At its meeting Monday evening, the Town Council voted to establish an Energy and Climate Action Committee. The Committee will build on the efforts of the Town to address climate change at the municipal level and broaden them to include the greater community. The Committee will be responsible for recommending long-term climate action goals that focus on reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions and building resilience within and across the Town’s residential, commercial, and municipal sectors. It will also guide the Town in establishing and meeting its climate mitigation, adaptation and resilience goals.
The Committee will consist of nine residents of the Town. Two members of the Town Council will serve alongside seven residents who will be appointed. Some of these residents should have experience with one or more of the following areas: net zero energy building; energy efficient retrofits; climate change mitigation/advocacy/research; clean energy practice/policy/infrastructure; community choice energy; green infrastructure for climate adaptation; sustainable transportation; sustainable farming and forestry; waste reduction; and environmental or climate justice, and other relevant areas. The Town Manager is especially seeking individuals of diverse backgrounds to serve on this important Committee.
The Town previously released a Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory in 2001 and a Climate Action Plan in 2005. In addition, the Town became a Green Community in 2012, a state program that emphasizes pro-actively implementing energy efficiency projects at the municipal level that ultimately work towards the same goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In 2017, Amherst produced a revised and updated Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory.
The Town Council is finalizing the Charge that details the duties of the Committee. It is anticipating voting on a final charge in February. There will be a web page dedicated to this Committee shortly.
If you are interested in volunteering to serve, please fill out a Community Activity Form at: www.amherstma.gov/caf
If you have questions, reach out to your Community Participation Officers at GetInvolved@amherstma.gov