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Date: 6/20/2023
EASTHAMPTON — The city of Easthampton is asking residents and business owners to participate in a 10-minute survey to provide more input on the city’s Climate Action Plan. The survey will provide the city with feedback about challenges people face when trying to be environmentally smart as well as how climate change may already be affecting them.
“[We want] to learn about possible barriers both residents and local business owners have experienced that have made it difficult for them to switch to energy-saving alternatives,” explained Cassie Tragert, conservation agent for Easthampton. “This will also provide the first opportunity for people to learn about the Climate Action Plan development and sign-up to stay involved throughout the process.”
The goal of the Climate Action Plan is to achieve net-zero carbon emissions in the city. Organizers want to gather as much information as possible before the plan is finalized.
“This survey is just one of multiple other outreach methods that will be used to gather input from our community going forward, but it is an excellent way to reach a large number of people in an easy to use system,” said Tragert.
Tragert will also host a virtual informational meeting on June 28 to introduce the project to those who may not know much about it.
“We will be providing information on why the city is creating the plan, what the process will be going forward, and how people can stay involved,” explained Tragert. “ It will be the first of multiple outreach events we will hold and future events will include more workshops where people can influence the crafting of the final plan.”
Organizers also attended the June 10 Cultural Chaos event to share information and answer questions. They intend to have several more public appearances to speak with residents and business owners.
The Climate Action Plan is just one of the many green initiatives that the city is working on, starting well before the plan came about. Easthampton is currently designated as a Green Community, has partnered with Honeywell to improve energy efficiency in the municipal buildings and a partnership with MoveEV to convert the city’s vehicle fleet to all electric.
“The survey should only take about 10 minutes to complete and I encourage everyone to take it if they can,” said Tragert. “The more local voices we can incorporate in the making of the Climate Action Plan, the more tailored the final roadmap will be to our city’s needs and goals.”
To participate in the survey, go to: https://tinyurl.com/EasthamptonCAPSurvey