From the Ground Up

This video journal is a chronicle of a relay walk across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to the Statehouse - an action undertaken by a growing grass roots movement formed to stop the Northeast Energy Direct "natural" gas pipeline project proposed by Kinder Morgan. The video celebrates the "Voice of the People" as they question the need for the project and express their opposition to it. While the activist citizens say NO to the gas pipeline they say YES to conservation, alternative renewable energy, efficiency in existing systems and repair of leaking infrastructure already in place.

The statewide "relay walk / rolling march" began at the town of Richmond, Ma on July 6th making its way - day by day - to Dracut, Ma by July 26th. Local folks from the many towns along the route walked their leg of the journey through their communities. At the end of their walk they handed off a "baton" in the form of a pipe filled with an ever growing number of petitions to the walkers from the next town heading east.

On July 30th a rally which drew hundreds of protestors and a wide range of media was held on the Boston Common at the foot of the Statehouse. During the rally citizens celebrated their unity, expressed their opposition to the proposed pipeline with their voices and vivd signage as activist leaders spoke and the band played on.

Following the rally a small group of movement representatives met with Governor Patrick. By the end of the day U.S Senator Elizabeth Warren and U.S. Senator Ed Markey issued separate public statements opposing the Kinder Morgan pipeline as proposed.

Kinder Morgan, a 110 billion dollar corporation, has chosen a 127 mile route for their proposed pipeline across Massachusetts. If built as currently planned it would pass through 29 towns beginning in western Massachusetts at town of Richmond and end in the town of Dracut. The proposed route would penetrate private properties, conservation lands, state forests, wetlands and recreation areas. Land owners and stewards choosing not to allow access to their lands for the project face the ultimate threat of having their property seized by eminent domain.

25:22