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Thank you to everyone who joined us for our West Branch Housatonic River cleanup! Together, volunteers removed bags of trash from the river and its banks, making a real difference for wildlife, water quality, and our community. If you missed it, there's another chance to get involved—join us for our next cleanup on Saturday, July 25.
We'd love to have you there!
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This issue of BEAT News includes updates on our recent work, upcoming events, and opportunities to take action. Whether you're volunteering, speaking up during public comment periods, or simply staying informed, your support helps protect wildlife, strengthen our communities, and care for the natural world that sustains us all. Thank you for being part of this work.
Brittany, Chelsey, Jay, Melanie, and Rose
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PIPELINE PROPOSALS
With several pipeline proposals moving through state and federal review at the same time, BEAT has been busy submitting comments to ensure these projects receive thorough environmental review and public oversight.
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FERC Scoping Comments – Algonquin R.A.R.E. Pipeline Expansion – We urged Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to fully evaluate the project's need, consider cleaner alternatives, and assess the cumulative impacts of this and other recent pipeline expansion proposals before moving the project forward.
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Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) Comments – Algonquin R.A.R.E. Pipeline Expansion – We asked the state to require a more thorough review of the project's impacts on wetlands, climate, public health, and environmental justice communities before any approvals are granted.
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FERC Environmental Assessment Comments – Cape Cod Replacement Project – We urged FERC to take a closer look at the project's environmental impacts, alternatives, and relationship to broader pipeline expansion plans.
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MEPA Final Environmental Impact Report Comments – Cape Cod Replacement Project – We asked the state to require a more complete review of impacts to wetlands, climate, and public health, and to fully evaluate alternatives and cumulative impacts of related pipeline projects.
Another public comment period is now open on FERC's proposed changes to its Blanket Authorization process, which could allow more pipeline projects to receive streamlined approval with fewer opportunities for public input. BEAT has prepared a public comment guide for anyone interested in participating. Comments are due July 27.
Visit BEAT's updated Pipeline Proposals campaign page to read our recent comments and filings, access public comment guides, and ways to take action. Together, we play are crucial in ensuring that major infrastructure projects are reviewed and community voices are heard.
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EDUCATION & OUTREACH
We're excited to bring back Green Drinks! As we plan the next series, we'd love your input on topics, speakers, and formats you'd like to see.
Please take a few minutes to complete our short survey and help shape future Green Drinks events. Thank you for helping us build a series that reflects the interests of our community!
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Moth Night at Chesterwood
Friday July 24, 8:30pm-11:30pm
Chesterwood, 4 Williamsville Road, Stockbridge, MA.
Join Matthew Rymkiewicz at Chesterwood for a nighttime light-sheeting demonstration in celebration of National Moth Week! Using illuminated sheets to attract moths and other nocturnal insects, we'll watch as these fascinating creatures begin to appear after dark. As the evening progresses, larger and more diverse species will arrive, offering a closer look at their incredible patterns, colors, and adaptations. Participants are welcome to drop in any time during the program—no experience is necessary, just curiosity. Come for a few minutes or stay for the whole evening as we observe, photograph, and try to identify the critters that gather at the sheets.
Registration is Required (Registration is full, but you may sign up for the waitlist)
River Cleanup
Saturday, July 25th (Rain Date: Saturday, August 22nd), 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Riverway Park, 181 Dewey Ave, Pittsfield, MA
Cleanups make a considerable difference in the health of the Housatonic River. Each summer, Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT) and Housatonic Valley Association (HVA) work together to remove trash from the west branch of the Housatonic River. Since beginning annual cleanups, our efforts have made a noticeable difference, with the piles of trash getting smaller — and that wouldn’t be possible without the help of volunteers. Join us to help support the health of our Housatonic River!
More Info & Sign Up!
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Points East: Possible Impacts of Constitution Pipeline for New England
Saturday, August 15, 2-5 PM
BEAT's Center, 20 Chapel St., Pittsfield, MA 01201
(Hybrid in-person/Zoom)
Join Cathy Kristofferson of Pipe Line Awareness Network for the North East (PLAN-NE) and Rosemary Wessel of Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT) for a presentation and discussion of the Constitution Pipeline’s potential impacts on the Northeast region.
Learn about the market and political factors driving current gas transmission expansion and what the construction of Constitution Pipeline could mean to our local communities and the environment, and what you can do to stop it.
This presentation is part of a series of community events throughout the region impacted by the Constitution pipeline proposal.
Registration is required to attend in-person or via Zoom.
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HVA Helps Secure Funding for Berkshire Culvert Projects
Berkshire Edge
The Housatonic Valley Association helped the towns of Egremont, Great Barrington, and Richmond secure more than $2.7 million in state grants to replace undersized culverts that contribute to flooding and block fish and wildlife movement.
READ MORE
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Data Centers Come to More Northeast States, Natural Gas Market Prepares for Growth
Lisa Shidler, RBN Energy
The rapid growth of AI data centers is expected to increase electricity demand across the Northeast, with many proposed facilities clustering near existing natural gas infrastructure and pipeline corridors. The trend is fueling renewed interest in pipeline expansions and gas-fired power generation, raising questions about how we will advance climate goals.
READ MORE
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Heat wave prompts US electrical grid emergency
Bill Hutchinson, abc news
A heat wave across the Northeast pushed electricity demand toward record levels, and the U.S. Department of Energy issued an emergency order to prevent blackouts. Grid operators warned extreme temperatures, growing demand and limited power supplies are placing unprecedented strain on the energy grid, highlighting the need for a more resilient grid.
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New report links Dalton air pollution to sand mine
Dylan Thompson, The Berkshire Eagle
An independent air quality study found Dalton experienced repeated episodes of extremely high levels of coarse particulate pollution (PM₁₀), with most events linked to winds blowing from the Berkshire Concrete sand mine. The report concludes that, if current conditions continue, the town is on track to exceed federal air quality standards this year.
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Springfield plant’s sewer overflows lead to river contamination
Ashley Shook, WWLP
Heavy rainfall caused more than 6.1 million gallons of untreated wastewater to overflow into the Connecticut, Chicopee, and Mill rivers. The incident highlights aging sewer infrastructure and increasingly intense storms.
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Sewage spill prompts Hudson River health advisory
Marcus Solis, abc news
A power outage caused untreated sewage to be discharged into the Hudson River, prompting a health advisory. Officials urged people to avoid swimming and other activities involving direct contact with the water until testing confirms it is safe again.
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| | Our work wouldn't be possible without the help of our supporters. Thank you for empowering us to continue to fight for the protection of the environment in western Massachusetts and beyond! | | | | |
