Cohasset Explores 'Climate Leader' Status, Approves Energy Partnership
Town could receive over $250,000 in incentives for reducing energy usage
COHASSET, MA - August 20 - The town is taking steps to enhance its environmental initiatives and potentially secure additional grant funding through two key programs discussed at the August 20 Select Board meeting.
Tanya Bodell from the Alternative Energy Committee presented plans for Cohasset to pursue "Climate Leader" status, a program she described as "Green Communities 2.0." The initiative would require the town to adopt stricter environmental standards but could unlock more grant funding opportunities.
"We feel that the town people would be very supportive of pursuing net zero goals in a climate action plan," Bodell said, citing survey results showing strong interest in climate planning among residents.
The Climate Leader program would require several commitments from the town, including a municipal decarbonization commitment, a decarbonization roadmap with 2030 and 2050 goals, an EV first vehicle policy, and adoption of a specialized stretch code.
Bodell emphasized that pursuing Climate Leader status would allow Cohasset to proactively address state environmental mandates. "If we don't take the lead on this, the state will be telling us what to do," she said.
The initiative would need town meeting approval before implementation. Select Board members expressed interest in the concept but requested more time to review the details.
In a related move, the Select Board voted to authorize Town Manager Chris Senior to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with National Grid for an energy efficiency partnership program.
The National Grid program could provide over $250,000 in incentives to the town over three years for reducing electricity and natural gas usage. Bodell explained that the partnership would initially focus on municipal energy efficiency before expanding to residential efforts.
"In exchange for our first year, second year, third year you know more than a quarter of a million dollars for being able to achieve our energy efficiency goals," Bodell said.
Select Board member Chris Plecs raised concerns about indemnification language in the MOU, requesting a review to ensure the town's interests are protected. The board directed Senior to address this issue before signing.
The Alternative Energy Committee sees potential synergy between the Climate Leader program and the National Grid partnership. Both initiatives aim to reduce energy consumption and promote sustainable practices in Cohasset.
Bodell noted that Cohasset has already received over $2.2 million in benefits from previous green energy initiatives, including $1 million from the Green Communities program.
The Select Board did not take immediate action on the Climate Leader proposal, opting to review the information further before making any commitments. However, the board's approval of the National Grid partnership signals a continued interest in pursuing energy efficiency and sustainability measures for the town.