A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to concerns about UMass’s usage of renewable diesel. Committee members questioned the particulate emissions associated with renewable diesel and their potential health impacts, compared to those from natural gas. Although the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection had determined that the shift to renewable diesel would not increase facility emissions, concerns were raised about pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM). The discussion revealed that UMass had not yet applied for a permit for this change, providing the committee with an opportunity to raise their concerns.

In addition to internal discussions, the committee recognized the involvement of a group of faculty and students who have been advocating for transparency regarding UMass’s renewable diesel usage. This group has been pursuing public awareness and has engaged with UMass’s chancellor, who has yet to adequately address their concerns regarding emissions. The committee underscored the importance of keeping these issues visible to the public, especially in a news environment where they might easily be overlooked.

Another topic at the meeting was the Residential Heat Pump Initiative, which aims to promote the adoption of heat pumps in the community. An update was provided on the initiative, revealing that the plan’s details had been finalized and that flyers announcing the program would be distributed soon. A press release is scheduled for the following week, but the program’s official start is set for April. The committee also discussed a regional coaching program for heat pumps, initially targeting Northampton, which could potentially expand to a broader area. This initiative, led by Eric Broadbent, aims to establish a coaching network to assist with heat pump adoption, a key goal of Mass Energize. The meeting noted the strong interest in the coaching program and the need for a program coordinator to support its implementation.

The committee also explored the involvement of the Energy and Sustainability Committee (EAC) in community engagement initiatives. Members expressed enthusiasm about participating in an upcoming sustainability festival, where they plan to set up a booth to provide assistance with heat pumps. The festival, scheduled for April 26, is expected to be a significant educational event, with previous participants already expressing interest in returning. The committee encouraged all members to reserve time on the day of the festival to engage with the community and promote climate action initiatives. The potential for demonstrations, such as agricultural practices and solar ovens, was discussed, with an emphasis on fun and engaging activities.

The meeting also addressed the importance of the town manager’s engagement with stakeholders on climate issues. Members emphasized the need to equip the town manager with relevant information to better understand local environmental impacts, particularly those related to emissions. A chart from a permit related to emissions was highlighted, showing the substantial local health impacts from particulates and nitrogen oxides (NOx). The conversation critiqued claims made by companies regarding the carbon neutrality of renewable fuels, including renewable diesel, and discussed the misleading use of terms like “waste oil.”

In administrative matters, the committee discussed the election of a vice chair, a role deemed important for ensuring continuity in the committee’s work. Despite the chair’s encouragement, no nominations were received during the meeting, leading to a suggestion to revisit the item in future meetings. The importance of collaborative input was also emphasized in reviewing a draft letter concerning the UMass climate plan, with members encouraged to provide feedback for group consideration.