The Autumn Fun Drive Enviro Show

Greetings Earthlings. It's time to pay the piper again. Remember, Valley Free Radio runs on YOUR donations, not on corporate largess that dictates the content. VFR is independent community radio and The Enviro Show is just one of many locally produced shows that VFR makes possible. Now we are asking you to help keep the show on the air during our annual Autumn Fund Drive (i know we said "fun drive" and it will be lots of fun IF you do YOUR share and support The Enviro Show....otherwise we'll sulk and whine and who wants THAT!). Soooo, even though we'll be constantly reminding you of how much we need your support, we may still have time for a brief visit to The Enviro Show Echo Chamber, the Quote of The Week and our E-Valley-uation segment, but first it's time for...Revenge of the Critters! Sea lion snot into showtime. See the video here.

In The Enviro Show Echo Chamber we scope out the Invasion of the Frankenfish! Maybe we should've saved that one for our Halloween show, but hey, there's plenty more horror stories courtesy of the corporados, right? O, and speaking of corporados and the water check this out: Greenpeace USA activists stop Chevron offshore drilling project. Yes!.....finally!! And this: there's the energy crisis and there's the water crisis. What? There's some connection? Who knew! Here's our Enviro Show Blog Bonus: The National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and Offshore Drilling needs to hear YOUR comments NOW! Finally, this from Grist, it doesn't get much more ironic: Maryland Green Party Senate candidate killed by SUV while cycling.

Johnny Cash's "Don't go near the water" takes us to our E-Valley-uation segment where Biomess industry flaks get their panties all up in a knot over Patrick administration rules restricting tax credits for biomass energy, aimed at curbing greenhouse gas emissions. Jeez! Sorry to get in the way of your cash cow guys! And this: Shut it Down affinity group is at it again. This time they're nailed for tagging Vermont Yankee! Go grannies, go!!

Our Enviro Show Quote of the Week states: “The idea of wilderness needs no defense, it only needs defenders.” - Ed Abbey

Hey, did we mention it's our annual Autumn Fund Drive? Isn't it time you stepped up to the plate and helped support VFR and The Enviro Show? Did you know you can do it right NOW, right HERE? Thanks, we needed that!

Then it's on to the Bus Stop Billboard:

Thursday, Sept. 30, 6 pm. Meeting of Stop Toxic Incineration in Springfield at the Arise office. Call: (413) 455-3829 or 734-4948

Saturday, October 2, 2010.--Source-to-Sea Cleanup: 9 a.m. to 12 noon--Hauling: volunteers with trucks or ATV's needed from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. or any portion of that time. In Gill, Montague, East Deerfield, and Erving. Call Beth Bazler at Northfield Mountain Recreation and Environmental Center, (800) 859-2960, or email amy@franklincountywastedistrict.org. Elsewhere in the watershed (VT, NH, MA and CT), see a map at http://www.imrivers.org/crwc/, call Connecticut River Watershed Council (413) 772-2020 x201 or email: cleanup@ctriver.org.

Saturday, October 9, 10:00am. Big Tree Walk. Mohawk Trail State Forest is home to the tallest trees in New England. No other public property in our region has so many champions of height which included the 170.1 foot-tall Chief Jake Swamp white pine. Join Bob Leverett as he points out significant trees and groves of trees and discusses the history and ecology of the species represented in Mohawk Trail State Forest. Call (413) 339-5504

Sunday, October 10, 11:15am. 350.org's 10/10/10 events. First Congregational Church in Amherst will have a worship service at 10:30 AM themed around care for the Earth followed by a congregation-wide work party starting around 11:15 AM. We'll have lunch together at 1:00 PM to celebrate the conclusion of our activities.

Sunday October 10, 5:00am - 8:00am. 350.org 10/10/10 event. Winter Moon Farm Photovoltaic turn-on!. We hope to turn on a new 34.3 KW system for 10-10-10. 156 Solar panels are already on the roof! Pot Luck dinner and music. Please bring an instrument if you can! 17 Lawrence Plain Rd. Hadley.

Sunday, October 10, Noon - 2pm. 10/10/10 Global Climate Crisis Work Party. Help us Plant 100 Trees on 10/10! To kick off our restoration of a floodplain forest at Land of Providence in Holyoke, a project funded in part by the Massachusetts Environmental Trust, join us in planting 100 trees along the riverfront. 413.532.1631 x13

Tuesday, October 12, 2010: Change the system, not the climate!Call for a global day of direct action for climate justice The disaster that was the climate summit in Copenhagen highlighted one thing above all: That we cannot expect UN-negotiations to solve the climate crisis for us. Governments and corporations are unable (even if they were willing) to deliver real climate justice. Only powerful, global climate justice movements can achieve the structural changes that are necessary. To get involved please email info@climate-justice-action.org

October, 14-16. Beginning Thursday morning Forum (C building) Holyoke Community College at 9:30am. The Forest Summit. HCC in association with the Eastern Native Tree Society is hosting a long term lecture series to focus on the history, current status, and the future of the Forests of the Northeast and beyond. Go to: http://www.hcc.edu/forest/


Saturday,October 16, 9am. 350.org's 10/10/10 events. Grace Episcopal Church in Amherst will organize a parish-wide work party on the Saturday after 10/10/10 that will focus on implementing the recommendations from our top-to-bottom energy audit.

OK, so you made your pledge (right?) and you're ready to listen to your Mother, OK? In that case we'll shut-up and go out with a "Big Oilmance" by Jamie of SomaCow

The Forest Forensics Enviro Show

Greetings Earthlings. We know Enviro Show listeners are concerned about the health and well-being of the forests around us, but what about the history of those forests? Tom Wessels, ecologist and founding director of the master’s degree program in Conservation Biology at Antioch calls-in to talk with Glen about his new book "Forest Forensics". And yes, we said "talk with Glen" 'cuz Jean & D.O. are both away, leaving poor Glen to deal with the end of the world as we know it. Maybe he will spare you D.O.'s usual endless recitations from The Enviro Show Echo Chamber or our E-Valley-uation segment, but he certainly won't blow off our....Revenge of the Critters! Man attacked by tree while tweeting!

In the Enviro Show Echo Chamber forest activists in Russia need help in efforts to halt the construction of a highway through the Khimki forest. Moving over to Pakistan: about that horrendous flooding? Would you be surprised to learn that illegal logging was a big part of the problem? And speaking of actions here on the blog: We invite you to sign on to commit to action against a fossil fuel pipeline and pumping project (”Trailbreaker”) that may bring tar sands bitumen through infrastructure across several American states and Canadian provinces. You can sign the pledge here. Finally, Jill Stein, the only Green candidate for Gov. in the so-called Commonwealth is being excluded from the big debate!

In our E-Valley-uation segment we return to the Biomess! As you may recall, folks in Western Mass were instrumental in exposing the bullshit being put out by the biomass industry. Now the movement's gone national (international actually) and it's time for YOU to tell the EPA that emissions from biomass should not be ignored. Send your comments here. OK, so how can we talk about forest issues without talking about clearcutting by the Quabbin? We can't! Also, the proposed incinerator in Springfield reminds us to sign the petition to Governor Deval Patrick asking him to walk the walk for a real Zero Waste plan. For that go here

After Glen's interview with Tom Wessels it's off to the Bus Stop Billboard:

Friday, Sept. 17, 7pm. “Anthrax War”: Documentary examining the 2001 anthrax attacks and the secret and dangerous world of germ weapons. Local activist and attorney John Bonifaz will speak after the film at the Media Education Foundation’s Frances Crowe Community Room, 60 Masonic Street, behind Woodstar Café, in downtown Northampton. Call 413-584-3158

Saturday, September 18, 10:00am. Mohawk Trail State Forest is home to about 450 acres of old growth forest through which passes a 1.25-mile stretch of the original Mohawk Trail. This historic foot path was once used by Native Americans as a trade route between the Connecticut and Hudson River valleys. Join Bob Leverett as he takes us to the top of Todd Mountain along the historic foot trail for a look at its old growth forests and wealth of champion trees. Bob discusses the story of the Mohawk Trail, past and present, including modern Native Americans who continue to find meaning in this place. The hike is strenuous. Be sure to use good footwear and bring a snack/lunch, and water. Call (413) 339-5504

Wednesday September 22, 12:30-2pm, Brown Bag Lunch at Noon. GREENWORK: THE WESTERN MASS GREEN ECONOMY WORKING GROUP. Pioneer Valley AFL-CIO Hall, 640 Page
Boulevard, Springfield (732-7970).

September 25-27. Appalachia Rising in Washington DC. A national response to the poisoning of America’s water supply, the destruction of Appalachia's mountains, head water source streams, and communities through mountaintop removal coal mining. Email: Massachusetts Contact: Rana Xavier at shoot.rana.x@gmail.com or appalachiarising092710@gmail.com. Go to: http://appalachiarising.org/

Saturday, October 9, 10:00am. Big Tree Walk. Mohawk Trail State Forest is home to the tallest trees in New England. No other public property in our region has so many champions of height which included the 170.1 foot-tall Chief Jake Swamp white pine. Join Bob Leverett as he points out significant trees and groves of trees and discusses the history and ecology of the species represented in Mohawk Trail State Forest. Call (413) 339-5504

Sunday, October 10, 11:15am. 350.org's 10/10/10 events. First Congregational Church in Amherst will have a worship service at 10:30 AM themed around care for the Earth followed by a congregation-wide work party starting around 11:15 AM. We'll have lunch together at 1:00 PM to celebrate the conclusion of our activities.

Sunday October 10, 5:00am - 8:00am. 350.org 10/10/10 event. Winter Moon Farm Photovoltaic turn-on!. We hope to turn on a new 34.3 KW system for 10-10-10. 156 Solar panels are already on the roof! Pot Luck dinner and music. Please bring an instrument if you can! 17 Lawrence Plain Rd. Hadley.

Tuesday, October 12, 2010: Change the system, not the climate!Call for a global day of direct action for climate justice The disaster that was the climate summit in Copenhagen highlighted one thing above all: That we cannot expect UN-negotiations to solve the climate crisis for us. Governments and corporations are unable (even if they were willing) to deliver real climate justice. Only powerful, global climate justice movements can achieve the structural changes that are necessary. To get involved please email info@climate-justice-action.org

October, 14--16, 2010 The Eastern Native Tree Society Conference in the Forest Summit Lecture Series October 14-15 at Holyoke Community College. The Conference is still in the planning stage. More details and the agenda will come soon, so please SAVE THE DATE and check here: http://www.nativetreesociety.org/

Saturday,October 16, 9am. 350.org's 10/10/10 events. Grace Episcopal Church in Amherst will organize a parish-wide work party on the Saturday after 10/10/10 that will focus on implementing the recommendations from our top-to-bottom energy audit.

That's all folks! Next time it's the On-air Pledge drive at VFR, but why wait! You can donate right now and support The Enviro Show! Until then, remember: listen to your Mother.

Our 5th B-Day Enviro Show!

Greetings Earthlings. Believe it or not we've reached age 5 here on The Enviro Show. Yes, we have behavioral problems, but no, bed wetting is not one of them. The show turned 5 on August 26. We guess that makes us a Virgo and therefore: "fussy and a worrier; overcritical and harsh; perfectionist and (get this) CONSERVATIVE"! (OK, maybe not, but we do conserve!). Tom Neilson joins us in the studio for our Birthday bash. There will be cake....(well, it's really corn bread)...for eveyone! Sorry, no burning candles allowed in the studio. Of course, there's another more somber 5 year year anniversary taking place in New Orleans, isn't there. Just because we'll be partying doesn't mean we're asleep at the switch. We continue to update you on the ongoing BP Cover-up as well as hip you to other issues in The Enviro Show Echo Chamber and in our E-Valley-uation segment, but first it's time for....Revenge of the Critters! We jump into the Wayback Machine to visit tiny jellyfish who kill you!

In our brand new Fool on the Hill segment we find that HuffPo has noted that Every New Hampshire Republican candidate for the Senate is a global warming denier. Well, like they say: live free or die! We're not sure if our Repugnican Senator, Scott Brown is a climate crisis denier but he sure is pals with folks who are. Looks like folks in Boston have been shadowing Brown with the message that "climate change deniers belong in jail!".


In the Enviro Show Echo Chamber, back in the Gulf it's more science under siege. A BP sponsored study finds happy hungry microbes gobbling up oil plumes (like magic!), BUT that's not what our own Woods Hole oceanographers found, and it's not what U of Georgia oceanographers found, nor is it what U of South Florida researchers found! Speaking of finds: dead fish anyone? And this Enviro Show Blog Bonus: Help protect Sperm Whales in the Gulf! Finally, how about a 60 mile, weeks-long traffic jam? Better bring crayons for the kids. O, and guess what? It's brought to you by King Coal!

In our E-Valley-uation segment we have a two-fer from the noertheast corner of the Valley. First, the news we didn't get to last time: We noticed back on August 15 that the Sawmill River in Leverett had almost everything in it but....water! It's Lake Wyola headwaters in Shutesbury, on the other hand, is topped off! What's THAT about?? Then we head northward up the hill in Leverett to threatened wetlands by the Montague border.

In the Meet the New Boss segment our native son, Rep. Ed Markey takes the Administration's minions to task for giving a pass to toxic seafood from the Gulf. Go Ed!

Of course, we'll get into all sorts of B-Day hi jinks with Tom. Maybe Glen will bring his banjo and torture us with that for a spell. There's also the chance we'll have games like Pin the Tail on the Toady.

Then it's on to the Bus Stop Billboard:

Saturday, Sept. 4th: Lafayette Park: 2 - 5pm. and Sunday, Sept. 5th: Washington Mall near Capitol Hill: 11am-4pm. Spill into Washington DC - Labor Day Weekend. A rally in the nation's capital is crucial to gaining the lasting attention of law makers around the BP oil disaster. Email:lydiaajohnson@gmail.com or Phone: 402/708-2224. Website: http://spillintowashington.org

Tuesday, September 7, 7:00 in the Community Room of the Media Education Foundation in Northampton on Gothic Street, the Solentiname Friendship Group of Western MA welcomes Alan Wright, President of SOSTENICA and Rachel Lindsay, Coordinator of Sustainable Development for SOSTENICA, who will be discussing current efforts to develop a national Sustainable Rural Development program in northern Nicaragua. This gathering is free, open to the public and wheelchair accessible. For more information contact: Sandy Mandel @413-585-8240

Thursday, Sept 9, 4pm. Franklin County Fair Parade. No Nukes contingent or the CCFC Biomess contingent. Marchers need a wrist band for a dollar. CCFC has ordered 200 and it must be 1st come 1st served, but people can reserve by contacting janet, 625-2886 or at jasinclair@verizon.net. New Fair policy is you need a wrist band to be in the street. We line up at 4:00 behind the Middle School and Blessed Sacrament Church on Federal St. The parade begins at 5:30 and we get to the fair grounds at about 7:30. You can march in any or all of the parade. The theme this year is "We Grow, We Sow, We Celebrate". Use your imagination! Please make or bring signs (many lawn signs welcome) related to our effort and our success, bring visual aids, wear your favorite "no biomass" tee-shirt, or just come as you are. If you have muscial instruments--bring them and we can all play and march together.

Saturday, September 11,11:00 am - 1:00 pm. Explore the Montague Sand Plain. Come learn about the story of fire on the Montague Sand plain! Why is the landscape like Cape Cod, but the ocean is miles away? Now’s your chance to explore a unique habitat designed by fire and sand. Join the Great Falls Discovery Center for an introduction to the fauna, flora, and geology of this amazing and threatened habitat. Free but registration required. For more information call 413-863-3221

September 25-27. Appalachia Rising in Washington DC. A national response to the poisoning of America’s water supply, the destruction of Appalachia's mountains, head water source streams, and communities through mountaintop removal coal mining. Email: Massachusetts Contact: Rana Xavier at shoot.rana.x@gmail.com or appalachiarising092710@gmail.com. Go to: http://appalachiarising.org/

That's it. You can send our B-Day presents to 140 Pine Street in beautiful downtown Florence, MA. Thanks! O, and remember: listen to your Mother.

BP Cover-up continues

News from the Gulf (rather than corporate media propaganda and White House spin) continues to surface about BP and government cover-ups of the continued use of toxic dispersants and the alleged safety of Gulf seafood, as well as the secret disposal of dead wildlife. It looks for all the world like some surreal Hollywood disaster film complete with corporado villains and colluding government officials....except....it's REAL!

Repugnicans & Dems alike, are up to their necks in a conspiracy to whitewash the devastation that BP has unleashed in the Gulf of Mexico. If you ever had any doubts that Big Oil owns Washington, this disaster should dispel them. Since government is part of the problem, what can YOU do about this disaster? Get into the streets!! People in San Franciso are doing it. People will be demonstrating in Washington on Labor Day weekend. How about in YOUR town??

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Update here. More here and here from our last show.

The Rights of Nature Enviro Show

Greetings Earthlings. So, we supposedly have "The Rights of Man", "Women's Rights", and "Civil Rights" (ok, ok, it's a work in progress), how about The Rights of Nature? Ecuador wrote them into their constitution; in the U.S.? Not so much. Jeff Conant, Media Coordinator for Global Justice Ecology and author of "A Poetics of Resistance: The Revolutionary Public Relations of the Zapatista Insurgency" published by AK Press joins us to talk about it. We return once again to Meet the New Boss and scope out the Enviro Show Echo Chamber, as well as get to that George Carlin quote we dumped last time around, but first it's time for....Revenge of the Critters! Toilet snake terrorizes Brits! (these things wouldn't happen if they used composting toilets).

In our Meet the New Boss segment we find the Obama Administration playing fast & loose with the facts on the BP disaster. Also we checkout White House spokes, Robert Gibbs and the view from behind his rose colored glasses! O, don't forget EPA's Carol Browner (that's not Greener is it?) doing the talk show rounds with news of "Mother Nature doing her part" to clean the Gulf! Thanks, Mom. Sorry about that f'ing mess. Then we have the Obama Dept. of Justice fake left/go right for BP. There's more: guess who abstained on a vote for the Right to Water? That's Ambassador Susan E. Rice voting as the U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations and a member of President Obama's Cabinet. Back in the Bush era, you may recall, the UN voted on the Right to Food, 177 in favor to 1 against; guess who! Now, about that "change you can believe in"......

In The Enviro Show Echo Chamber, Spike Lee weighs-in on BP. But hey, forget the "stars", checkout the common folk at a town hall meeting and on the docks near the Gulf. Sooo, where's the oil that magically disappeared from the Gulf? All one has to do to find it is dig a little deeper! And this eye-opener from Mother Jones: BP Ocean Cover-up. O, btw, how's that climate chaos denial workin' for ya'?

About that Enviro Show Quote of the Week: this time George Carlin REALLY returns from the grave to remind us:

"I look at it this way... For centuries now, man has done everything he can to destroy, defile, and interfere with nature: clear-cutting forests, strip-mining mountains, poisoning the atmosphere, over-fishing the oceans, polluting the rivers and lakes, destroying wetlands and aquifers... so when nature strikes back, and smacks him on the head and kicks him in the nuts, I enjoy that. I have absolutely no sympathy for human beings whatsoever. None. And no matter what kind of problem humans are facing, whether it's natural or man-made, I always hope it gets worse."

In our E-Valley-uation segment we find Eight local women being arrested at Vermont Yankee....again! And this: Biodiesel plant breaks ground in Greenfield (we'll have excerpts from the Montague Reporter version of the story). Also, Massachusetts chapter of Clean Water Action gives the "John O'Connor Grassroots Leadership Award" to the "Stop Spewing Carbon Campaign! We noticed the other day that the Sawmill River in Leverett has almost everything in it but....water! It's Lake Wyola headwaters on the other hand, is topped off! What's THAT about??

Following our interview with Jeff Conant we wander off to the Bus Stop Billboard:


Friday, August 20, 8:00 - 9:30 am. Early Morning Nature Walk. Participants will meet outside the main entrance to the Great Falls Discovery Center in Turners Falls at 8 a.m. Learn about plants, animals, and mill town history along the Bike Path of Turners Falls. Please wear appropriate footwear, bring water, bug repellant, and sun screen. For more information, call 413.863.3221.

Sunday, August 22, 8:00 am - 12:00 pm. Great Falls Birding Trip. 1st Local Birding Trip with Mark Fairbrother! Depending on weather will cover Gill-Montague area. Meet at the GFDC. Call 413.863.3221


Wednesday, August 25, 6:30pm. IN MORTAL HANDS: A CAUTIONARY HISTORY OF THE NUCLEAR AGE. Talk and Book signing with author Stephanie Cooke. Centre Congregational Church, Main Street, Brattleboro, VT Call: Nancy Braus 802-254-8160 (work) or 802-380-3363 (cell).


Saturday, Sept. 4th: Lafayette Park: 2 - 5pm. and Sunday, Sept. 5th: Washington Mall near Capitol Hill: 11am-4pm. Spill into Washington DC - Labor Day Weekend. A rally in the nation's capital is crucial to gaining the lasting attention of law makers around the BP oil disaster. Email:lydiaajohnson@gmail.com or Phone: 402/708-2224. Website: http://spillintowashington.org

Thursday, Sept 9, 4pm. Franklin County Fair Parade. No Nukes contingent or the CCFC Biomess contingent. Marchers need a wrist band for a dollar. CCFC has ordered 200 and it must be 1st come 1st served, but people can reserve by contacting janet, 625-2886 or at jasinclair@verizon.net. New Fair policy is you need a wrist band to be in the street. We line up at 4:00 behind the Middle School and Blessed Sacrament Church on Federal St. The parade begins at 5:30 and we get to the fair grounds at about 7:30. You can march in any or all of the parade. The theme this year is "We Grow, We Sow, We Celebrate". Use your imagination! Please make or bring signs (many lawn signs welcome) related to our effort and our success, bring visual aids, wear your favorite "no biomass" tee-shirt, or just come as you are. If you have muscial instruments--bring them and we can all play and march together.


September 25-27. Appalachia Rising in Washington DC. A national response to the poisoning of America’s water supply, the destruction of Appalachia's mountains, head water source streams, and communities through mountaintop removal coal mining. Email: Massachusetts Contact: Rana Xavier at shoot.rana.x@gmail.com or appalachiarising092710@gmail.com. Go to: http://appalachiarising.org/

That should keep you busy, but remember to take time to listen to your Mother. Next time it's our Birthday Party and YOU are invited. Cake & ice cream for everyone!

The Radically Simple Enviro Show

Greetings Earthlings. After four back-to-back depressing shows on the BP Gulf disaster we thought we'd shift gears a bit and look for some simple solutions to living with Big Oil and the corporados. With that in mind, Jim Merkel calls-in with some info on Radical Simplicity. We visit the Enviro Show Echo Chamber just in case you really CAN'T get enough of that miserable news from the Gulf and we'll make a pit stop in our E-Valley-uation segment to catch-up on the Biomess. Also, more words of wisdom in our Enviro Show Quote of the Week and a flashback surprise, but first it's time for....Revenge of the Critters! Italian bird poacher attacked by his own victim.

In The Enviro Show Echo Chamber, in case you had any doubts, the scientific proof is in: Researchers confirm subsea Gulf oil plumes are from the BP well, surprise! And....more oil where no one wants it! In The Gulf, in Michigan, in China, in Nigeria, another BP one in Alaska, and around the world! Meanwhile, actions in response to BP's sins are taking place in San Francisco, DC, and elsewhere during the 100 Days of Outrage! Where's western Mass?? Asleep at the....umm...pump? BTW, it might not shock you that the National Wildlife Federation and NOAA are not on the same page regarding the damage done; and neither are the scientists regarding the toxic dispersant entering the foodchain in the worst oil release in the history of the world!

"No Body Knows Nothin'", by the Preservation Hall Jazz Band & friends takes us to our E-Valley-uation segment where it's time for more on the Biomess! Checkout the comments on the Manomet study hearing in Springfield last Wednesday here. And, the struggle goes national!

On the Enviro Show Quote of the Week George Carlin returns from the grave to remind us: "I look at it this way... For centuries now, man has done everything he can to destroy, defile, and interfere with nature: clear-cutting forests, strip-mining mountains, poisoning the atmosphere, over-fishing the oceans, polluting the rivers and lakes, destroying wetlands and aquifers... so when nature strikes back, and smacks him on the head and kicks him in the nuts, I enjoy that. I have absolutely no sympathy for human beings whatsoever. None. And no matter what kind of problem humans are facing, whether it's natural or man-made, I always hope it gets worse."

And this: He's baaaaaack! Yes, Darth Cheney lives on with the help of medical science and who knows, Satan maybe??

After our interview it's on to the Bus Stop Billboard again:

Thursday, August 5,4pm. Protest the Biomess! (that rhymes) At the Biomess industry conference. Meet in front of the Westin Copley Place hotel at the corner of Dartmouth and St. James in Boston (near Copley Plaza) at 4pm. Contact: stephaniesanch@gmail.com

Friday, August 6, 8 - 8:30am. Anniversary vigils on Hiroshima bombing. Northampton Courthouse & Amherst Town Common. Call AFSC at 584-8975

Saturday, August 7, 11am. - Noon. Greenfield Peace Vigil Shattuck Park, Federal St., Greenfield, Sponsored by the Traprock Center for Peace and Justice

Saturday, August 7, 12:30 - 2:30pm. Go Solar! Street theater & Rally. City Hall, Northampton. Come help with our street theater solar panel installations and giant “Sunny Green” “Sol Verde” puppet along Main Street at 12:30 — and stay for the rally and citizens’ speak-out at Northampton City Hall at 1pm! Great music by the Raging Grannies, Derrick Jordan, and Jay Manita! Call AFSC at 584-8975

Monday, August 9, 11am. Nagasaki atomic bombing anniversary gathering. Leverett Peace Pagoda. Details about event and earlier Walk for 7 Generations itinerary can be obtained by calling (413) 485-8465

Tuesday, August 10th, 12 Noon. Rally at Rep. Neal's office, 300 State St., Springfield. Get corporate dollars out of Washington! Sign the Pledge! Sponsored by MoveOn.org.

Saturday, August 14 The Vermont Citizens Action Network will host a potluck dinner at the Organ Barn at Tree Frog Farm in Guilford, Vermont. Call 413-625-6177 for reservations.

Sunday afternoon, August 15. An outdoor concert and CD Release Party—also at Tree Frog Farm. Call 413-625-6177

Had enough? Us too! Next time it's the Rights of Nature. Until then remember: listen to your Mother, OK?

Biomess Demo in Boston August 5th!

Greetings Earthlings. We have some interesting news for you on the Biomess front here in the Northeast. From August 4 through 6 Biomass Magazine is hosting its Northeast Biomass Conference & Expo at the Westin Copley Place at the corner of Dartmouth and St. James in Boston near Copley Plaza in Boston. We here on The Enviro Show, having broken the story in Western Mass. on the Biomess long ago, and taking every opportunity to expose biomass incineration schemes to some needed sunlight, thought it important to demonstrate to the industry and the public at large, our continued opposition to the Biomess. With that in mind, we and our activist friends from Stop Spewing Carbon and elsewhere are proposing a "Protest the Biomess" action in front of the Westin Copley Place hotel on Thursday, August 5 at 4pm.

On the conference website, Biomess boosters state "The Northeast U.S. has vast forestry, agricultural and municipal biomass resources" which in Biomess-speak means they would like to burn-up our forests and incinerate our toxic demolition and construction debris for fun & profit while we are left to suffer the consequences. To this we say: we don't think so! But, we'd LOVE to say it with YOU on the street in front of the industry's dog & pony show on August 5th.

We've already had several victories in the struggle against biomass incineration here in Massachusetts. We think we should continue to shed sunlight on the industry's hype so that our neighbors become fully aware of what a scam biomass incineration really is and how it will impact their lives and those of future generations. So, won't you join us in Boston on August 5 at 4pm? All you have to do is show up!

Spread the word!! Save the trees! Protect the biosphere!

Contact: stephaniesanch@gmail.com/ 203-536-2050 cell ph

The Big Oily Enviro Show, Part II

Greetings Earthlings. Had enough of THE worst environmental disaster in U.S. history? Think it's over? Imagine if you were an oyster with no where to go! Jennifer Seavey was going to return to these microphones with tales from the depths of despair. She's doing post doc at the University of Florida, examining oysters in the Gulf of Mexico. Sadly, her fellow scientist asked her not to come on the show because "there is a lot of nervousness about talking to the press right now". Of course, this is all about BP trying to control the science around their f'ing crimes! We'll look into some more of BP's nefarious deeds and such like in The Enviro Show Echo Chamber, checkout the Quote of The Week, and perhaps venture into our E-Valley-uation segment, but first it's time for.....Revenge of the Critters! Are you ready for this? Amelia Earhart attacked by crabs!. Now we know.

This time The Enviro Show Quote of the Week comes from in-house. It's D.O.'s tirade...er...we mean commentary on the BP disaster: Where's Big Green?

In the Enviro Show Echo Chamber we find our friends at Ocean River Institute calling on Obama to federalize the Gulf clean-up. And this from the Huffington Post: BP trying to buy scientists! Also from Huff: George Lakoff on Conservatism's Death Gusher (actually George, they're not conservatives in the real sense 'cuz they don't CONSERVE!). And this Enviro Show Blog Bonus: Stop Big Oil Bailouts!

"Wash up over me" by Ethan Miller & Kate Boverman takes us to our E-Valley-uaton segment it's excellent news on the Biomess front: Another victory in Massachusetts!. Sorry Madera Energy, looks like your shrinking and your flying monkeys have morphed. What a world! What a world! O, by the way, Biomess warriors took their case to DC. Read all about it here.

After all that we'll stroll over to the old Bus Stop Billboard:


Wednesday, July 21, 10:30 am: New England Climate Summer bicyclists are in town! They'll be visiting Garden the Community folks at 10:30 and we're planning other events with them. More to come (see Thursday)!

Wednesday, July 21, Noon to 1pm. Brown bag lunch vigil at Rep. Neal's office, 300 State Street, Springfield. Part of a week of actions that support people and the planet over corporate polluters like BP. Sponsored by Progressive Democrats of America. Email: tim@pdamerica.org.

Thursday, July 22, 6 pm: New England Climate Change bicyclers will speak at the Forest Park Library, 380 Belmont Ave., Springfield to: Explain some of the scientific, social, and political aspects of climate change, Hear from local environmental groups, Hold an open discussion about the energy future of Springfield and the State.

Friday, July 23, 7pm. Benefit concert for the Greenfield No Biomass vote. Old Tavern Farm, 817 Colrain Road, Greenfield. Green River String Band, Glen Ayers on banjo! & Jarad Weeks on bagpipes.

Wednesday, July 28, 6:00-8:00pm. Massachusetts Biomass Policy Development Public Meeting. Holyoke Community College. Leslie Philips Auditorium (Building C)303 Homestead Avenue,Holyoke. Call 617-626-7327

August 10th, 12 Noon. Rally at Rep. Neal's office, 300 State St., Springfield. Get corporate dollars out of Washington! Sign the Pledge! Sponsored by MoveOn.org.

Saturday, August 14 The Vermont Citizens Action Network will host a potluck dinner at the Organ Barn at Tree Frog Farm in Guilford, Vermont. Call 413-625-6177 for reservations.

Sunday afternoon, August 15. An outdoor concert and CD Release Party—also at Tree Frog Farm. Call 413-625-6177

That's about it. Next time it's our Birthday party and YOU'RE invited. Bring ice cream, ok? And remember to listen to your Mother (unlike BP & friends).

The Worst Environmental Disaster in U.S. History: Where's the outrage??

Imagine if you and your family and friends suddenly found that everything around you was turning dark and suffocating. Imagine being unable to escape this horror no matter which way you turned. Imagine your children dying before your eyes and you, dying also, unable to help. Welcome to the Gulf of Mexico and the worst man-made environmental disaster in U.S. history. This is the reality for countless lifeforms.

Obviously, BP oil is to blame for this horrific crisis of epic proportions, but there is plenty of blame to go around for what is happening. Corporate and government response to the oil well disaster has been at best, erratic. Cover-ups, obfuscation and media suppression have added insult to injury. But there is another aspect to The Summer They Destroyed the Gulf that is, at the very least, troubling: where are the activists?

Soon after the BP Deepwater Horizon was destroyed and eleven workers perished, the enormity of the blow-out became apparent. The massive environmental destruction and its effect on fishing and tourism started to manifest fear and outrage in Louisiana, which soon spread elsewhere. Of course there were local reactions and eventually there were some nationally coordinated regional events marking the catastrophe such as "Hands across the sands" and a few small protests in Washington; all of which seemed to have little or no effect. As we speak, the story begins to slip from the headline news after the flow of oil is finally stopped, at least for the time being. Congress and the White House turn to other issues. Who will keep the pressure on, if not grassroots activists? Who will keep the pressure on, if not grassroots activists?

It pains this observer that well-funded, heavily resourced national environmental groups like Greenpeace, Rainforest Action Network or 350.org, to name a few, have not poured all their efforts into confronting the worst environmental disaster in our history. Groups like Greenpeace have personnel, boats, vehicles, even blimps they could throw into the fray. Where are the mass marches and rallies? Where's the direct action? While relatively small efforts on Facebook or among Rising Tide activists are hopeful, no one seems to have the resources and clout that Big Green carries. Beyond that: where's Earth First!? That kick-ass movement doesn't have the toys Big Green enjoys, but they do have the moxie and the spirit. Why haven't they locked down in BP headquarters? Pied Tony Hayward in the face? What became of "No compromise in defense of Mother Earth"?

I'm willing to bet there are tens of thousands of activists like myself out there waiting for the right action to surface or trying to create the momentum for such actions. Our voices are not that loud in the info-glut of 2010. It's time for Big Green to wake up and throw the switch. It's time for direct action activists to make their moves. Did I mention it's the worst environmental disaster in U.S. history? If not now, when?

- d.o.

Biomess Victory in Massachusetts!

The Stop Spewing Carbon Ballot Campaign announced today a major victory in the fight against biomass incinerators promoted as “clean energy” and as a result will not put its question on the statewide ballot for November 2010.

“Today Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Ian Bowles issued a letter* saying his agency will change our state laws to bring them in line with current science and public policy requiring biomass incinerators to meet strict standards for forest protection, greenhouse gas emissions, and efficiency,” said Meg Sheehan, Chair of the Stop Spewing Carbon Ballot Campaign. “This is a groundbreaking development that means an end to commercial biomass electric power plants in Massachusetts. Science confirms that the greenhouse gas emissions of burning forests are worse than
coal and there’s no reason to subsidize this form of energy,” Sheehan said.

Secretary Bowles’ letter says that to meet greenhouse targets the state should change “the incentives we provide biomass energy under the Renewable Portfolio Standard.” The Stop Spewing Campaign collected over 120,000 signatures from Massachusetts’ voters to end biomass subsidies. Sheehan said, “this sent a clear message to Governor Patrick. Ending renewable energy credits for dirty incinerators was the central goal of our ballot question and we have won.” The state also announced that construction and
demolition debris incinerators will not get renewable energy credits, another victory for the Campaign.

“Our coalition of social justice, public health, environmental, forestry advocates and fiscal watchdogs have won a victory for the citizens of Massachusetts, the nation, and indeed the planet,” Sheehan said. “Citizens have let government officials know they don’t want their taxpayer and ratepayer money spent on these toxic incinerators disguised as “clean energy.”

“We will continue to work to prevent air pollution impacts from potential smaller biomass projects and for a state wide ban on construction and demolition debris burning. We also intend to pressure the administration to tighten the biomass regulations even further than what was put forth today to prevent all destructive bio-energy schemes and false solutions to climate change. We will *want to make sure that so called “clean energy” projects don’t pollute the air, the water, and destroy our forests,” said Sheehan.

Contact: Meg Sheehan,Chair,Stop Spewing Carbon Campaign tel. 508-259-9154

meg(at)ecolaw(dot) biz Go to: www.stopspewingcarbon.org

#####

* Here is Bowles' letter:


Philip Giudice
Commissioner
Department of Energy Resources
100 Cambridge St., 10th floor
Boston, MA 02114

Dear Commissioner Giudice,
July 7,2010
Tel: (617) 626-1000
Fax: (617) 626-1181
http://www.mass.gov/envir

Thank you for your work on the Biomass Sustain ability and Carbon Policy Study by the Manomet Center for Conservation Sciences. As we move forward to implement the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2008 (GWSA), which mandates 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions below 1990 levels by 2050 and 10 to 25% reduction in emissions by 2020, it is essential that state funding and incentives reflect this charge in the incentives we provide biomass energy under the Renewable Portfolio Standard.

In light of the Manomet study, we have a deeper understanding that the greenhouse gas impacts of biomass energy are far more complicated than the conventional view that electricity from power plants using biomass harvested from New England natural forests is carbon neutral. The findings of the Manomet study have changed the policy landscape for biomass energy production derived from wood fuels. Our policy should reflect this current science by moving to support the development and operation of facilities that
have the greenhouse gas profile needed to fulfill our emission-reduction mandates. While all questions have not been answered, and we expect new science to continue to guide our policy, I am confident that we now have enough information for the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) to take the next step in changing the way in which the Commonwealth provides incentives for biomass energy.

Specifically, the Manomet study suggests that biomass combined heat and power (CHP) technologies using woody biomass from New England forests may contribute to overall greenhouse gas reductions due to higher levels of efficiency. The study does not provide in-depth analysis of carbon accounting for residual forest products, by-products, energy crops, or clean wood waste (e.g.,from mills), though the study suggests that use of such biomass fuels would reduce greenhouse gas emissions over the relevant timescale of the GWSA when used with high efficiency conversion in thermal or combined heat and power applications.

Given the general findings of the Manomet study, our obligations under the GWSA, and the authority of DOER to regulate state incentives for renewable biomass sources of energy, including responsibility for setting criteria qualifying low emissions and advanced power conversion technology, I direct you and your staff at DOER to move expeditiously to align our regulations with our better understanding of the greenhouse gas implications of biomass energy. You are to propose draft regulations pursuant to Section 11 F of Chapter 25A of the General Laws amending the current Renewable Portfolio Standard Class I regulations with the components outlined below, on or before September 1, 2010. Given the uncertainty created by the Manomet study in the renewable energy markets as well as the exigency associated with achieving steep greenhouse gas emissions reductions, you should plan to have proposed final regulations available by October 31, 2010, and have final regulations in place by no later than December 31, 2010. As is the case with all regulatory changes, I look forward to a fully transparent and robust public process as the new regulations are developed and finalized.

Changes in policy to be reflected in regulation should include but not be limited to the following:

1) In order to qualify for renewable energy certificates as a low emission biomass renewable energy facility using advanced power conversion technology, generating sources must be must be designed, constructed and operated to achieve maximum practicable efficiency as determined by DOER. This efficiency standard shall provide significant near term greenhouse gas dividends in a combined heat and power facility or
comparable technology that will achieve specified minimum efficiency and emissions performance standards. The results of the Manomet study highlight the need to make the most efficient use of biomass fuel, maximizing the energy produced while minimizing greenhouse gas emissions.

DOER will seek to ensure that the maximum practicable efficiency standard reflects the goals of the Green Communities Act, which among other efficiency goals seeks to promote the use of combined heat and power having a minimum efficiency of 60% with a goal of increasing to 80% by 2020 with the understanding that the efficiency of this technology is constantly improving.

I understand that biomass eligibility for the RPS is just one of the issues raised by the public and medical community, including significant health concerns. These important issues are beyond the scope of the Manomet study and this rulemaking. However, qualifying renewable energy generating sources using biomass must also comply with the federal Clean Air Act emission standards for particulate matter and other pollutants.

2) As a mechanism to reach the GWSA mandate of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80% below 1990 levels by 2050, such renewable energy generating sources must, over a twenty (20) year life cycle, yield at least a fifty percent (50%) reduction in greenhouse gas emissions per unit of useful energy relative to the lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions from 1) the operation of a new combined cycle natural gas electric generating facility using the most efficient commercially available technology as of the date of application for the portion of electricity delivered by the biomass system and, if applicable; 2) the operation of the fossil fuel fired thermal energy unit being displaced, or in the case of a new thermal load, a gas-fired thermal energy unit using the most efficient commercially available technology as of the date of application, for the portion of thermal energy delivered by the biomass
system. DOER shall establish a method for calculating and comparing such lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions based on the best available science and data. The lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions methodology set forth in the draft regulations should credit carbon stored in biomass fuel only to the extent that the stored carbon is "additional" and that the biomass would not otherwise be used (e.g., for food, animal feed or durable wood products) and its carbon content would not otherwise remain sequestered in trees, plants or soils. In addition, in the case of dedicated bioenergy crops, carbon stored in the biomass should be credited only to the extent of the net increase in carbon stored in the bioenergy crop as compared to what would be absorbed
and stored by plants on the same land if it were not in use for bioenergy crop production. The draft regulations also should include definitions of "residues" and "waste wood" to include residues from logging, land-clearing for commercial or residential development, mill residues and landscaping.

3) The fuel source used by the RPS-eligible biomass facilities (e.g. wood, wood by-products, and energy crops, including energy crops used for the production of biofuels and biodiesel used in a qualifying renewable energy generating source) must be grown, harvested, or otherwise produced sustainably and in a manner consistent with the Commonwealth's forestry and environmental goals including conservation of biodiversity, conservation of soil and water resources and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Forest wood used as fuel should be harvested consistent with Chapter 132 of
the General Laws and associated regulations, and in compliance with a forest management plan prepared by a licensed forester. DOER should consult with the Department of Conservation and Recreation (OCR) and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) in the development of regulations that address fuel source sustainability.

4) The regulations shall address the use of forest residues, and aim to establish a limit on the quantity of residues (including tree tops and branches) used as biomass fuel. Such limits may allow 50% of tops and branches and 15% by weight of total saw timber removed per acre as eligible to be treated as forest residues used for biomass fuel.

5) Construction and demolition debris or fuel derived from construction and demolition debris will not be eligible for Renewable Energy Certificates.

6) These regulations shall not apply to energy derived from anaerobic digestion of waste from agricultural crops, animal wastes, food or sewage sludge.

I am thankful to the Manomet researchers as well as the many scientists, stakeholders and concerned citizens who have helped us to clarify the complex issues surrounding biomass power and greenhouse gas emissions.

Sincerely,

Ian A. Bowles
Secretary

The Big Oily Enviro Show

Greetings Earthlings. The saga continues: the catastrophic BP oil well blowout is transforming the Gulf of Mexico into some kind of futuristic end-of-times disaster film. Guess what? It's not a movie (though there's plenty enough footage on YouTube to make you sad/crazy/mad!) Take your pick: Toxic Oil Spill Rains on Crops?; It's raining oil?; Surf on Pensacola Beach boiling like acid? BP disaster unstoppable?; or, our favorite: the End of the World! While you are at it, checkout our Enviro Show Banish BP! page and kick BP out of the Valley. Diane Wilson, fisher, activist, hell-raiser calls in to mull over these and more (unless, of course, she's in jail for one of her many actions, in which case, Scott Eustis rejoins us from New Orleans). Also, Katie McGonagle of the local Climate Summer bike ride calls in with an update. As always, we wander into The Enviro Show Echo Chamber and maybe our Meet the New Boss segment, as well as checkout the Enviro Show Quote of the week, but first it's time for....

Revenge of the Critters! Direct action in West Palm Beach by a "crazy bird"! Given what's going on down there, maybe it's not so crazy!

In The Enviro Show Echo Chamber, speaking of direct action, if YOU want to go down to New Orleans and help out, call The Emergency Committee to Stop the Gulf Oil Disaster at (504)644-7214 or email them at stopgulfoildisaster@gmail.com. Also, several protests are in the works. Most notably: Spill onto the Washington Mall, Labor Day weekend, September 4 to 6 and Rally @ BP Headquarters! 4101 Winfield Road, Warrenville, IL on Monday, July 19, 10am to 3pm. Our Enviro Show Blog Bonus concerns oil too (surprise!). Checkout The Video BP & Big Oil Don't Want You to See. In keeping with our theme here, should Big Oil pay their income tax? 61 Senators vote No. Finally, about erecting those giant windmills next to the Great Atlantic Flyway?

A short but sweet YouTube clip for you in our E-Valley-uation segment here.

The Enviro Show Quote of the Week comes from Albert Einstein: "A human being is part of the whole, called by us "Universe," a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings as something separated from the rest - a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole [of] nature in its beauty."

In our Meet the New Boss segment we rewind to the last show where time ran out for.....um...the boss? Seize BP responds to Obama's speech from the Oval Office on the BP's crime against the planet.

Following our interview with either Diane or Scott, we venture over to the Bus Stop billboard to see what's happening in the area:



Thursday, July 8, 7 p.m. Vermont Public Service Board Hearing RESCHEDULED. Brattleboro Union High School, Fairgrounds Rd, Brattleboro, VT. Call 413 339-5781

Friday, July 16, 7pm. “Dirt! The Movie” takes a humorous and substantial look at the history and current state of the living organic matter we come from and will later return to. Northampton Committee to Stop the War film series at the Media Education Foundation’s Frances Crowe Community Room, 60 Masonic Street, behind Woodstar Café, in downtown Northampton. Call 413-584-3158

Friday July 16 - 18. Solarfest. The Northeast's premier renewable energy and arts festival—a three-day, family-friendly festival that combines world-class entertainment with not-to-be-missed workshops in renewable energy, sustainability and community engagement. http://www.solarfest.org/

Monday, July 19, 10:00am - 3:00pm. Rally at BP Headquarters! 4101 Winfield Road, Warrenville, IL. Contact: rebecca.rose.baird@gmail.com

Sunday July 25 - August 8. Earth Activist Training. To teach visionary and practical solutions and personal sustainability to social change activists, and to teach practical skills, organizing and activism to visionaries EarthActivistTraining(at)gmail.com

Enough! We go out with "When we ruled the world", by Mel Plant. Maybe next time we'll have some good news to report? For now, remember to listen to your Mother (don't you wish everyone did?).

Banish BP!

Greetings Earthlings. The Enviro Show would like to encourage everyone to visit or call BP gas stations in the Valley (or in your region) and encourage the owner to change their franchise to Citgo, Sunoco, or some other less criminal brand of oil & gas. Some are doing it already! It's another way to express your concern (and outrage!) about the catastrophic BP disaster in the Gulf region, the worst man-made environmental disaster in U.S. history! As you may know, BP stations are not actually run by that criminal corporation, but are franchised to local owners, your neighbors. So please be respectful and friendly (maybe offer to help them switch!). Of course, if you are not satisfied with the owner's response, you can always organize a vigil or protest on public property adjacent to the gas station! Thanks and please pass this message on.



BP Convenience Store
1100 PAGE BLVD, SPRINGFIELD 1104 MA
(413) 736-8040



BP Station/ Convenience Store
2221 MAIN ST, SPRINGFIELD 1104 MA
(413) 781-3884



B P AMOCO
824 Suffield St, Agawam, MA
(413) 789-2966



Monson B P & Convenience
27 Palmer Rd, Monson, MA
(413) 267-3023






-- d.o. for The Enviro Show

The Summer Solstice Enviro Show

Greetings Earthlngs. It's that time of year again: Summer Solstice, time for the fire festival. Happy Midsummer Eve! O, guess what? IT'S RAINING OIL IN LOUISIANA! Our in-house pagans, Laura & Penny return to (ahem!) enlighten us all. Also, roving reporter (and Bardic Insurgent) Tom Neilson calls in from the U.S. Social Forum. And, a call from Mike Howells, an activist from New Orleans with his finger on the pulse of what's going on with grassroots response to BP's crimes against the planet. As always, we'll scope out the news in The Enviro Show Echo Chamber, as well as locally in our E-Valley-uation segment where we introduce (fanfare please) our very first Annual Enviro Show Big Green Clear Cutters Award!, but first, it's time for......Revenge of the Critters! Gardeners beware! It's the Attack of the Killer Mutant Leek Moths!

OK Enviro Show fans, let's get right to it: here in our E-Vally-uation segment we present the Annual Enviro Show Big Green Clear Cutters Award! This award goes to out to someone who professes to be "green", but who actually is a sort of mottled crud gray with brown streaks. OK? Are you ready? The envelope please............this years Annual Enviro Show Big Green Clear Cutters Award goes to the Massachusetts Sierra Club's Elisa Campbell!! Elisa is receiving the award for her recent vote at the Quabbin Watershed Advisory Committee to continue clearcutting in the Quabbin watershed. What's that you say? The same Elisa Campbell of Mass. Sierra who is a proponent of nukes and developments? You are correct! Now for the VERY good news on our local Biomess: Manomet Study confirms activists warning: Biomass incineration worse than coal! (OK, so the Post story says zip about about activists but......WE TOLD YOU SO!)

"Oil and water don't mix" by Recycleman & the Dumpster Divers takes us to the Enviro Show Echo Chamber where Robert Reich reminds us that BP is not a person (you know, like D.O. is?....sort of?). And this:....Big Oil eats its young: BP thrown under the bus. However, Big Oil's friend Rep. Joe Barton fell all over himself to....are you ready? apologize to BP! No apologies from Diane Wilson though; she got in BP honcho, Tony Hayward's face at those hearings in DC. Hey! Speaking of apologies, what's all this self-flagellation about us oil-consuming commoners being part of the problem? It's not like we're given many choices on transportation and alternative fuel by the corporados, right? Stop beating yourself up! Also, remember the International Whaling Commission is meeting to discuss the resumption of whaling? (can you believe these people??). Why not be one one in a million and say NO WAY! Finally, speaking of driving critters to extinction, how about defending the lions!

[Our interview with Mike Howells covered a lot of ground as to grassroots action in Louisiana. If YOU want to get involved down there contact them here: gulfemergencysummit@gmail.com PHONE: 504-644-7214]

In our Meet the New Boss segment the group, Seize BP responds to Obama's speech from the Oval Office on the BP/Haliburton crime against the planet. Also, checkout our own Rachel Maddow's fake president speech to the nation!

Then it's on to the Bus Stop Billboard:


June 22-26. U.S. SOCIAL FORUM , Detroit. The US Social Forum is a very special kind of gathering. It isn't a conference with an agenda and a program of events; it's a convergence of movements, communities, and cultures whose participants produce their own agenda and programs. It is a MOVEMENT BUILDING process. It is a space to come up with peoples’ solutions to the economic and ecological crisis. Info: http://www.ussf2010.org.

Wednesday, June 23, 12:30-2pm. GREENWORK: THE WESTERN MASS GREEN ECONOMY WORKING GROUP. Brown Bag Lunch at Noon, Pioneer Valley AFL-CIO Hall, 640 Page Boulevard, Springfield (732-7970).

Saturday, June 26, all day. Draw a Line in the Sand. Go to: www.350.org/hands

Monday, June 28, 6:00-7:30 p.m. DEP public hearing on the scope of the C&D study for the proposed Biomass incinerators. John F. Kennedy Middle School (Cafeteria)
, 1385 Berkshire Avenue ,
Indian Orchard. C&D incineration will remain under consideration as an energy source despite the outcome of the ballot initiative because it can be a very profitable industrywithout tax credits due to tipping fees. The Manomet study only addresses virgin wood.Call (617)292-5500 for more info.

Tuesday, June 29, 6:00pm -8:00pm. Massachusetts Gubernatorial Forum on Energy and the Environment. Old South Meeting House, 310 Washington Street, Boston. For more information, please e-mail cleanwateractionma@gmail.com.


Saturday, July 24, 9 a.m. to noon. HERBWALK: WILD PLANTS AND THEIR ROLES AS MEDICINES AND FOODS. Pre-registration is required; please call (413) 256-6006. Hitchock Center for the Environment, 525 South Pleasant Street, Amherst.

That is all. Another incredible week on Planet Earth. Soooo, remember when you're out there: listen to your Mother!

The Biological Predator Enviro Show

Greetings Earthlings. It's confirmed: BP stands for Biological Predator and we here on The Enviro Show are calling for the Predator's head, especially given that it's World Oceans Day!. We'll be covering the latest horrors from the Gulf in the Enviro Show Echo Chamber and our Meet the New Boss segments as well as field a call from Scott Eustis of New Orleans Critical Mass (and a fisheries scientist), but first it's time for....Revenge of the Critters! We love this one. Croc attacks chainsaw!

The Enviro Show Quote of the Week calls for another trip in the Wayback Machine:

“Let us not flatter ourselves on account of our human victories over nature. For each such victory nature takes its revenge on us. Each victory, it is true, in the first place brings about the results we expected, but in the second and third places it has quite different, unforeseen effects which only too often cancel the first.”

- Frederick Engels

In the Enviro Show Echo Chamber we start with a excellent piece from Democracy Now! on the BP Gulf mega-disaster. Then we follow-up on Grist's Six Reasons Not to trust BP. What? Only six!! Of course, BP is putting as much, if not more effort into corporate image damage control, obfuscation,outright cover-ups, and media blackouts than into plugging the f'ing catastrophic leak! O, and about those toxic dispersants making everyone sick. So, how to respond? Some folks want the Feds to Seize BP and place it in "a trust, in amounts proportionate to—and sufficient to fully compensate for—all projected harm from its dangerous and reckless acts in pursuit of super-profits". Here on the Enviro Show we say: OFF WITH BP's HEAD! (which is a not so polite way to call for revoking their charter), but why stop there? Let's throw them in jail! Naturally, there are tons of protests out there to plug into.

In our Meet the New Boss segment we review the fact that BP and Obama already had a cozy history. O, did we fail to mention that the White House is thinking about setting the clock alllll the way back to the disgraceful practice of commercial whaling?

After our interview with Scott Eustis we'll stroll over to the Bus Stop Billboard:

Tuesday, June 8, 8pm Local Meet-up BP protest?

Wednesday, June 9, 4:15-5:30 p.m. A public rally in support of clean air and a healthy planet will be held at Pynchon Park on the corner of State and Chestnut Streets, next to the main branch of the Springfield Library immediately prior to the Department of Environmental Protection’s hearing on the Global Warming Solution Act. A press conference will be held at 4:30 p.m. at the same location.

Thursday, June 10, 7 to 8:30 p.m.COYOTES ARE EVERYWHERE! Hitchcock Center for the Environment, 525 South Pleasant Street, Amherst. Pre-registration is required; please call (413) 256-6006.

Saturday, June 12. Worldwide BP Protest Day! Think global - protest local! This group is a platform to organize ourselves and get started! BP Boycott on Facebook has more than 300.000 great members. It is time to start organized action. Enter "Worldwide BP Protest Day" on Facebook.

Thursday, June 17, 7 - 8:30pm. What's happening with Fish in the CT River? Join hatchery manager, Mickey Novak for an extremely interesting talk about the change in population numbers of Atlantic salmon, shad, blueback herring and striped bass. Great Falls Discovery Center, Avenue A, Turners Falls. Call 413-863-3221

June 19, 10:30am to 7 pm. 6th Annual Sustainable Energy Summit 2010 at Nuestras Raices' farm (La Finca) at 24 Jones Ferry Road in Holyoke. Come to the Summit and see all the important work that is happening to help individuals and communities reduce their energy use and costs, use more renewable energy, strengthen their local communities, and build our movement for a just and sustainable future in our region. Contact: Diane Crowe, Summit Coordinator. 413-772-8898 summit@cooppower.coop


June 22-26. U.S. SOCIAL FORUM , Detroit. The US Social Forum is a very special kind of gathering. It isn't a conference with an agenda and a program of events; it's a convergence of movements, communities, and cultures whose participants produce their own agenda and programs. It is a MOVEMENT BUILDING process. It is a space to come up with peoples’ solutions to the economic and ecological crisis. Info: http://www.ussf2010.org.


Wednesday, June 23, 12:30-2pm. GREENWORK: THE WESTERN MASS GREEN ECONOMY WORKING GROUP. Brown Bag Lunch at Noon, Pioneer Valley AFL-CIO Hall, 640 Page Boulevard, Springfield (732-7970)


Saturday, July 24, 9 a.m. to noon. HERBWALK: WILD PLANTS AND THEIR ROLES AS MEDICINES AND FOODS. Pre-registration is required; please call (413) 256-6006. Hitchock Center for the Environment, 525 South Pleasant Street, Amherst.

OK, did you remember to BOYCOTT BP and ARCO (O, and Exxon/Mobil and Chevron and Shell and...)? How about organizing some protest? Remember: it's the WORST environmental disaster of its kind EVER! Like we say: better listen to your Mother!

Monster from the Deep

Dark and deep
it grows toward us
changeling, monster
from the Dead Zone
more death and
less life in
the gulf between
the species, crime
genocide monster
shape shifting into
ebb and flow
currents, landfall
from corporate boardrooms
keepers' lair
seemingly sanitized
custodial care in
theoretical ware
bottom-dwelling mind
disregarding caution often
enough to sink us all.

-d.o.

Invading the Quabbin Enviro Show

Greetings Earthlings. There's aliens invading the Quabbin watershed! Some invaders have chainsaws, some have tendrils and seeds. Don Wakoluk , former Asst. Forester for the Department of Consternation and Reprobation (DCR) at the Quabbin from 2007 to 2009 joins us in the studio to check that out. Of course, alien clearcuts have been discovered over there as well and we'll check that out in our E-Valley-uation segment. Also, we stagger into the Meet The New Boss segment as well as checkout The Enviro Show Quote of the Week and The Echo Chamber where the BP blowout dominates the news, but first it's time for....Revenge of the Critters! Attack of the Funky shrimp!

The Enviro Show Quote of the Week qualifies as one of the most outrageous yet to come from the ranks of Big Oil:

"The Gulf of Mexico is a very big ocean. The amount of volume of oil and dispersant we are putting into it is tiny in relation to the total water volume."
-Tony Hayward, CEO of British Petroleum

"Oil Slick 1", by Elizabeth Parker takes us to The Enviro Show Echo Chamber where we, quite naturally, rewind some of the news from the Gulf of Mexico on the BP blowout and their attempted cover-up, as well as Ken Salazar's need for a new job, a sort of Event on the Horizon, no? After all, it is the WORST oil spill EVER! For some background on BP and their friends in the Bush regime checkout this report on Democracy Now! For a good overview (and some really creepy images) of what may be well over an 120 million gallon oil spill (and counting) go HERE. Sooo, according to the New York Times: "Shortly after Interior Secretary Ken Salazar proposed reconfiguring [Minerals Management Services], John Goll, the head of the Alaska region, called an “all hands” meeting, according to a staff member there. Afterward, people lingered to eat a cake decorated with the words, “Drill, Baby, Drill.” These are the regulators, yes? If it's any comfort, there ARE actions protesting BP and Big Oil. O by the way, how about sending half a million signatures to to the Prez?

And speaking of The New Boss, it seems scientists down in the Gulf are not terribly pleased with Obama's people at NOAA. Furthermore, it looks like the U.S. Coast Guard is ...err...carrying water? for BP! Speaking of The Times, did we mention Thomas Friedman calling the BP blowout Obama's 9/11? This is under Obama's watch folks!

"Oil Spill Summer" by Butt moves us into our E-Valley-uation segment where Glen gives us a reality tour of the clearcutting around The Quabbin watershed (be sure to bring sunscreen and see sickness medication!). O, did we mention DCR's shiny new biomass incinerator at the Quabbin Visitor's Center? Just another reason to Stop Spewing Carbon!

Then it's on to our interview with Don Wakoluk , former Asst. Forester for the Department of Consternation and Reprobation (DCR) at the Quabbin, followed as always by a perusal of the Bus Stop Billboard:

May 27 - June 6. Mountain Justice Summer Camp. As the campaign to stop all forms of surface mining gains national awareness, we have more and more opportunities for folks to devote a summer of work to stopping mountaintop removal. Go to: http://www.mountainjusticesummer.org/


Friday, May 28 (TTBA) Thom Hartman comes to the Valley! First Churches, Northampton. Go to: www.whmp.com

Wednesday, June 9, 4:30-5:30pm. A rally is planned prior to the Massachusetts DEP hearing on the Global Warming Solutions Act to be held at the Springfield Federal Building, 1550 Main Street in Springfield (outside of Senator Kerry's office). Join a coalition of concerned citizens for Clean Air to let our voices be heard to express opposition to dirty incinerators disguised as clean energy. A coalition of concerned citizens like Stop Toxic Incineration in Springfield (STIS) and Stop Spewing Carbon are sponsoring the event.
More info at: stopspewingcarbon@gmail.com, or call toll-free 1-800-729-1363.


Thursday, June 10, 7 to 8:30 p.m.COYOTES ARE EVERYWHERE! Have you heard their yipping chorus floating through the darkness on a still night? Do you wonder how these animals survive surrounded by our homes and roads? What do they prey on, and who are their predators? Hitchcock Center for the Environment, 525 South Pleasant Street, Amherst. Pre-registration is required; please call (413) 256-6006.

Thursday, June 17, 7 - 8:30pm. What's happening with Fish in the CT River? Join hatchery manager, Mickey Novak for an extremely interesting talk about the change in population numbers of Atlantic salmon, shad, blueback herring and striped bass. Great Falls Discovery Center, Avenue A, Turners Falls. Call 413-863-3221

OK, another week in Hell, right? If only everyone would LISTEN TO THEIR MOTHER!!

The Slippery Critters Enviro Show

Greetings Earthlings. Happy Air Quality Awareness Week! How's that "Drill, Baby Drill!" working out for 'ya? We'll be looking into some of the slippery characters and their corporado friends responsible for the slippery critters in the unmitigated disaster in the Gulf of Mexico; that during The Enviro Show Echo Chamber. Research professor at the Department of Natural Resources Conservation, UMass Amherst, and leader of the U.S. Geological Survey’s Massachusetts Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Stephen DeStefano joins us to talk about those critters slipping through your yard. His recent book, "Coyote at the Kitchen Door" is making the rounds here in the studio. As usual, we'll delve into some of the local news in our E-Valley-uation segment and do The Enviro Show Quote of the Week, but first it's time for....
Revenge of the Critters! Sea Turtles aren't simply victims of us four-leggeds 'ya know. Tables turned on the little surfer girl!

In the Enviro Show Quote of the Week we turn to Rachel Carson once again:

"It is a curious situation that the sea, from which life first arose, should now be threatened by the activities of one form of that life".

"Beds are Burning" by Midnight Oil takes us to The Enviro Show Echo Chamber where we go straight to Hell via the Gulf of Mexico. Opps! Sorry, wrong Hell. We meant to go HERE. The BP oil well blow-out disaster took the lives of 11 workers, but how many other beings will die? Will the Gulf Deadzone be ....um..deader? What about the effect of all those dispersants? And this: how about MORE OFFSHORE OIL WELLS! No? Then tell Obama to forget oil drilling off our coastlines! And while you're at it go HERE and pledge to boycott BP! Finally, did MMS rubber stamp BP's oil well operation? Would that be the same MMS that rubber stamped the Cape Wind corporate giveaway??

In our E-Valley-uation segment we focus on The Quabbin Walk scheduled for Monday, May 17 to Sunday, May 23. Will you be joining us on the Walk? Up a tree?

Then it's on to our interview with Stephen DeStefano followed by a trip to the Bus Stop Billboard:

Friday, May 14 Day of Action in response to the Gulf Coast oil crisis. The price of burning fossil fuels is too high. From extraction to combustion, the oil industry poisons our communities, destroys ecosystems, and destabilizes the climate. Now is the time to stop offshore drilling dead in its tracks. Take action at: BP gas stations and offices, Federal Buildings or Offices of members of Congress. Go to: http://www.actagainstoil.com/

Saturday. May 15 & Sunday, May 16. Training for Transition. The First Congregational Church and the Montague Grange in Montague Center. At the Training for Transition course, you will Explore how the Transition process increases community resilience in energy and other aspects of self-reliance. Call: 413-781-6045 x311

Monday, May 17 to Sunday, May 23. Beginning in North Orange going eastward toward Petersham and ending in New Salem, the Walk hopes to raise awareness that future survival of life on Earth for all species is being threatened by deforestation all over the planet. Call (413) 522-7505

Thursday, May 20, 5pm to 7pm. Compost and Rain barrel Distribution at the DPW, 125 Locust St., Northampton. Contact GREEN Northampton, info@GREENNorthampton.org or Karen at the DPW, 413-587-1570 x314


Friday, May 21st at 7 pm. Financial Crisis, Peak Oil & You, Or How To Build A Lifeboat. Nicole M. Foss, Energy Consultant and Financial Blogger, to Speak at the Unitarian Society of Northampton and Florence, 220 Main St, Northampton. Suggested donation. Call: (413) 268-0068

Friday, May 21, 7:30 - 9 p.m. Understanding Net Energy. How its availability shaped our world, and what its decline means for the future. Wendell Town Hall. Call Jonathan von Ranson at (978) 544-3758

Sunday, May 23, 6pm Potluck, 7pm Concert with Tom Neilson to benefit the 2010 Greenfield Ballot Committee. 322 Adams Road, Greenfield. Call: 773-8974 eves/ 774-5541 days.


Friday, May 28 (TBA) Thom Hartman comes to the Valley! First Churches, Northampton. Go to: www.whmp.com

June 29 – July 6. North Woods Round River Rendezvous! The Earth First! Round River Rendezvous is a week long gathering for anyone interested in or involved in the Earth First! movement. Annually, this week-long gathering is held in a bioregion that is threatened with ecological devastation. And this year, the Maine North Woods is hosting the gathering. Email: maine(a)earth-first.net or call 207-469-2552.

What a week for Mother Earth(groan). Next time it's Forest Forensics with Tom Wessels. Tune in and remember: listen to YOUR Mother!