Today the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued a Tolling Order on Atlantic Bridge requests for Rehearing. That means FERC can ignore everything until it feels like dealing with things—their own deadlines no longer apply to them. So, the affected towns, and residents with independent legal representation have to wait— we need Governor Baker’s administration to step up to help protect Massachusetts.
The note I left the Governor today had some incontrovertible information to remind the him and his administration of their legally required responsibilities to meet the goals of the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2008 (GWSA). By law, the Governor and his administration must cut emissions through various avenues to meet target greenhouse gas emissions by 2020. A plan laid out in the Governor’s September 2016’s Executive Order #569 is the roadmap to meeting the GWSA goals required by law, however, any additional fossil fuel infrastructure is “irreconcilable with climate commitments” (see graph below from Acadia Center)
New natural gas infrastructure IS NOT COMPATIBLE with meeting the GWSA
I printed out the Executive Order and highlighted some pertinent passages that point to very serious responsibilities for the Governor’s administration. The kind of passages you cannot brush off, and are… wait for it… REQUIRED BY LAW.
In other news, I had some awesome guests today, with a surprise Weymouth resident popping in. Jerry G, his daughter, Elizabeth W., and Jerry’s granddaughter Baylee. Jerry and his family was the first photo in the Humans of the Incineration Zone series, and Jerry is also very active in fighting Spectra’s proposals for Weymouth. Baylee brought me a really yummy “bouquet” of Hershey’s kisses, so sweet! The surprise resident was at the State House for other reasons and popped in—Lisa J. from Weymouth. It was great to catch up with everyone, and show Baylee (on a half day from kindergarten) the Governor’s waiting room. I thank everyone so much for taking time out of their days and joining me. It means a lot!
Sit With Andrea (No weymouth compressor) 
On behalf of all of us who are strongly opposed to adding more gas pipelines, THANK YOU for your tireless work and relentless efforts! I applaud you wholeheartedly. I too have felt frustration at the lack of response from our Governor’s office and from other public officials. A group of us are getting ready to present a resolution at our town meeting in May to vote in opposition of the Spectra pipeline that is slated to run through the town of Norfolk. It’s been an uphill battle educating folks and getting them involved but reading about you and your work, gives me further energy and resolve to carry on our fight! Thank you again for your commitment!!