Duxbury Committee Pushes for Climate Action Plan

Alternative Energy Group Seeks Town Support for Emissions Inventory

DUXBURY, MA - August 5 - Duxbury's Alternative Energy Committee (AEC) is taking steps to develop a comprehensive Climate Action Plan for the town. Wendell Cerne, representing the AEC, presented an update to the Selecboard on Aug. 5 outlining the committee's efforts to address climate change and sustainability issues.

The AEC is conducting a greenhouse gas emissions inventory focusing on three main areas: stationary energy consumption in buildings, transportation, and waste management.

"We use a tool produced by the Metropolitan Area Planning Council that allows us to take a look at these three areas," Cerne said.

Initial data shows that as of January, 93.8% of vehicles in Duxbury are fossil fuel-powered, while 3.9% are hybrid and 2.3% are electric. Cerne compared these figures to neighboring communities, noting that Lexington has a significantly higher percentage of hybrid and electric vehicles.

To complete the emissions inventory, the AEC is seeking support from town departments. Cerne requested that department heads assist with providing data, such as energy consumption in schools and information about hybrid vehicles in the public safety sector.

"It really isn't much," Cerne said, addressing concerns about the time commitment required from town staff. "It's something as simple as how many hybrid vehicles do you have?"

The AEC is exploring regional collaboration opportunities to develop the Climate Action Plan. Cerne mentioned ongoing discussions with the Old Colony Planning Council and the possibility of pursuing grant funding for a regional approach.

"There is actually grant money available from the state. They really like to do the regional planning," Cerne noted.

To inform their approach, the AEC has reviewed Climate Action Plans from other communities across the state. Cerne presented a summary of their findings, highlighting key elements for successful plan creation and implementation.

"Successful creation of a Climate Action Plan is best achieved by a group that includes town officials who can give official support to the plan," Cerne stated. "Volunteers may contribute important work."

The committee aims to present a Climate Action Plan to the Selectboard within a year. However, Cerne acknowledged that creating the plan will require significant effort and resources.

Selectboard members expressed support for the AEC's work but raised questions about potential staffing needs and regional collaboration. The board suggested that the AEC prepare grant applications and work with the town manager to explore resource options.