Post by Logan on Apr 16, 2016 7:22:47 GMT -6
PITTSFIELD >> Farmers, conservationists, activists and others came from all over Massachusetts on Friday to occupy Park Square and protest Kinder Morgan's request for an injunction to facilitate one of its natural gas pipeline projects.
Nearly 200 people turned out, some hoisting signs asking the company to "go frack" itself and condemning the taking of land for private gain. People took to a portable microphone to condemn the company's goal of acquiring acreage protected by Article 97 of the state constitution to construct its planned local gas line projects.
"We're not a lot of loose cannons — look at this crowd," said Plainfield farmer and wetlands biologist Ed Stockman. "There's a lot of gray-hairs and a lot of gray-beards. These are people who have been around, who are solid in their communities. There's a lot of wisdom standing out here."
He added, "I'm retired; I can be here. Young people like my sons are working today."
The protesters found much sympathy from passing motorists, as the sounds of blaring horns filled the air during much of Friday's hour-plus demonstration, which preceded a hearing on the matter in the adjacent Berkshire Superior Court.
Read more: www.berkshireeagle.com/local/ci_29773306/nearly-200-rally-pittsfield-protest-pipeline-projects
Nearly 200 people turned out, some hoisting signs asking the company to "go frack" itself and condemning the taking of land for private gain. People took to a portable microphone to condemn the company's goal of acquiring acreage protected by Article 97 of the state constitution to construct its planned local gas line projects.
"We're not a lot of loose cannons — look at this crowd," said Plainfield farmer and wetlands biologist Ed Stockman. "There's a lot of gray-hairs and a lot of gray-beards. These are people who have been around, who are solid in their communities. There's a lot of wisdom standing out here."
He added, "I'm retired; I can be here. Young people like my sons are working today."
The protesters found much sympathy from passing motorists, as the sounds of blaring horns filled the air during much of Friday's hour-plus demonstration, which preceded a hearing on the matter in the adjacent Berkshire Superior Court.
Read more: www.berkshireeagle.com/local/ci_29773306/nearly-200-rally-pittsfield-protest-pipeline-projects