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IN THIS ISSUE

Setting our 2024-25 agenda
Solar left out of school budget…!?  7-year plan needed
Tracking climate impacts in MetroWest
Measuring Framingham’s air quality
KFB highlighted as a WBZ Change Maker
Setback tree planting update
General Chemical site update
Upcoming events | In the news

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Tonight! Thurs., Oct. 3, 5-8 p.m. GET OUT THE VOTE! Pizza and Postcard Party

At the home of Energize Framingham member Erica Ferencik. A fun, tasty night of writing postcards, chowing down on some great pizza, and getting to know other like-minded folk! Payment (for the postcards) to be collected at the event (cash or Venmo).

Heat pump and solar coaches wanted!

Have you gone solar or switched to a heat pump at your home or business and seem to tell everyone about it? Have you done the research to discover the best energy solution and want others to benefit from your knowledge? Sign up to be a coach!

Speak with neighbors about vetting quality providers, comparing quotes, and making the most of our federal and state rebates. You can get training from Rewiring America; their next session runs October 21 through November 14 (7-9 p.m). We can also connect you with coaches in nearby communities. For heat pumps email [email protected]; for solar complete this plugIN MetroWest form.

Want to serve on the Framingham Sustainability Committee?

This 9-member committee is appointed by the Mayor and has an educational and advisory role. Apply on this form by Monday, October 14. Assistance with the application is available from the Citizens Participation Officer, Nicole Horton-Stimpson (508-532-5510).

Setting Energize Framingham’s 2024-25 agenda

Thanks to all who turned out Sep. 14 to help Energize Framingham plan its 2024-25 events and advocacy! We broke out into several interest groups focused on climate-related issues in Framingham. If you’d like to assist in any of these efforts, feel free to reach out to [email protected] and we’ll connect you.

Municipal and school solar (coordinator: Meghan Murphy)
The group is planning an event for this fall tentatively titled, “FPS Solar Successes and Next Steps: Forum and Tour.” The event will include a panel discussion and a tour of the solar panels on Fuller Middle School and the solar canopy on the Farley Administration Building next door. Stay tuned for details!

Land use, agriculture, and trees (coordinators: Maria George and Isabella Petroni)
The group is planning a series of “walk and talk” events, tentatively called “Discover Wild Framingham.” Stay tuned!

Passing the Specialized “Net Zero” Energy Code (group lead: Larry Stoodt). 
This group is planning educational events for residents, city officials, and builders, in hopes of implementing the code, which covers new construction, in Framingham. More to come.

Solar left out of school budget. We need a 7-year plan!

Brophy Elementary (above left) and Fuller Middle School remain the only Framingham schools with solar installations.

On September 18, Framingham’s School Committee met to vote on its FY26 capital budget request to the Mayor. To our great disappointment, no solar was included. This means that solar wouldn’t be installed at another school until at least summer 2027.

Thanks to everyone who accepted our call and spoke up eloquently for solar during the public comment period (begins at 2:08). The School Committee ultimately passed a motion by member Adam Freudberg to accept the two budget items listed, but to defer a final vote until its next meeting, so the Committee could reconsider adding at least one school solar project to the budget request. 

That meeting will be held Thursday, October 10 at 7:00 p.m. 

Between now and then, we encourage you to contact your School Committee member and let them know how you feel. You can find their email addresses here (click “What district do I live in?” if needed). 

We are calling for a 7-year plan to add solar to our schools at regular intervals, to realize the cost savings and current incentives. 

Yes, solar projects would save the city money. In addition to lower electricity costs, the federal Direct Pay program reimburses municipalities 30 to 40 percent of a project cost. A 2023 feasibility study (see page 17) estimated that rooftop solar panels on the Farley building would pay for themselves in 4.8 years between electricity generation and incentives from Direct Pay and the Massachusetts SMART Program. 

As EF Community Lead Aimee Powelka told the committee, “Every year of delay is money that could be coming back to us and could be reducing our emissions.”

As EF’s Jenni Weich-Delaney pointed out, we collected 450 signatures this year to keep solar roof panels for the Farley building in the budget. “With the Inflation Reduction Act we’ve got so much money available to municipalities for solar projects.” 

EF’s Larry Stoodt called holding back on solar investments “penny wise and pound foolish.” Tim Brainerd commented that solar could actually reduce budget pressures in the schools and city.

Inaction is not the legacy we want to leave future generations coping with the effects of climate change. As Mary Memmott of Transition Framingham, also an educator, commented, “Students, teenagers especially, are very concerned. They need to see the adults taking action.”

Why are we waiting year after year for solar?

Last spring our signature campaign to fund solar panels for the Farley building led to funding for … a study. 

As we reported in our December 2023 issue, rooftop solar panels were in consideration as far back as 2021 for six elementary schools (Barbieri, Harmony Grove, Juniper Hill, King, McCarthy, and Potter Road) plus Walsh Middle School and Framingham High School. None of these projects have moved forward.

We recognize that there are challenges to getting new solar projects approved. Even if the school committee votes to include a solar project in its budget, that budget still needs to be approved by the Mayor, and the City Council needs to vote on it next spring.

Framingham is unfortunately in a fiscal crisis, slashing budgets and deferring projects of all kinds — including roof replacement, with or without solar panels. Moreover, Lincoln Lynch, executive director of Finance and Operations for the Framingham Public Schools, noted that the school system is struggling to keep up with a backlog of projects already approved and needs more project managers. But over time, solar projects give back and could be part of a fiscal solution for Framingham.

More solar options

Framingham has another alternative that involves no upfront costs: Power Purchase Agreements, in which a third party installs and owns the solar panels, selling electricity to the city. The solar panels at the McAuliffe Library were installed under such an agreement. Those panels are estimated to offset roughly half of the library’s electricity needs, with the city projected to save more than $100,000 during the life of a 20-year contract.

The MetroWest YMCA has had a similar arrangement since 2017. Under a Power Purchase Agreement, the Y buys solar power at a fixed rate for 20 years, using the savings to help fund its programs. Some agreements can even include the cost of roof replacement, as in the case of Temple Beth Am. (See our April 2023 newsletter for details on both projects.) 

Similarly, St. Andrews Church recently added a solar canopy to its parking lot; the solar company is covering the cost of repaving much of the lot. (See our January 2024 issue.) According to the organization Interfaith Power and Light, Massachusetts was second only to California in the number of houses of worship with solar installations in operation in 2019.

If the city goes the PPA route, electricity cost savings would begin immediately. For Farley, Dunning, and McCarthy alone, that would be an estimated $85,000 in annual savings. If Framingham finances and owns its own solar panels, the savings could be much greater — but would involve more wait. 

Learn more

Watch for our event later this fall: “Framingham Public Schools: Solar Successes and Next Steps.” It will include a panel discussion and a tour of the solar panels and electric vehicle chargers on Fuller Middle School and the geothermal system at the Farley Administration Building next door. Stay tuned for details!

Tracking climate impacts in MetroWest

The above maps juxtapose afternoon heat levels in Framingham and neighboring communities with measures of the amount of impervious surfaces (those that don’t absorb water, such as any paved surface) and tree cover. Data were collected on July 13, 2023 by more than 40 volunteer scientists for MetroWest Heat Watch. The program was a collaboration between Framingham State University’s Christa McAuliffe Center, Framingham’s Sustainability Coordinator Shawn Luz, and his peers in Ashland, Natick, and Holliston. In all, nearly 50,000 measurements were taken.

Compared to the coolest areas, the hottest areas were more than twice as likely to meet environmental justice criteria (having low-income, minority, or non-English-speaking populations), noted McAuliffe Center director Irene Porro. Temperature differences ranged from  7° F to almost 10° F, and tracked with differences in tree cover and the amount of paving.

Framingham’s climate risks

In addition to more heat waves and extreme heat, Framingham is projected to have:

• Drought

• More flash floods

• Stronger storms, wind storms

• More deep freezes

• Fewer but more serious, heavier snowstorms

Some of these impacts are starting to be felt now. In a webinar sponsored by the Ashland Public Library, Luz noted that in 60 years, if no action is taken, MetroWest is projected to have the same climate that Baltimore has today. View the webinar in full.

The Natural Climate Solutions project is working to use nature-based solutions to increase Framingham’s climate resilience, such as catch basins and residential rain gardens for stormwater management, plantings, and enhancing wetlands and forests. Explore this story map to learn more.

BRIEFS

Measuring Framingham’s air quality

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has awarded Framingham’s Health Department five air-quality sensors as part of its Particulate Matter Air Sensor Grant Program. The softball-sized sensors measure fine particulate matter (PM2.5) that has a negative impact on respiratory health. Their data will be displayed in real time on PurpleAir.com. 

According to Director of Public Health Bill Murphy, the city hopes to locate the sensors in Framingham schools, where they can be used for science projects. The Health Department is aiming for an announcement by the end of October.

Framingham already has a sensor at Farm Pond, shown on the above map. Through a separate program, the Department of Public Works headquarters on Western Avenue will be getting a permanent air sensor.

Keep Framingham Beautiful named a WBZ Change Maker

Keep Framingham Beautiful and its co-founder Michael Croci were highlighted in this lovely WBZ News “Change Makers” feature. The segment recounts KFB’s founding during the COVID pandemic and its success today with hundreds of volunteers — from kids to people in their 80s — who have picked up more than 150,000 pounds of trash. KFC members Al Rapoza, Debra Caplan, Joe Hudock, Marty Dutton, and Hiranmayi Narasimhan (also a former Energize Framingham intern) also have sound bites.

Setback tree planting update

The City Council’s Finance Subcommittee approved shifting $11,698 in unused Community Development Block Grant (CBDG) funds toward setback tree planting in CDBG-eligible census tracts in Framingham. Mayor Charles Sisitsky said it was a trial program, with the ultimate goal of creating an ongoing tree planting program in Framingham to mitigate the “heat island” effect. “If it’s successful, we’ll find money for other parts of the city where Block Grant money can’t be used,” he said. 

Councilor Adam Steiner asked how the program would be funded in coming years; the Mayor said the city could make direct application to the CBDG program to put trees in environmental justice neighborhoods. The vote was 4-0-1 with Councilor Mallach abstaining. Discussion begins at 7:08.

General Chemical site update

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) reports that its contractor has completed demolition of the warehouse building at the former General Chemical Corporation property (133-135 Leland St.) and removed all waste materials and demolition debris. The site is now being backfilled and capped, and additional subsurface investigations will be conducted over the next few months. The project is ongoing and DEP will provide continuing updates. Contact Andrew Friedmann at DEP at 617-894-3543 or [email protected] with any questions.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Want to receive emails about upcoming events? Go to EnergizeFramingham.org and click the green “Sign In/Join” green button at the upper right. You can also check our Events page for updates and view recordings of past events.

Sun., Oct. 6, 2-5 p.m. Framingham Repair Cafe
Scott Hall at 24 Vernon Street; Framingham
Got something that needs fixing or mending?

Tues., Oct. 8, 7-9 p.m. Medfield decarbonizers webinar
Medfield residents will share their experiences installing solar panels and heat pumps and driving electric cars. Framingham residents are welcome to attend!

Wed., Oct. 9, 7-8:15 p.m. Legislative update: Climate change policy for Massachusetts
MetroWest Climate Solutions hosts this webinar featuring State Senator Michael J. Barrett.

Mon., Oct. 14, 8:30-10 a.m.  Keep Framingham Beautiful Route 9 Area Cleanup 
Meet at Stop & Shop Temple Street and clean from Temple Street to Edgell Road. Bring a grabber if you have one and wear yellow for safety.

Multiple dates in October: Environmental Voter Project Phone Banking
Plymouth Church, 87 Edgell Road, Framingham
Join us to call environmentally-minded folks in swing states and urge them to the polls this November. We know cold phone calls can be uncomfortable — but we will provide a supportive space and you'll be calling along with like-minded neighbors. Work up your courage and motivation to join us by checking out this guest column by Energize Framingham member Scott Kadish and this TED Talk by EVP founder Nathan Stinnett.
Wed., Oct. 16, 7-9 p.m. | Fri., Oct. 18, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Wed., Oct. 23, 7-9 p.m. | Fri., Oct. 25, 11 a..m - 1 p.m.

Tues., Oct. 22, 7-9 p.m. Spiritual practice for climate-concerned people
Common Street Spiritual Center, Sanctuary, 13 Common Street, Natick

Sat. Oct. 26, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Clean energy home tour: Learn about heat pumps
In South Acton, address sent upon registration.

IN THE NEWS

Framingham

As they prepare to rebuild after the war, Ukrainian delegation visits Mass. to study geothermal energy (Boston Globe) 
A dozen ministers, mayors, and utility regulators visited Framingham last month, meeting with Eversource and Mayor Charles Sisitsky.

Framingham litter cleanup program launched during pandemic brings community together (WBZ TV) 
Keep Framingham Beautiful is highlighted.

Massachusetts/Region

‘PFAS . . . everywhere’: A Mass. class action lawsuit may set a new standard for damages (Boston Globe) 
Environmental and industry groups are closely watching a case in Westminster, MA, ahead of an expected “tsunami” of lawsuits over PFAS, or “forever chemicals.”

These states tried, and failed, to cut food waste. One succeeded: Massachusetts (Washington Post) 
Five states have passed landfill food waste bans aimed at chain restaurants and supermarkets to reduce warming methane emissions. But according to a study in the journal Science, these have worked only in Massachusetts, which gradually achieved a 13.2 percent waste reduction.

City of Cambridge hires first Chief Sustainability Officer 
Energize Framingham is hoping we can say the same for Framingham after the vote on the new City Charter in November 2025.

State House climate negotiators resume talks (CommonWealth Beacon) 
In a dramatic turnabout, House and Senate negotiators working on climate legislation say they have resumed their talks and are now optimistic they will find common ground before the session ends. Fingers crossed!

Massachusetts cities are quickly embracing new emission-slashing building code option (Energy News Network)
45 municipalities covering about 30 percent of the state’s population have adopted the Opt-In (“Net Zero”) Specialized Code. We hope Framingham will soon join them.

A nonprofit is offering millions to help cities cut emissions. Will Worcester get some? (Worcester Telegram)
If the money comes through, it will arrive from what the Coalition for Green Capital is calling the first green bank in the U.S.

A visit to Massachusetts' first offshore wind project, Vineyard Wind (WBUR Radio Boston)

Healey, Lamont eyeing possible nuclear/wind deal (CommonWealth Beacon) 
Govs. Maura Healthy of Massachusetts and Ned Lamont of Connecticut are considering a major energy deal, in which Massachusetts would purchase power from Connecticut’s Millstone nuclear power plant while Connecticut would buy wind energy from the proposed Vineyard Wind 2 project off Martha’s Vineyard.

National/General interest

Biden administration spending climate cash fast, as Trump threatens to cancel it (Reuters)
The Biden administration has awarded $90 billion in grants to climate, clean energy, and other projects so far under the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act. Another $15 billion could be awarded in the coming months.

Thinking about rooftop solar? 4 things to consider and how to protect yourself (NPR)
Tips for consumers on choosing a reputable installer, financing, and more. 

Why schools are ripping up playgrounds across the U.S. (Washington Post) 
Projects to plant trees, build shade structures and reduce the amount of pavement around schools have become high-priority as schoolyards become dangerously hot.

EVs are cleaner than gas cars, but a growing share of Americans don't believe it (NPR)
A mountain of research indicates that EVs are cleaner than gas-powered cars, even factoring in the fossil fuels used to manufacture them and mining of metals for their batteries. But many are still skeptical.

A polluting, coal-fired power plant found the key to solving America’s biggest clean energy challenge (CNN)
When the Minnesota fossil fuel plant closes, it will connect the largest solar project in the Upper Midwest directly to the grid. Repurposing the so-called interconnection system is short-circuiting years of bureaucracy and red tape to get solar electricity distributed to its customers.

Solar Farms Have a Superpower Beyond Clean Energy (New York Times)
Solar farms can offer pollinating insects food and shelter by providing a diverse mix of native plants.

Is this ancient process the future of plastics recycling? (WBUR On Point/ProPublica)
In the U.S., fewer than 10 percent of plastics are recycled annually. Is pyrolysis, a heating method touted by Exxon Mobil, a solution? 

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