An oral history of General Electric's involvement and legacy in Pittsfield, Massachusetts
by Arambula, Jonathan, M.A., UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS LOWELL, 2009, 94 pages; 1466054

Abstract:

This thesis documents General Electric's (GE) stranglehold on the Berkshire County regional economy and carefully considers the events that took place over the last several decades of the 20th century that led to GE's departure from Pittsfield, Massachusetts. It also examines the role GE played in the pollution of the environment in greater Pittsfield. This thesis chronicles GE's use of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in their production of transformers (to view a picture of a GE transformer see Appendix A) and the subsequent litigation process between the large corporation, the city of Pittsfield, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Finally, the thesis outlines the current redevelopment efforts underway in Pittsfield to rebuild a strong, dependable, sustainable, and diverse economy in the wake of GE's abandonment of the region.

 
Advisor
SchoolUNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS LOWELL
SourceMAI/ 47-05, p. , Aug 2009
Source TypeThesis
SubjectsAmerican history; Economic history; Economics, Labor; Social structure
Publication Number1466054
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