Climate Advisory Committee

Overview

The Reading Climate Advisory Committee is an official town advisory committee, comprised of concerned citizen volunteers seeking to achieve environmental, economic, and societal sustainability by raising public awareness and influencing the community, including its government, to reduce energy use and foster environmental stewardship in a cost-effective manner.

Specific Goals

• Minimize Reading's contribution to climate change by reducing our greenhouse gas emissions.
• Reduce Reading's dependence on fossil fuels by promoting energy conservation, energy efficiency, renewable energy purchase and generation, and alternative modes of transportation.
• Ensure the longevity of our local and global ecosystem by fostering responsible stewardship.
• Enhance public health by improving air quality and protecting the earth's natural resources.

Methods

• Educate our citizenry with a strong public awareness campaign that involves town government, the schools, the media, and various public forums.
• Look for grant opportunities at the regional, state, and federal level and pursue those that would help us meet our goals.
• Partner with local businesses to increase effectiveness and cooperation.
• Influence the town's bylaws, policies, and codes, including those pertaining to zoning, the town's master plan and other proceedings to formalize sustainable improvements.
• Encourage state and federal officials to take a more active role in climate protection.
• Foster discussions on climate change and engage the community to envision a productive and resilient community based on renewable energy.
• Reach out to neighboring communities to assist them in establishing similar efforts and to collaborate on regional projects.