This resource page will be maintained and updated with information and links before, during and after the summit.

Needham Summit on Energy and the Environment
what we have done……what we might do
Monday, October 24, 2011

A collaboration of Olin College, Needham League of Women Voters, and Green Needham

Links to Resources

WBUR’s Radio Boston, October 20th – Anthony Brooks talks with Green Needham Chair Michael Greis and Massachusetts Energy Undersecretary Barbara Kates-Garnick about the green economy, the 2020 clean energy plan, energy efficiency & “green living” at the local level and the Needham Summit.

The Massachusetts Clean Energy and Climate Plan for 2020 (web page)

Breakout Session details

Pre-summit survey for local organizations: Many local organizations are already active in energy and environmental changes. We’re gathering information to share on what organizations have already done. If your organization would like to participate, please contact Dee Magnoni.

Fuel for Thought:Background information – definitions, articles, questions to prompt your own thinking about “What’s next?”.

The 80% Challenge: A Survey of Climate Change Opinion and Action in Massachusetts – A MassINC report published in April, 2011 that takes an in-depth look at how Massachusetts residents perceive the problems posed by climate change as well as their willingness to embrace efforts to address it.

Summit Invitation and Overview – One-page PDF of the summit overview for easy printing.

Post-Summit

Needham Patch report on the summit, published October 27th.

Breakout session feedback and ideas

Summit Overview

Massachusetts is a national leader in aggressively meeting multiple energy and environmental challenges. The Massachusetts Clean Energy and Climate Plan for 2020 describes what Massachusetts will do by 2020 toward:

  • reducing energy costs,
  • creating energy independence,
  • accelerating the development of a clean energy economy,
  • addressing global climate change,
  • mitigating the human health and financial impact of air pollution

Communities have a vital role to play in achieving these goals. Needham is already stepping up to the challenge, but where do we go from here? What can Needham be in 2020? This important Fall Forum is an opportunity to consider a shared vision and responsibility for our future.

Please save the date and share this invitation with others. Plan to join us to set a direction for what our community can look like in 2020 and beyond.

The forum will include: interested citizens; town leaders; students from Olin, Wellesley, and Babson Colleges; Needham students; representatives from businesses, houses of worship, and community groups; and legislators.

  • Date: Monday, October 24, 2011
  • Time: 6:30 pm – 9:15 pm
  • Place: Olin College, Milas Hall (Link to Map)

Speakers:

  • Mark Sylvia – Commissioner, MA Department of Energy Resources[1]
  • Anthony Brooks – veteran NPR reporter and co-host of WBUR’s Radio Boston
  • Michael Greis – Chair, Green Needham

Program:

  • Anthony Brooks leads a conversation about the Massachusets 2020 plan and the roles of the state and communities in achieving it
  • Break-out groups on “what’s next” led by local college and high school students – to generate and discuss ideas on what Needham could be in 2020 and how we might get there.  Themes:
    • Water
    • Food
    • Transportation
    • Energy sources and choices
    • Development: the built environment
    • Energy efficiency & conservation
    • The Green Economy: opportunities & skills
  • Summary by discussion groups

Questions?

If you have questions or need information that you didn’t find here, please e-mail us or call Michael Greis at 781 559-4623.

Harriet Goldin, Needham League of Women Voters
Michael Greis, Green Needham
Dee Magnoni, Olin College

Notes

  1. DPU Commissioner David Cash, who led the drafting of the 2020 Clean Energy and Climate Plan in his previous role as Assistant Secretary for Policy at EoEEA, worked closely with us in the development of the main program. Because of his enthusiasm for this Summit, he was prepared to lead the discussion of the plan even after he moved into his new role as a DPU Commissioner. But when DoER Commissioner Mark Sylvia became available in the days leading up to the Summit, David suggested that Mark take on that role because of his direct responsibility for energy programs in the Commonwealth. We are grateful to both David and Mark for their involvement.
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