Letter: Accessing Benefits From Recent Climate Legislation

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To the Editor:

The Berkshire chapter of Citizens' Climate Lobby and its partners are hosting a free public forum on the evening of Monday, April 3, that will highlight recently passed climate legislation and the opportunities available to local governments and their constituents.

The Berkshire chapter of Citizens' Climate Lobby and its partners are hosting a free public forum on the evening of Monday, April 3, 2023, at the Berkshire Innovation Center, at 45 Woodlawn Ave. in Pittsfield. The event is open to the community, and the reception with appetizers will begin at 5:30 p.m., and panelists will begin at 6:15 p.m.

The panelists are Massachusetts state Sen. Paul Mark, former Undersecretary of Energy and Climate Solutions Judy Chang, Executive Director of Green Energy Consumers Alliance Larry Chretien, and Congressman Richard Neal with a brief message.

The forum, sponsored by The Berkshire Eagle, Berkshire Innovation Center, Ener-g-Save, and Citizen's Climate Lobby, will highlight recently passed climate legislation and the opportunities available to local governments and their constituents. The panelists will explain the benefits of these new laws including job creation, access to immediate rebates, generous tax credits, and more, and will appeal to businesses and individuals alike. The event will be live-streamed on Pittsfield Community Television. Moderated questions from the audience will be posed to the panel.

"I am excited to join local leaders, community members, and climate activists to discuss state and federal legislation recently signed into law and how these new policies can benefit us in the Berkshires," declared Senator Paul Mark. "Climate change is one of the most important issues we face as a state and as a nation and how we respond to this challenge and work to proactively mitigate the negative consequences is going to impact all of us in a tangible way for years to come."

Uli Nagel of Lee, liaison to Congressman Richard Neal's office, shared her concern, "Lack of snow cover in the winter is hurting our local ski resorts, and the drought-like conditions in the summer are difficult for local farmers. Events like these help educate our community; these new laws can help to slow that trend."

Christine Kelly
Sheffield, Mass. 

 

 

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Dalton Planning Board Denies Berkshire Concrete's Special Permit

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
DALTON, Mass. — After five meetings, the Planning Board voted to deny Berkshire Concrete's special permit, however, the company can still reapply before its current permit expires. 
 
After about 40 minutes of deliberation, board members reiterated recurring concerns raised in previous meetings: the company's lack of clear mitigation plans and ambiguous documentation outlining its work plans.
 
"I really have no confidence in their proposal so far," said Chair Zack McCain III.
 
The board denied the permit without prejudice, meaning Berkshire Concrete, a subsidiary of Petricca Industries, can reapply before its current permit expires in December 2027. 
 
According to the current permit, earth removal, such as excavation, processing, and reclamation is allowed on lots 217-3 and 106-55.1, but is subject to several conditions set forth in 1992, 1994, and 2000. 
 
Conditions include hours of operations, traffic regulations, restoration requirements, and other stipulations. 
 
This decision indicates the board's belief, based on testimony and provided evidence that the excavation activities in the areas cannot occur without having a negative impact on the abutting neighborhood. 
 
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