Berkshire Green Drinks to Discuss Rat Poison Hazards and Proposed Legislation

08:06AM / Wednesday, June 04, 2025Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Green Drinks will host a discussion on the potential hazards of rat poison to wildlife, domestic animals, and humans, along with information regarding pending legislation in Massachusetts aimed at restricting its use.

The event, titled "Rescue Raptors: Regulate Rat Poison," will feature local activists Peggy White and Richard Clapper.

The free event is scheduled for Wednesday, June 11, and will be accessible both online via Zoom and in person at Hot Plate Brewing Co., located at 1 School St. An in-person social gathering is planned to begin around 5:15 PM, with the presentation and Zoom meeting commencing at 6:00 PM.

White and Clapper will discuss their involvement in efforts to protect birds of prey and other predators in Massachusetts from rodenticides. They are reportedly working with Mass Audubon to advocate for restrictions on anticoagulant rodenticides, which they state are not only lethal to rodents but also to animals that consume them.

According to the announcement, predators such as raptors and coyotes play a role in maintaining ecological balance. The speakers contend that these animals are being poisoned after feeding on poisoned rodents, leading to internal bleeding and death.

Anticoagulant Rodenticides (ARs) are described as toxins intended for rodent control, but their effects can extend to non-target species, including household pets like dogs and cats, as well as various wildlife and potentially humans. The announcement states that ARs can remain in a rodent's system for several days, posing a risk to any animal that comes into contact with them.

Massachusetts lawmakers are currently considering S. 644 / H. 965: An Act Restricting the Use of Rodenticides in the Environment. Supporters believe this legislation could significantly aid in the protection of wildlife, pets, and people, but its passage is contingent on public support.

The event is organized by the Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT) and co-sponsored by Hot Plate Brewing Co. It is part of the monthly Berkshire Green Drinks series, which features speakers on environmentally related topics followed by discussion and a question-and-answer session.

Those interested in attending can find more information and RSVP at https://tinyurl.com/June2025-Berks-Green-Drinks. For further inquiries about Berkshire Green Drinks, individuals can contact Chelsey Simmons at chelsey@thebeatnews.org or (413) 464-9402.

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Neal Tours Berkshire Innovation Center as Pittsfield's Tech Economy Grows

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
05:38PM / Thursday, October 15, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass. —Congressman Richard Neal visited the Berkshire Innovation Center Thursday to highlight $735,000 in federal funding secured for a new cybersecurity training and testing facility.

"The number one job of the federal government is to provide for the security of its people. I mean, we should never lose sight of that, whether it's China or Russia, every single day there are these belligerents that are attempting to infiltrate national security here in the United States, and we should not be naive about it," Neal said. "I mean, we can have an argument about proportionality; we can do a lot of different things, but not to miss the point of what they're trying to do every day."

The new cybersecurity facility will provide regional manufacturers and businesses with research and design equipment, specialized lab space, and training facilities and is planned to be housed in a to-be-redeveloped space across the street from the Berkshire Innovation Center (BIC), located at 45 Woodlawn Ave.

The derelict property, formerly owned by General Electric, is now known as the William Stanley Business Park.

The project is a $7.2 million dollar investment from the state, $5.2 million from the tech collaborative, $2 million from bond funding secured by Neal, and $1 million that will be split into two phases: $500,000 for BIC to begin building and $500,000 for Myrias Optics to start production in Pittsfield, said Mayor Peter Marchetti.

BIC Executive Director Ben Sosne said manufacturers often highlight the need for help with cybersecurity, particularly in meeting the security requirements necessary to conduct business with General Dynamics and other major contractors.

Collaborators in the field and the public sector have recognized the need that has only grown since technology has advanced and is a great career opportunity, Sosne said.

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