Energy and Climate Action Committee Meeting Jul 29, 2026

The Town of Amherst's Energy and Climate Action Committee met on July 29, 2026, primarily discussing ongoing and upcoming climate initiatives and programs. Key procurement-related topics included the use of ARPA federal funding to support a heat pump program aimed at converting 30 households to clean energy, with the program nearing completion. The committee also discussed potential grant applications for weatherization improvements at the North Fire Station and technical assistance for decarbonizing the Bangs Center. Additionally, the committee is preparing to draft an RFP to hire a consultant to update the town's Climate Action Adaptation and Resilience Plan (CARP), with the process expected to begin in September. Other discussions involved strategies for engaging landlords to transition rental properties to clean energy, including developing a database of landlords and outreach plans. The committee also touched on emerging technologies such as wastewater energy recovery and district heating as part of future climate strategies. No formal votes on contracts or budget allocations were recorded during this meeting, but several action items related to procurement and grant funding were identified for follow-up.