Senator Warren paid a visit to the proposed compressor station site last week. She has been a staunch opponent of the project for quite some time now. We thank her for her continued efforts and support. Listen to Alice Arena talk about Senator Warren's visit in this short radio clip.

After we presented at the Braintree Town Council meeting in August, Mayor Sullivan and other town members have voiced their concerns about the high levels of benzene in Braintree. Read more in the Braintree News:

East Braintree civic leaders want answers about high benzene levels

Sullivan shifts focus to Braintree benzene levels

Senator Warren was in the neighborhood and stopped by to see the North Parcel! She was incredulous about the close population and the fact that the Federal regulatory commissions (like FERC) would even consider this siting.

It has been a very long two and three quarters years! The latest stay on the Waterways permitting warrants us taking a moment to thank all of you who have fought so long and hard to get to this point. Recognizing that it ain't over, we would still like you all to know that the Fore River Residents do not take your hard work, focus, and dedication for granted.

Some good news: Senate Bill 469 - an act relative to positioning of compressor stations was reported out favorably by the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources, and Agriculture. 

We thank Senator O'Oconnor and many others, for all their hard work on this bill. And many thanks to the folks who called committee members to ask that the vote favorably on the bill.

Congressman Lynch met with local residents in Weymouth and Braintree, to discuss the community's efforts to conduct air quality testing. He met with Dr. Nordgaard, who has helped lead the testing, as well as other community members.  He is now calling on the EPA to conduct further testing. We are grateful to the Congressman for his continued support and his intervention on behalf of his constituents in the Fore River Basin.

Marcellus Drilling News (MDN), a pro-industry website and newsletter, complained about Gov. Baker's response to our concerns about the compressor station. MDN often name-calls activists and members of the public for their efforts to oppose the expansion of fossil fuel infrastructure; this week they took aim at us. It doesn't bother us, in fact, it shows that our organizing is working and that we're getting under the skin of the gas industry.

You can read an excerpt of the piece below or the MDN site. You have to have an account to read the full piece.

We had a great "No Compressor" standout this week! Today was the first day at the new location - the corner of 3A and Green Street in North Weymouth. A big thank you to all who came out - in the heat - to hold signs and bring more attention to the compressor station fight.

Occupy Hingham hosts the weekly standout every Wednesday from 4:30-5:30pm at the corner of St. Jerome's Church in North Weymouth. All are welcome to join.

This week also marked the first prayer circle at the site, following the standout. Community members will be meeting at the compressor site (6 Bridge St.) every Wednesday at 6 pm through the month of August. Feel free to join, faith or no faith.

Local residents have been conducting air quality testing in the area and have been voicing their concerns about serious risks related to compressor stations. Congressman Lynch continues to listen to our concerns - and acts on them. We greatly appreciate his support.

Gubernatorial candidate, Jay Gonzalez, visited the compressor site this week. In addition to visiting the site, he has also spoken out against the project. 95.9 WATD covered his visit on their radio program; you can listen to it here.

Last week we aired a new TV commercial (watch it on Youtube here) that directly targets Governor Baker. The ad asks, "Where are you, Gov. Baker?" This week he broke his silence. Though we are glad that he has addressed some of our concerns, he stopped short of stating his opposition, unlike many of his colleagues. Read the story about our Ad in the Braintree paper.

On Monday afternoon, gubernatorial candidate, Jay Gonzalez, visited the proposed compressor station site with FRRACS members and Councilor Haugh. He was given a tour of the proposed site and presented with detailed information about the site and the facilities that surround the area.

We appreciate him taking the time to not only listen to the concerns of local residents, but to also visit the proposed location.

Candidate Gonzalez has come out against the compressor station and against more gas infrastructure in the Commonwealth.

For more than two years now, we've been targeting Governor Baker, urging him to speak out against the compressor station. Today he finally spoke out. Not in opposition, but in recognition of people's concerns. It's a step.