As we developed the YOU ARE HERE mapping project, the big picture of shale gas infrastructure became very apparent: A network of pipelines is planned to deliver fracked gas to export via Canada and LNG facilities along the coast. We were also aware that all over the Northeast, grassroots groups have sprung up to resist this infrastructure in our neighboring states of Massachusetts, Vermont, Maine, Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. Sane Energy Project decided to organize a conference, and last weekend, a gathering of activists from nearly three dozen grassroots groups met in Albany.

In almost every state in the union, people are learning there’s a new fossil fuel pipeline or pipeline expansion planned near them—or already permitted. In the Northeast, to date, at least 20 pipelines traversing thousands of miles are underway or in the permitting stages. This weekend's summit demonstrates that public opposition is mounting. In the face of this growing threat, the group that came together in Albany has formed a coalition to share resources, strategy, and support, as we work towards our common goals of defeating the encroachment of fossil fuel infrastructure and ensuring a renewable future.