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IN THIS ISSUE

Council approves a Chief Climate & Sustainability Officer in the City Charter
Solar Para Todos launches in Framingham
Setback tree planting: Growing the urban canopy
Composting progress
Guest column: Help register pro-environmental voters!
Raw sewage leak befouls the Sudbury River
Trails update
Upcoming events | In the news

Want to take action on climate in Framingham but don't know how? This meeting's for you!
Saturday, Sept. 14, 10 a.m. at the McAuliffe Library

We’re looking to gather people and groups ready to take action by organizing an event on the subject of their choice, from planting more trees to getting more solar panels installed on school buildings. For more information, email Aimee at [email protected].

City Council approves a Chief Climate and Sustainability Officer in the City Charter

On August 6, the Framingham City Council approved a set of revisions to the City Charter – including a provision adding a Chief Climate and Sustainability Officer to the city government. Energize Framingham is thrilled and grateful to everyone who supported us in advocating for this position, helping the city reach this exciting milestone!

The vote to accept the new position was 9-2 with Councilors Ottaviani, Mallach, Leombruno, Steiner, Long, Ward, King, Bryant, and White Harvey in favor. Councilor Cannon made the motion to reject, stating that new city positions should be added through the usual budget process, not through the City Charter. He and Councilor Alexander voted against the position.

Several people spoke in favor of adding a Chief Climate and Sustainability Officer, including Susan Craighead and David Magnani, who were on the Charter Review Committee.

“I believe the future of the planet, what’s happening with climate is just so critical,” Craighead said via Zoom. “For most of us, it’s our life, it’s our children’s life and we need to elevate it to the highest level.”

Energize Framingham member Brigitte Griffin, testifying in person, urged: “I think you all should have the courage to do it now, and not find reasons to delay it.…I don’t think there’s a reason to be afraid of it.”

The original City Charter, approved in 2017 when Framingham became a city, does already specify a few positions that work across departments: the Chief Financial Officer, Citizen Participation Officer, and City Solicitor.

“This is a value statement, a commitment to future generations,” said Energize Framingham Community Lead Aimee Powelka. She reiterated the potential savings to Framingham by having an officer able to take advantage of funding opportunities, such as 30 to 40 percent rebates for renewable and clean energy projects through the federal Direct Pay program, available through 2032. 

The full discussion is worth watching (starts at 1:31:45).

Delayed citizen vote

The revised Charter, including the new position, will go before the voters… eventually. In the last moments of the meeting, the Council voted 10-0 to postpone the citizen vote until November 2025. City Clerk Lisa Ferguson, who manages city elections, stated that a completely separate set of ballots would be needed to hold a Charter vote as part of this year’s general election, adding cost and complication. The councilors also seemed to balk at the $50,000 it would cost to hold a special election early in 2025.

That discussion starts at 3:10:00 of the August 6 meeting.

More work to be done

The Council’s vote was a huge win for putting climate front and center, but our work is far from done. As we wait the 14 months before the citizen vote, we need to: 

• Continue to push for urgent climate measures now, like including solar panels on schools having roofs or parking lots replaced and adopting the Specialized Energy Code. (Attend our organizing meeting September 14! See above.)

• Work with the City Council Subcommittee on Environment and Sustainability, Framingham Sustainability Committee, Sustainability Coordinator Shawn Luz, and the Mayor’s office — starting now — to help ensure the new hire hits the ground running.

• Explore possibly adding the position to the budget this year so that it would be funded after the public votes.

• Educate the public about the new position ahead of the citizens' vote and motivate them to turn out and vote “yes” on the new Charter. 

• Assuming voters approve the Charter, help publicize the position once it’s posted so it is filled as quickly as possible.

Solar Para Todos launches in Framingham

^Solar Para Todos Solar Ambassadors, left to right:  Sara Damaceno of Marlborough, Aline de Oliveira of Framingham, Alessandra Silva of Hudson, Ligia Puma of Ashland (a former student of Framingham State University), and Fabiane Goncalves, MassEnergize/Solar Para Todos Program Coordinator. (Photo courtesy MassEnergize.)

Earlier this summer, MassEnergize, the Christa McAuliffe Center for Integrated Science Learning at Framingham State University, and Energize Framingham kicked off the Solar Para Todos (“Solar for All”)  campaign. With two years of funding, the campaign aims to lower Framingham families’ electricity costs by introducing community solar to income-eligible residents and those living in environmental justice neighborhoods. The program will focus especially on Portuguese- and Spanish-speaking communities.

“We are focused on immigrants, people who don’t own their house, and non-native English speakers,” says Fabiane Goncalves, the Solar Para Todos Program Coordinator at MassEnergize. “We want to reduce the energy burden, create job opportunities, and reduce people’s electric bills.”

As we outlined in our April issue, community solar projects allow residents to subscribe to solar provided by a large solar installation or “farm” in Massachusetts that’s connected to the electric grid. Subscribers get the benefits of a lower electricity bill without needing to have their own solar panels. As Goncalves notes, the program is renter-friendly – no need to own your home – and there are no installation or cancellation fees.

Convincing the community

Solar Para Todos is hiring and training Portuguese- and Spanish-speaking clean energy “Ambassadors” or influencers to conduct the outreach campaigns. So far they’ve hired seven ambassadors; seven more will be hired next year.

The ambassadors aren’t using hard-sell tactics, says Goncalves. In fact, they’re not yet explicitly pitching Solar Para Todos, but focusing on being present in the community and getting to know residents. 

That’s in part because of the complexities of the program’s fine print, such as the fact that subscribers would receive two energy bills – one from Eversource, and one from program partner Sunwealth – and pay more in the summer than in the winter. But over the course of a year, the savings are an estimated 20 percent. This discount would be in addition to any discounted rate they may already receive from Eversource.

“There are so many scammers, we want people to trust us first,” she says. “We’re going through well-known organizations that they trust. They’ll see my face the first time, second time, third time, and they’ll think ‘This organization really wants to help us.’”

This summer at the Christa McAuliffe Center, interns developed outreach materials for Solar Para Todos, including a multilingual website. Solar Ambassadors have so far attended events at Pelham Apartments Appreciation Day and Daniel’s Table. Look for their table at the Farmer’s Market on the Framingham Center Common on September 26 and October 10 (3-7 pm).

Setback tree planting: Growing the urban canopy

Framingham’s Tree Warden, Rebecca Nau, is asking the city to reallocate $11,698 in unspent funds from the Community Development Block Grant to reinstitute and revitalize the city’s Setback Tree Planting Program. On August 20, the City Council unanimously referred the request to the Finance Subcommittee. 

Framingham’s Setback Tree Planting Program partners with home and property owners to plant trees on their property within the 20-foot setback (behind the sidewalk) where trees are most likely to thrive — away from obstructions, car exhaust, road salt, etc. Property owners apply for a tree and the city plants a tree of a recommended species within the setback. The homeowner then cares for the tree.

Planting trees on private property can provide benefits like shade, pollution control, stormwater management, wildlife habitat, and aesthetic appeal.

The Finance Subcommittee (Councilors King, Cannon, Alexander, Mallach, and Steiner) typically meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. Check the Public Meeting Calendar if you’d like to attend or comment, or watch for further notices. Learn more about setback tree planting.

Composting progress!

School composting

Cafeteria food waste composting is returning to Dunning Elementary School this year! And Potter Road is next in line to introduce its own program with principal Alana Cyr excited to lead her school in starting a composting program once funds are released. They’re having their first Composting Team meeting on September 23.

Citywide curbside composting

The city has put residential curbside food waste collection out to bid, seeking a vendor to whom it can refer residents. Black Earth Compost, which currently services 387 paying customers in Framingham, was the sole bidder. If the bid is accepted, Framingham would promote Black Earth Compost’s services but whether the city offers any incentives or discounts to residents is still to be determined.

Separately, the Department of Public Works has applied for a grant from the Mass. Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to pay for Food Waste Collection Carts — wheeled curbside bins that the city can distribute to residents at no cost when they sign up for a curbside composting subscription. 

GUEST COLUMN

Help register pro-environmental voters!

By Scott Kadish

Over the past month for about 60 to 75 minutes per week, I’ve been making calls for the Environmental Voter Project (EVP) using my phone and desktop computer. In some calls, I represent the Jewish Climate Action Network; other times I make calls with a bunch of pro-environment people I have never met.  

During these calls, I’ve connected with several dozen pro-environment unregistered voters who now plan to vote in the upcoming elections. Since 2015, volunteer efforts have helped increase pro-environment voter turnout by over 1.8 million people. In tight races, especially in swing states, your phone calls can make a real difference!

During each session, I typically make between 25 and 40 calls. There is a 15- to 20-minute Zoom training at the beginning of each session for newcomers and a 10-minute wrap up at the end to debrief. While I find that many calls result in hangups or wrong numbers and may require a "thick skin," there are always people who express genuine gratitude for your call. These positive interactions — combined with the sense of community as we make calls together on Zoom (we’re muted, but can see each other making calls) make the effort truly worthwhile.

Whether you're a first-time caller or a seasoned volunteer, dedicating just an hour a week to making phone calls can have a tangible impact on this November's elections. Check out this TED Talk by EVP founder Nathan Stinnett to learn more.

To get involved, check this calendar of upcoming EVP call opportunities throughout September and October. I hope to see Energize Framingham members at an upcoming call!

Scott Kadish is a Framingham resident and a Chartered Socially Responsible Investment Counselor.

Raw sewage leak befouls the Sudbury River

On July 30, over several hours, a sanitary sewer overflow discharged 675,000 gallons of untreated sewage and wastewater into a wetlands area adjacent to the Sudbury River, near the historic Dexter Hemenway House at 72 Main Street just south of Route 9.

The city notified residents to avoid contact with the Sudbury River for at least 48 hours, as did Wayland and Sudbury, due to potential bacteria and chemical contaminants. The warning extended to the Concord River. 

The cause was reportedly a break in a pressurized sewer pipe (also called a force main) behind the Worcester Road Pump Station, which handles more than 25 percent of Framingham’s wastewater flow. Well beyond their useful life, the pumps are currently in the process of being replaced.The spill has put that project on hold.

The overflowing sewage was pumped into trucks, the broken, corroded pipe was repaired, and the pump station resumed its operation, according to the MetroWest Daily News. In this clip shared by the Framingham Observer, Steve Leone, Framingham’s Water & Wastewater Director, told the City Council August 20 that the overnight operation took 13 septic pumper trucks and 22 staff. The river is again open to recreational use.

Risk at Gates Street Pump Station

Leone also told the Council that a similar situation is in danger of happening at the Gates Street Pump Station, where an aged, pressurized sewer pipe also runs through wetlands. Bob Lewis, Director of Public Works, called Framingham’s sewer system a “ticking time bomb.” 

Earlier, at the June 18 Finance Subcommittee Meeting on the FY2025-FY2030 Recommended Capital Improvement Plan, the Subcommittee voted to approve plugging safety gaps in the Gates Street station and finishing the design for a new station, but held off on appropriating funds for constructing the new station.The appropriation was reduced from the original ask of $3.35 million to $967,000. Discussion begins at 40:05.

Earlier episode

In 2022, a pressurized sewer pipe break in Framingham’s system released 36,000 gallons of raw sewage into the Sudbury River wetlands, according to the Framingham Source.The Framingham Conservation Commission filed a wetlands emergency report with MassDEP, indicating that a culvert collapsed at 74 Main Street.

Trails update

The Carol Getchell Trail in Saxonville is closed as of August 8 so that its deteriorating boardwalk and pedestrian bridges can be replaced and a 1,500-foot section of the trail at Little Farms Road upgraded. Significant funding for this project comes from the Framingham Community Preservation Committee, MassTrails, SuAsCo River Stewardship Council, and the Solomon Foundation. Many thanks to champion Ron Chick for leading efforts to fund this trail’s restoration.

The Cochituate Rail Trail, which runs from Saxonville in Framingham to Natick Center, is again hosting a New Year’s Eve celebration, from 4:30-7:30 p.m. The organizers are looking for volunteers to help plan and for other tasks like:

• Recruiting groups to host fire pits

• Logistics and lighting

• Sponsorship outreach

• Managing the selfie photo booth

• Entertainment

If you’re interested in helping, contact Denise Zadina ([email protected]).

UPCOMING EVENTS

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

Sun., Sept. 8, 2-5 p.m. Natick Repair Cafe
Natick Community Senior Center
Great Room, 117 E. Central St. (Rt. 135), Natick
Bring items in need of repair. The fix is free!

Sat., Sept. 14, 10-11 a.m.: Want to take action on climate in Framingham but don't know how? This meeting's for you!
McAuliffe Library, 746 Water St., Framingham
Energize Framingham is looking to gather people and groups ready to take action by organizing an event on the subject of their choice, from planting more trees to getting more solar panels installed on school buildings. For more information, email Aimee at [email protected]. 

Sat., Sept. 14, 1-4 p.m. Concord EV Showcase
Bradford Mill, 23 Bradford Street in West Concord
Explore a wide range of electric vehicle models and chat with EV owners.

Sept. 19-23: Keep Framingham Beautiful Trash Bash 250!
KFB’s biggest challenge yet! Do your own cleanup, organize a small group, or join one of KFB’s weekend cleanups. Sign up on this google form. Post your results to KFB’s Facebook group.
Questions to [email protected].

Sat., Sep. 21, 2-5 p.m. Vegan Mac N Cheese Cookoff
Open Spirit Community Center, Edwards Hall
39 Edwards Street, Framingham

Sat. Sept. 28, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.  City of Framingham’s Inaugural Find Your People Fair
Memorial Building, Nevins Hall
Connect with activities and organizations in Framingham – including Energize Framingham!

December 31: Save the Date: New Year’s Eve on the Cochituate Rail Trail (see trails update above)

IN THE NEWS

Massachusetts/Region

Environmental advocates frustrated by Mass. Legislature's failure to pass climate bill (WGBH)
The Senate and House passed their own versions of a climate bill and needed to reconcile the differences in order to send a final bill to Gov. Maura Healey – but failed to meet their July 31 deadline. Missed opportunities included measures to curb plastic pollution, streamline the process for approving new clean energy projects in the state, and reducing reliance on natural gas.

Climate activists 'furious' at Beacon Hill's climate bill failure (WBUR)

Mass. prides itself on being a leader on climate issues. So what happened to the climate bill? (Boston Globe)

Mass. lawmakers ended formal lawmaking with lots left on the table. Here’s what could happen next. (Boston Globe)

New England states win federal grants for heat pumps (Boston Globe)
An estimated $100 million will go to Massachusetts to create what’s to be called the “New England Heat Pump Accelerator.”

Heat pumps are the pathway to energy affordability (Opinion) (Boston Globe)

Report: Worcester is cutting carbon emissions, but more must be done (Worcester Telegram) 
A preliminary report indicates Worcester cut greenhouse gas emissions by 9.5% from 2009 to 2023.

EPA weighing controversial geoengineering ocean experiment south of Martha’s Vineyard (Boston Globe) 
Oceans swallow huge amounts of carbon dioxide pollution, helping to mitigate climate change, but at the cost of the seas becoming more and more acidic. What if we gave the ocean the equivalent of a giant antacid tablet? That’s the basis of an experiment scientists at Woods Hole hope to do.

The Dangerous Politics of Climate Engineering (Common Dreams)
An opinion piece expresses concerns about the above experiment. 

Salem Breaks Ground on New Offshore Wind Terminal (g Captain)

What's the deal with passive house? (Volts podcast)
Beverly Craig of the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center discusses what passive house building principles entail, the benefits they generate for building occupants and the grid, and what it would take to persuade more US builders and policymakers to adopt them.

National/General Interest

Does ‘compostable’ plastic actually break down? Here’s what to know. (Washington Post) 

Buildings, among the largest greenhouse gas emissions culprits, are getting easier to make sustainable (ABC News)
The construction and operations of buildings account for about 40% of emissions.

Energy Department awards $2.2B to strengthen the electrical grid and add clean power (Associated Press)
More than $2.2 billion will be awarded to projects in 18 states to strengthen the electrical grid against increasing extreme weather, add renewable power and meet a growing demand for electricity for manufacturing and data centers, the Department of Energy announced.

2024 Election

Harris’s New Strategy: Equate Fighting Climate Change With ‘Freedom’  (New York Times)
The Harris campaign isn’t offering details on climate policy but is framing the fight to protect the environment as one of patriotism.

RFK Jr., environmental warrior, backs the ‘drill, baby, drill’ ticket (Washington Post)
Kennedy had promised to be “the best environmental president in American history.” Now he joins a campaign whose policies, according to critics, would scale back those regulations and weaken the agencies that uphold them.

Tim Walz Has Championed Climate as Governor (New York Times)  
Kamala Harris’s VP pick, Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota, has been enacting ambitious policies designed to slash the use of the fossil fuels that are dangerously heating the planet.

World

July sets new temperature records (World Meteorological Organization) 

Germans Combat Climate Change From Their Balconies (New York Times) 
Lightweight, plug-and-play solar panels, available at big-box stores in Germany, produce only enough electricity to charge a laptop or run a small refrigerator. Individual panels sell for as low as 200 euros, or about $217.

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