WESTFIELD – On May 8, the Department of Chemical and Physical Sciences and the Department of Environmental Science at Westfield State University will be hosting a forum on carbon pricing at 6 p.m. in Parenzo Hall’s Dever Auditorium. The forum is titled, “Carbon Pricing – A Key to Solving a Warming Climate.”
Starting off the forum with an overview of the current science on climate change, bills by State Rep. Jennifer Benson and State Sen. Michael Barrett will be explained. Carbon pricing is a method that a lot of economists favor, which reduces global-warming emissions and charges individuals who emit carbon dioxide for their emissions.
Westfield State University. (WNG File Photo)
The event is being organized by a grassroots group based in Granville called “Voices Rising Together”, which started about a year ago and focuses on climate change, environmental concerns, election modernization, and fairness.
“This is a group of engage citizens who want to actively participate in the 2018 elections,” said John Meiklejohn, who is a part of Voices Rising Together. “This is one of the issues that we’ve set our sights on in the very beginning.”
According to Meiklejohn, Massachusetts is at the forefront of taking steps to address a warming climate and Governor Charlie Baker is committed to honoring climate obligations.
“We won’t get there unless we find a way to put a price on carbon,” said Meiklejohn.
Meiklejohn also added that he wants a great turnout at the forum, especially so it can help people better understand the bills on carbon pricing. Meiklejohn noted that the bill created by State Rep. Benson would include a key benefit for the community. The bill would only retain about 20% of the revenue, the other 80% would go back to every household and business in the state.
“This money comes back to them over the course of the year,” said Meiklejohn.
Besides Benson, the forum panel will include a climate scientist, a policy maker, a reverend, and other forms of expertise. If anyone has questions or comments about the upcoming forum, contact Dr. Frank Giuliano @[email protected] or Meiklejohn at 413-348-2848.
