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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BCAC Seeks Sponsors to Provide Winter Clothing for Berkshire Children

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — For some, winter is a time for snow-covered landscapes, cozy nights by the fire and outdoor activities. For others, the colder months bring additional financial burdens as families struggle to afford necessities such as winter coats, boots and warm clothing.
 
The Berkshire Community Action Council's Elf Warm Clothing Program works to alleviate that burden by connecting children in need with community members willing to lead collection initiatives or purchase warm winter clothing for the drive. 
 
According to the council's website, last year, it served more than 2,300 children across Berkshire County.  
 
Those interested in sponsoring a child will receive the chid's age and clothing sizes to purchase a winter coat, boots, gloves or mittens, and a hat. Donations can be dropped off at a BCAC office by arrangement.
 
For more information or to sponsor a child, contact BCAC at 413-418-3685 for Pittsfield and Central Berkshire or 413-663-3014 for Northern Berkshire.
 
For 15 years, state Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier has partnered with BCAC by soliciting donations for the program, helping match approximately 50 children each year with donors who provide the clothing needed to stay warm.
 
"The growth in the need is unbelievable," she said.
 
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