In the wake of President Donald Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris climate accord, local officials and environmental advocates remain committed to combating climate change.
After all, that work is a win-win by saving money and helping the planet, they say. And, the growth of green energy creates jobs.
“It’s our future and cities and states are stepping up,” said Ellen Tohn, co-chairwoman of Wayland’s Energy and Climate Committee. “The responsibility falls to us and Wayland is embracing it. Whatever the federal government does or doesn’t do, we’re moving forward.”
Wayland officials are among those in a variety of municipalities working to reduce their electricity use, take advantage of renewable energy, such as solar power, and encourage residents to do the same.
But, those actions come as the Trump administration has made a variety of moves that it says will unleash “America’s energy potential.” The administration is scaling back regulations in addition to pulling out of the Paris climate accord, moves that administration officials say will help the economy, and lead to “American energy dominance,” among other benefits.
The Paris accord seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming. Scientists think Earth will reach more dangerous levels of warming sooner as a result of the decision to withdraw from the accord. That means seas will rise higher and there will be more extreme weather and other consequences.
Massachusetts actions
Following President Trump’s announcement that the United States will withdraw from the Paris deal, Republican Gov. Charlie Baker announced that Massachusetts would join several other states in the U.S. Climate Alliance, whose members have vowed to uphold the Paris agreement.
Baker said the Bay State remains committed to exceed the emission reduction targets of the Paris accord.
“Our administration looks forward to continued, bipartisan collaboration with other states to protect the environment, grow the economy and deliver a brighter future to the next generation,” he said in his announcement about joining the alliance.
The Baker administration highlighted a variety of other climate-related measures, including the provision of funds to help communities prepare for and reduce the effects of climate change such as flooding and sea level rise.
Massachusetts is also working to meet a state requirement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Reductions from each sector of the economy must lead to an overall reduction of 25 percent below the 1990 baseline emission level in 2020 and at least 80 percent in 2050.
A 2014 greenhouse gas inventory revealed greenhouse gas emissions dropped 21 percent in the Bay State since 1990. State officials are working toward further reductions.
The state’s updated Clean Energy and Climate Plan for 2020 calls for more efficient use of fuels in vehicles and buildings and an increased reliance on clean electricity.
Local officials praised state grants that help communities reduce energy use and implement other environmental initiatives.
State officials recently awarded about $14 million in Green Communities grants to 72 municipalities to help support energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. Local communities receiving funding included Holliston, Hopkinton, Mendon, Natick, Sudbury and Wayland, according to a statement from the state Department of Energy and Environmental Affairs.
Local communities’ steps
Natick, Mendon and Wayland are among communities that have taken or are taking a variety of steps that help combat climate change. Projects have included or will include purchasing electric vehicles, installing solar panels, switching to LED street lights and improving heating and cooling systems.
Officials are also working to help residents go green, including supporting programs that encourage installation of solar panels.
Wayland’s Energy and Climate Committee recently changed its name to incorporate the word climate, which Tohn said is an important part of the committee’s work. It had been called the Energy Initiatives Advisory Committee.
Wayland hasn’t felt any direct effects from changing federal policies, but Tohn worries about policies that have changed or may change under the Trump administration. The federal government has played a key role in encouraging adoption of new green technology, conducting research and helping consumers assess the efficiency of products, she said.
“There’s a frustration at the direction the federal level is taking,” said Leo Ryan, chairman of Natick’s Sustainability Committee. “That frustration doesn’t have to lead to a paralysis. It can in fact lead to a sense of motivation and engagement.”
And, renewable energy technology such as solar is becoming cheaper, reducing the need for incentives to make it financially viable, Ryan said.
Transportation improvements can also help combat global warming. The planned paved Cochituate Rail Trail in Natick will help residents and workers get to and from downtown without using a car. That will help reduce air pollution, Ryan said.
Anne Mazar, chairwoman of a Mendon committee that focuses on land and energy matters, praised the work of town employee Bill McHenry on Green Communities grants and ensuing projects.
Mazar is confident energy efficiency and solar initiatives in Massachusetts have enough momentum to continue despite changing federal polices. But, she said she still worries about federal action under Trump.
Business’ perspective
Local businesses have also pursued work similar to that being done at the municipality level.
In Natick, MathWorks and the Natick Mall are among the organizations that have installed solar panels. And Framingham’s Planning Board recently approved the installation of solar panels on a hillside on Bose’s campus in the Technology Park.
The region has also seen growth in solar companies and other businesses that facilitate these projects, said Paul Joseph, president and CEO of the MetroWest Chamber of Commerce.
While project costs are getting cheaper, businesses still pay attention to what incentives are available, Joseph said.
“Profitability is still driving things,” he said.
An environmental activist weighs in
Terra Friedrichs of Acton, who is part of the MetroWest chapter of the 350 Massachusetts climate advocacy group, said Massachusetts officials have taken good steps, but more material action is needed in response to this “climate emergency.”
Even Massachusetts’ greenhouse gas reduction requirement does not go far enough, she said.
Friedrichs’ organization is working to analyze communities’ progress on sustainability initiatives, she said.
Communities have the power to make a difference, including passing rules to protect waterways and trees, she said.
“The best regulators are the locals,” Friedrichs said. “The locals don’t want their water polluted.”
And, the Trump presidency is a wake up call, she said.
“It’s always been up to the cities and towns,” Friedrichs said. “It’s just people are waking up to that fact now.”

Fonte: Metro West Daily News

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