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IN THIS ISSUE

Climate activism matters!
Charter Review Committee to recommend a new chief climate officer 
Save city solar and electric vehicles from the budget ax!
What is community solar?
Electric school buses: An opportunity for Framingham
Upcoming events | In the news

April: A month of advocacy and action

This is an unusually busy time for Energize Framingham and local climate action — a time when your voice matters a great deal!  We have two time-sensitive initiatives:

• Revising the city charter to add a new Chief Climate and Sustainability Officer (learn about our initial victory below!)

• Rescuing municipal solar and electric vehicle projects just deferred from the Mayor’s proposed city budget — even though they would save the city money long-term.

Read on for details on these initiatives! For right now:

1. Visit us at Earth Day, April 20

• Take a selfie at our photobooth! Costumes, props, and signs supplied. Bonus: Be a video star and tell us how you’re acting to reduce climate change.

• Learn how you can help get Framingham moving on climate action, like solar on school buildings and baking climate and sustainability into city decisions.

2. Sign our City Budget petition

Save city solar and electric vehicles from the budget ax! Details are in the article below, but in brief, the Mayor has cut several items from his proposed FY2025 capital budget: A rooftop solar installation on the new Farley Building roof, a Citywide Solar Alternative Energy and Resiliency Plan, and a Vehicle Electrification Initiative.

These initiatives would invest in Framingham’s future, save the city money over time, reduce carbon emissions from gas-powered vehicles, and improve air quality and public health.

Sign the petition now! We need as many signatures as possible by April 15.

3. Get inspired: Climate activism matters! 

Energize Framingham member Jenny Allen’s environmental activism goes back to the first Earth Day in 1970. (Here, at right, she’s at the September 2023 Climate March in New York City.) Read her essay on our website about why she became a climate activist and how activism can sometimes bring real change.

BREAKING NEWS

Charter Review Committee to recommend a chief climate officer for Framingham

Big news!! Energize Framingham successfully advocated for the Charter Review Committee to incorporate a Chief Climate and Sustainability Officer in its recommended revisions to the City Charter. That’s a huge win: If the City Council agrees to put the change in front of voters this fall, Framingham could have an officer empowered to work across city departments, influencing policy and incorporating climate considerations in all city decision-making.

The Committee voted 9-0 in favor of adding this position on March 28 after Energize Framingham community lead Aimee Powelka gave public comment about the benefits of adding the new position.

“One of the really rewarding things was that one of the committee members looked at me afterward and said ‘thank you,’” says Powelka. “People genuinely wanted to talk about this.”

Convincing the Committee

In her public comment, Powelka spoke to systemic barriers to climate action in Framingham — which haven’t changed since she first became involved with Energize Framingham in 2017. “Framingham continues to lack a clear strategic plan to address climate change and prioritizes short-term budgeting decisions over long-term benefits and cost savings,” she stated.

A Chief Climate and Sustainability Officer, she asserted, would be key “in presenting the costs of inaction during cost-benefit analyses and budgeting decisions, and in engaging the community to develop equitable climate policies.”

Powelka also made three key points:

• Six other Massachusetts cities already have a Chief Climate Officer or independent climate or sustainability department: Somerville, Medford, New Bedford, Newton, Boston, and Worcester.

• With climate change already underway, we cannot afford to wait another ten years for the next charter review.

• Unprecedented funding opportunities are available now through the federal Infrastructure Bill and Inflation Reduction Act — if we are able to take advantage of them.

In subsequent discussion, Charter Committee member (and former State Senator) David Magnani made a motion to add the chief climate officer position to the charter.

“We would not be the first or last municipality of our size that has adopted this language,” he pointed out. “It’s time for Framingham to go on record as being proactive regarding the environment and environmental protection.”  

Committee Chair Adam Blumer led a thoughtful discussion, which included how the proposed Chief Climate and Sustainability Officer, influencing decisions across the administration, is different from the current Sustainability Coordinator, and what it would cost to add this position. (An impromptu Google search found a range of $110,000 to $160,000.)

Sen. Magnani pointed out that a cost-benefit analysis would show savings “that ultimately would pay for this position.” Powelka noted that the Farley solar project alone (see more on this below) would provide savings of about $150,000/year. ”I think this position would pay for itself if these projects could move along,” she said.

More work ahead — stay tuned

Powelka believes the key factor in the 9-0 vote was giving committee members time to get their questions addressed and become comfortable with the idea. “I’m the same way,” she says. “The first time I hear something, I feel suspicious, wanting to understand the reasons behind the proposal. You need to be willing to do the research and have the conversation.”

Stay tuned for more: The Charter Review Committee must submit its recommended charter changes to the City Council no later than May 1. The City Council must then take action before June 15. That’s an opportunity to educate the Council before the vote. We’ve heard this timeline may be extended, but we plan to stay on top of it!

To learn more:

• Watch the Charter Review Committee meeting in full.  Powelka’s testimony begins at 2:44, and the discussion begins at 39:12.

• Read our February op/ed in the MetroWest Daily News (also posted on our website).  

TIME-SENSITIVE ACTION

Save city solar and electric vehicles from the budget ax! Sign the petition

Help us rescue several climate-friendly projects from the municipal chopping block by signing our online petition to Mayor Sisitsky!

On March 12, the Mayor unexpectedly announced that he had cut the FY2025 Recommended Capital Budget from last year’s $72 million to $25 million. He also deferred the existing five-year FY25-FY29 Capital Improvement Plan, stating that a revised plan will be submitted to the City Council in November 2024. 

As a result of the cut, three projects are being deferred — even though they would ultimately save the City money:

• A $1.75 million rooftop solar installation on the Farley Building, requested in November by the School Committee in an off-cycle budget request. 

• A proposed $75,000 Citywide Solar Alternative Energy and Resiliency Plan, meaning planning wouldn’t occur until at least FY26 and new municipal solar installations wouldn’t occur until at least 2027.

• A $400,000 Vehicle Electrification Initiative to add electric vehicles and chargers to the city’s fleets."

Our message to the Mayor: Don’t leave money on the table!

We need to move on municipal solar to capitalize on the federal Inflation Reduction Act, which would cover 30 percent of installation costs. Once installed, solar panels will generate savings for the city. 

Research indicates that the proposed solar panels for the Farley Building would save Framingham $157,000 per year in electricity costs and, with tax rebates, would pay for themselves in an estimated 4.8 years. That’s money Framingham would be leaving on the table. 

On the electric vehicle front, there are incentives in the Inflation Reduction Act for adding electric vehicles to the city’s fleet. Government entities are eligible to claim up to $7,500 for vehicles under 14,000 pounds and up to $40,000 for all other vehicles. A separate Massachusetts program offers incentives for chargers for fleet vehicles.

Sign our petition to the Mayor now!

Consumers know the value that solar can bring: more than 1,000 households in Framingham have installed solar panels on their home to save money, and more and more are investing in electric vehicles that cost less to operate than gasoline vehicles. 

Each dot on the map above represents a permitted solar energy project in Framingham (nearly all residential). More on the city website. At right, registered EV passenger vehicles in Framingham, 2020-24. Source: Massachusetts vehicle census.

Your signature is a request for the city to: 

• Save taxpayers and the city money through municipal solar 

• Reduce carbon emissions from gas-powered vehicles

• Improve air quality and public health

• Invest in Framingham’s future.

In addition to our online petition, we will have paper petitions at our tables during events — look for us! We are hoping to collect as many signatures as possible by April 15!

What is community solar? A primer

Did you know you can get a portion of your power from solar energy, saving on your electricity bill, without having your own solar panels? You can do that by subscribing to community solar, provided by a large solar installation or “farm” in Massachusetts that’s connected to the electric grid. These solar arrays are being located in many locations, from actual farms (“agrivoltaics”) to office parks to former landfills to church parking lots (see our story on St. Andrews Church in our January issue).

The plugIN Metrowest initiative, involving Framingham, Natick, Ashland, and Wayland, is working with two Massachusetts community solar providers — Nexamp and Sunwealth — to offer community solar subscriptions.  Energize Framingham heartily endorses this program! 

Community solar is a great option if:

• You pay an electricity bill

• You rent or live in a condo

• You want to lower your electric bills. 

• Your roof is too shady or otherwise not suitable for solar panels

• You want to get electricity from renewable sources 

Tell me more!

If you attend the Earth Day, the Cooler Communities Fair, or Science on State Street events, Nexamp and Sunwealth will be on hand to discuss their programs. But here’s what to know:

There are no upfront costs and no cancellation fees, and both solar providers were vetted through an application process. They are NOT the competitive, predatory suppliers that may have approached you in the past! (Those other companies have been found by the Mass. Attorney General to take advantage of people and cost them more.) 

If you subscribe to community solar, your power will still be delivered by Eversource; Nexamp or Sunwealth will just feed their energy into the grid and you will receive a financial credit on your Eversource bill. Once your plan is activated, typically two to three months after signup up, you’ll start to see savings.

• As a Nexamp subscriber, you can enjoy 12.5 percent annual savings on your electricity bill. 

• As a Sunwealth subscriber, you can enjoy 17 to 22 percent annual savings if you qualify based on your income or neighborhood of residence.

• Savings will fluctuate month by month, based on how much electricity the solar farm produces and its value, determined by a state financial market. You can expect higher credits in summer than in winter. 

You will have a second bill with Nexamp or Sunwealth to pay for the solar power, on top of your Eversource bill. But between the two bills, you will have a lower cost over the course of a year. 

Wait. Won’t Framingham soon get its electricity in bulk through Framingham Community Electricity? 

Yes, Framingham has applied for community choice aggregation, which will stabilize electricity costs in the city. But you can still sign up for community solar programs!

How do I get started?

• Read more about community solar.

• Visit Nexamp - plugIN and Sunwealth - plugIN to learn more about their programs and submit an interest form.

• To get started, fill out an online form with your zip code, contact information, and a copy of a recent electricity bill.

• If you decide to enroll, you would sign a Community Solar agreement.

Learn more: Watch this webinar, hosted by our own Aimee Powelka.
Have questions? Need coaching? Get help on plugINMetrowest.org

Electric school buses: An opportunity for Framingham

The School Committee recently voted 9-0 to bring school busing in-house. The plan still has to be approved by the City Council, but if it goes through it will offer an opportunity to purchase electric school buses. (Our current vendor, NRT, has indicated it has no interest in this.)

According to the Mass. Department of Energy Resources, electric buses are at least 40 percent cheaper and 70 percent cleaner than traditional diesel buses. (According to School Committee Member Adam Freudberg, Framingham budgets $1 million for diesel fuel/year for our fleet.)  Advice and support are available to the city through MassCEC, the EPA’s clean school bus webinars, and Mass. DEP’s Fleet Charging Incentives.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Sat., Apr. 6, 9-11 a.m. Keep Framingham Beautiful’s Route 135 Pre-Marathon Cleanup. Meet 904 Waverly Street.

Sun, Apr. 7, 9:30-11:00 a.m. Community Solar Forum (in-person)
Sponsored by Congregation Beth Elohim, 133 Prospect Street, Acton.

Wed., Apr. 10, 12-1 p.m. Save $ with Community Solar - No Roof Required (online). 
Anyone who pays an electricity bill is eligible for a community solar subscription to save 10 to 20 percent on your annual electricity costs. 

Wed., Apr. 10, 7 p.m.  Framingham Sustainability Committee discussion on the Specialized Building Code. With Dillan Patel from the Mass. Dept. of Energy Resources. Check the City Public Meeting Calendar for Zoom link.

Thurs., Apr. 11, 6-7:30 p.m. Framingham Climate Action Planning meeting (on Zoom)
Info on the Climate Action Plan (you can also give input on the ideas wall.)

Thurs., Apr. 11, 6-7:30 p.m.: Wildflowers of Spring and Summer (online)
Led by Neela deZoysa. Info/registration ($29)

Sat., Apr. 20, 11 a.m -3 p.m. Earth Day Festival, Framingham Common. Look for EF’s table!

Sat., Apr. 27, 10 a.m.-1 p.m: Cooler Communities Fair, Fuller Middle School. Look for EF’s table!

Sat., Apr. 27, 12-3 p.m. Science on State Street. McAuliffe Center and O’Connor Parking Lot, Framingham State University. Find us there!

Mon. Apr. 29, 7:30-8:30 p.m.  Save $ with Community Solar - No Roof Required. On Zoom.

IN THE NEWS

Framingham

What does climate change look like? Framingham High art students have some ideas (Metrowest Daily News)
Highlighting an exhibit from FHS, with quotes from our former interns Eliza Rubel and Hiranmayi Narasimhan.

State/Regional

These energy suppliers say they can save you money. Regulators say it’s a scam. (Boston Globe/WBUR)
The fight over the future of third-party electric suppliers in Massachusetts

Can one official move the needle on our state’s carbon emissions? (Boston Globe)
Melissa Hoffer, the only state climate chief in the nation, is trying to get every government agency in Massachusetts to take responsibility for the problem.

Worcester Public Schools unveils new electric bus (Spectrum News 1) 

​​Worcester is planting two Miyawaki forests. Here’s what to know.  (Boston.com)

A huge new 1.2 GW offshore wind farm is headed to New England (ElekTrek) 
Vineyard Offshore has submitted proposal for an offshore wind farm, Vineyard Wind 2, to MA, CT, and RI.

$50K grant will fund geothermal heat study in South Deerfield (Greenfield Recorder) 

Feds steer $87 million toward low carbon cement plant in Holyoke (WBUR)

National

Amid explosive demand, America is running out of power  (Washington Post)
AI’s demand on the electrical grid is threatening clean energy projects

The Zombies of the U.S. Tax Code: Why Fossil Fuels Subsidies Seem Impossible to Kill (New York Times) 

Of general interest

Solar power occupies a lot of space – here’s how to make it more ecologically beneficial to the land it sits on (TheConversation.com).
An ecologist discusses how to make large solar installations ecologically sustainable.

US Offshore Wind Slump? What Offshore Wind Slump? (Clean Technica)

ABOUT US

Energize Framingham provides climate education, outreach, and advocacy to promote a healthy, equitable, and resilient community.

Have a tip for us? Email [email protected].
In case you missed it… Back issues!
Editors: Nancy Fliesler and Aimee Powelka