Albany Climate Action: A Focus on Education

The City of Albany Climate Action Committee met on September 20th, 2023, to discuss matters related to policy and education concerning new updates to a number of programs. The next meeting will be held on October 18th.

A Farewell and Beginning
After a warm farewell to Staff Liaison Lizzie Carrade and CivicSpark Fellow Natasha Gallin, the Committee was introduced to the new CivicSpark Fellow Sutton Payne and Staff Liaison Michelle Plouse. As part of the custom, the committee passed proclamations of appreciation for the departing staff members.

A Statement
Following the previous meeting, the Committee focused on the statement in support of the AUSD (Albany Unified School District) adopting a climate literacy program in support of educating the community about the City’s climate action goals. Last meeting, committee members expressed concern about adding too much unwieldy specification to the curriculum for the climate education program. After hearing the concerns that the program should be reviewed and finalized by the AUSD, the Student Outreach and Education Subcommittee decided to discuss a statement of support. This, subcommittee members said, would show the Committee’s support and be helpful. The Committee then decided to follow this guidance, especially after hearing  Kim Trutane ‘s comments. Trutane, a BUSD spokesperson, said she believed this action would be the best path forward for the program.

An Insider’s Take on the EBCE
The committee also sat for a presentation given by Committee Member Dan Lieberman, who is also the current Marketing Director of East Bay Community Energy (EBCE). The presentation featured information about the new EBCE Incentive Finder tool, which allows homeowners and others to learn more about incentives for making their homes greener. Lieberman also spoke about new EBCE rates, and how to create an even more more climate conscious Albanyand  East Bay.

–Haadiyah Mohammed