FRRACS stands against police brutality and demands justice for black lives everywhere.

The recent killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery are another reminder of the racism that is still deeply embedded in our society. We must work collectively to dismantle systemic racism. As part of this work, we must also recognize the white privilege that many of us carry and how to confront this privilege.

Last week, over 2,000 signatures were collected from across the state requesting Governor Baker to shut down construction at the Weymouth Compressor station during the Pandemic. In an effort led by Fore River Residents Against the Compressor Station and the Sierra Club, the comments detailed the environmental injustice that will bring more particulate and toxic pollution into a community already overburdened by toxic waste contamination.

If you have not heard already, we have some very good news for you! The First Circuit Court has vacated the air quality permit that had been granted to Enbridge in January of 2019. You can read the decision here.

Bill McKibben interviewed Alice Arena and Rev Betsy Sowers for his column in The New Yorker. Check it out here! Their interview is in the "Pass the Mic" section. Thank you to Bill McKibben for sharing this story!

Enbridge's compressor station has never been and never will be essential.

Thanks, DigBoston, for the coverage of our week of action! And to our great allies for putting it together!

DigBoston - THE GOV THINKS THIS IS AN ESSENTIAL WORKSITE. ACTIVISTS DISAGREE. (link)

An Enbridge gas pipeline exploded TODAY in Kentucky. Pretty far away from anything. But one home that was in the vicinity said it sounded like a plane taking off in their front yard.

Enbridge-- such a responsible company.

THIS IS WHY WE FIGHT.

WKYT - Gas pipeline explodes in Fleming County (link)

Our allies have put together a great guide with daily action items that you can take from home! Every day there is a new online action item. To see the list of action items, go here: bit.ly/NotEssential.

FRRACS corresponded with Mayor Hedlund earlier this week to ask him to shut down the construction at the compressor station and to refuse blood money from Enbridge. We have not heard back. You can read our letter here.

We recently learned that Enbridge came back to town with a blood money offer of $10 million. We don’t know what is in the contract and what actions the Town would have to agree to if Mayor Hedlund did sign.

Please write to Mayor Hedlund and urge him to refuse the deal from Enbridge. For a sample email, click here.

Please write to Gov. Baker and Mayor Hedlund and urge them to shut down construction. Sample letters available here (PDF | Word).

Many thanks to Congressman Joe Kennedy III for writing to Governor Baker and encouraging him to suspend construction of the Weymouth compressor station during the ongoing pandemic.

Enbridge is constructing a non-essential compressor station during a public health crisis. They are actively putting workers and the community at risk. Construction needs to be shut down for the sake of public health.

Urge Governor Baker to Halt the Weymouth Compressor Station Construction Due to COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. Sign the petition and share!

Sunrise Worcester held a live Earth Day this evening. Margaret presented for FRRACS during the second half. You can watch the full event on Youtube here. Thank you, Sunrise Worcester, for organizing this event and for sharing our story!

Alice Arena, president of FRRACS, joined Senator Markey today for a special Earth Day livestream. Senator Markey and Alice talked about the compressor station issue, why it’s bad, where the fight stands now, and why we continue to fight. Thanks to Senator Markey for fighting with us and for helping to highlight this important issue. You can watch the full conversation here.

Governor Baker announced today that the localities have the right to shut down construction sites. This was his answer to a question about the Weymouth compressor station (go to 47:32). The Town knows that this is a federal project and would require a court order to shut down--which is unlikely in this political climate.

So is the governor not that smart or is he a liar? Pick one. Watch the clip here.

Then sign our petition urging Gov. Baker to take action.

It was a toss up today, Campers. Do we show an image of the Earth wearing a mask--and, yes, we found one!--or do we show a picture of what could be? We chose optimism in the darkness.

We have an opportunity presenting itself in this time of pandemic. Do we choose clean energy, environmental equity, and community? Or do we just go back to "the way things were?" We can make a better world for all, but as you are keenly aware, it will take a lot of work.

So roll up your sleeves, fellow Fore River Campers. And Happy Earth Day!

Thanks to Food and Water Watch and Berkshire Environmental Action Team for filing this important lawsuit that could bring big changes to FERC.

“Groundbreaking Climate Lawsuit Challenges Commission’s Failure to Factor Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Fossil Fuel Approvals” Food & Water Watch

The Huffington Post has a great article about the absurdity of continuing construction of non-essential fossil fuel projects during a pandemic. This piece also features our fight to stop the compressor station.

Construction of this death industry continues unabated all over the country during a pandemic. Gov. Baker shows his particular brand of failed leadership on this issue here in Weymouth. Enjoy the money, Charlie. You'll need it when you're unemployed in two years. ☠

Read more from the Huffington Post - Demand For Oil Has Plummeted, But Industry Keeps Building New Infrastructure Anyway (link)

Thanks to Senator Markey and Senator Warren for continuing to take action on this important issue. You can read the full story here: The Patriot Ledger - Markey, Warren seek Weymouth compressor station’s coronavirus plan (link)

A Public Service Announcement: What Does a Compressor Station Look Like, Really?