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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Pittsfield Council Preview: DEI Office Rename, Playground Grants, and City Audit

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — On Tuesday, the City Council will see a request to rename the DEI office, $80,000 in grants for Williams Elementary School's playground renovation, and a proposal for the city audit.  

The agenda includes a request to amend Chapter 2 of the City Code, renaming the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion the "Office of Equity, Access, and Opportunity." 

"The proposed changes reflect the City's approach to advancing equitable access to municipal programs and services," it reads. 

"The updated name more accurately represents the Office's commitment to removing systemic barriers, promoting opportunity, and ensuring fair treatment of all employees and residents." 

During fiscal year 2027 budget hearings, $5,800 was reduced from the DEI Office: $4,800 from the DEI ambassador line and $1,000 from travel and dues.  

Ward 7 Councilor Kathy Moody asked Mayor Peter Marchetti to consider merging the department with Human Resources, and other councilors supported exploring restructuring the department, though not during budget season. 

The proposed ordinance also establishes the Equity, Access and Opportunity Commission to replace the current Human Rights Commission. 

The Office of Equity, Access, and Opportunity, through the chief equity officer and supporting staff, would develop and implement the policies, programs, and initiatives of the city and Pittsfield Public Schools related to equity, access, and opportunity. 

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