the penguins, but as some of our outer "penguins" might attest, we need to work on rotation.

MAGJC is proud to have been a part of this global act, which took place in more than 3000 thousand locations across the globe.  "Together, we lit candles of hope to stand in solemn solidarity with the citizens of the nations whose very survival is threatened by the climate crisis." (350.org)  Global actions such as this are much more than symbolic demonstrations.  They are excercises in coordinated global intention.  We have much work to do as a planet, as a species.  Every chance to act as one, to think as one, is a collective step towards a realizing our global Earth Community.

Enjoy this video summary from the organizers at 350.org

MAGJC is proud to have co-sponsored Boston's "Vigil for Survival" along with the following organizations:

Cooperative Metropolitan Ministries
Global Warming Education Network
Greenpeace
Green Rainbow Party
Home Energy-Efficiency Team
JP Greenhouse
Massachusetts Climate Action Network
Massachusetts Coalition for Healthy Communities
Massachusetts Council of Churches
Ocean River Institute
Students for a Just and Stable Future

 

 

 

350 | climate

2009.12.11 10:00:00

Martin Driggs

Dear MAGJC friends,

Please see the below message from Greenpeace organizer David Pomerantz about
an important event taking place tonight in Boston.  MAGJC is happy to be a
co-sponsoring the "Vigil for the Climate", as part an international event
organized through 350.org (info at www.350.org/vigil).  Together, we will
light candles of hope to stand in solemn solidarity with the citizens of the
nations whose very survival is threatened by the climate crisis.

What: Vigil for the Climate
When: Friday December 11 at 6:00 pm
Where: Cushing Park, corner of Cambridge St. and New Chardon St., Bowdoin T
stop, Boston, MA

Candlelight vigil:
Make and bring a lantern: cut the top 1/3 of a 2 liter soft-drink bottle,
put a votive or short taper in it, poke holes through the sides at the top
and string a metal string through the holes to make a handle.

More Details on the Vigil for the Climate

 

Speakers:
- The Rev. Dr. Jim Antal, Minister and President of the Massachusetts
Conference of the United Church of Christ
- State Representative Will Brownsberger
- Pamela Bush, poet and lead organizer for Greater Four Corners Action
Coalition
- Dominique McCadden, Students for a Just and Stable Future

Musician/Vocals: Ken Ward and Andree Zaleska of JP Greenhouse

Co-sponsoring Organizations:
Cooperative Metropolitan Ministries
Global Warming Education Network
Greenpeace
Green Rainbow Party
Home Energy-Efficiency Team
JP Greenhouse
Massachusetts Climate Action Network
Massachusetts Coalition for Healthy Communities
Massachusetts Council of Churches
Massachusetts Green Jobs Coalition
Ocean River Institute
Students for a Just and Stable Future

facebook event:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/event.php?eid=186121428405&ref=ts

Please read the below letter for more details on the importance of this
event.
Hope to see you there!

-Laurie, Kalia, Marty and the MAGJC Team!

--
Laurie Leyshon
Co-founder, MAGJC
40 Maple Ave. Apt. 2
Cambridge, MA 02139
617.497.1293 - phone
857.445.8313 - cell
llleys...@gmail.com

Hi friends,

Tonight's the big night for our Candlelight Vigil for the Climate!! We'll be
meeting at *6 p.m. at Cardinal Cushing Park, right outside Senator Kerry's
office. *(This is immediately outside the Bowdoin T-stop on the blue line.
If you're coming from the red or green lines, it's also a quick walk from
Charles/MGH or Government Center.)

Some background on why your presence is so crucial tonight:

This very moment, delegates in Copenhagen are struggling to reach a fair,
ambitious and legally binding treaty that will solve the climate crisis.
Anything less will sacrifice millions of lives in the poorest countries in
the world, the ones that did nothing to create this problem. The biggest
thing stopping this from happening is INACTION by our own country, the U.S.

We must send a message to President Obama, Senator Kerry and all the U.S.
negotiators in Copenhagen this evening that we will not settle for political
solutions or mediocre half-measures.

And we're not alone. People around the world will be taking action tonight
and tomorrow to send a message to their leaders and propel them into the
second week of the talks, when President Obama himself and other Heads of
State arrive, and the talks get really interesting.

So please join us, and grab some friends!

It will be cold, so bundle up and get ready for some fun. *Don't forget your
lantern if you can make one!! There are instructions on the attached flier.
*
Can't wait to see you tonight!
Dave

--
David Pomerantz
New England Field Organizer
Greenpeace
c: 914.584.9054
o: 617.245.1976

 

 

2009.07.02 02:10:42

Scott Samenfeld

Green Jobs for a Green Future: Weatherization

(from the The Blog/Briefing Room/Whitehouse.gov)

Posted by Jesse Lee

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24TH, 2009 AT 11:25 AM

"We have heard from Van Jones, Special Advisor for Green Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation at the White House Council on Environmental Quality, on some of the seedlings of a clean energy economy before. And back in May he introduced us to the enormous potential of weatherizing buildings and homes. Today, as part of a week where the Cabinet is out in force pushing through key energy-related projects and initiatives, Van comes back again to show us how weatherizing homes will be a major source of jobs in neighborhoods like yours as the President’s vision for a clean energy economy becomes reality. See if you can watch the video and not be excited about what the future holds here.

Van Jones will also be back with us for a live-streamed chat through Facebook and WhiteHouse.gov at 3:00 this afternoon to talk about the future of green jobs in America. Join us."

UPDATE: Good, related new from the Labor Department. An excerpt from their release:

During a visit to Memphis today, Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis announced five grant competitions, totaling $500 million, to fund projects that prepare workers for green jobs in the energy efficiency and renewable energy industries.

"Emerging green jobs are creating opportunities for workers to enter careers that offer good wages and pathways to long term job growth and prosperity," said Secretary Solis.  "Workers receiving training through projects funded by these competitions will be at the forefront as our nation transforms the way we generate electricity, manufacture products and do business across a wide range of industries."