“The clock has run out on us"

From CommonWealth Magazine we share an article of interest for Franklin:

"THE TOWN OF WEYMOUTH will drop its ongoing legal fight against a controversial natural gas project, and energy giant Enbridge will pay the municipality $10 million as part of a newly reached host community agreement that immediately drew condemnation from opponents of the compressor station.

With the compressor station already built and awaiting permission to advance after recent emergency shutdowns, municipal and company officials announced a joint agreement Friday, ending years of courtroom battles.

Enbridge will pay Weymouth $10 million within 30 days. Town officials said in a press release that the money will go toward a range of public safety, infrastructure, and environmental uses.

The company will also help the town seek changes to the state tax structure in an attempt to avoid a “less favorable property tax structure from being applied to the compressor station upon operation,” the town wrote in a press release. If successful, Weymouth could collect up to $28 million more in property taxes over the next 35 years. "

Continue reading article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/energy/weymouth-settles-compressor-fight-collects-10m/

Significant Drought Conditions Continue Across MA

"Due to four months of below normal rainfall, Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Kathleen Theoharides today declared a Level 2 – Significant Drought in all seven regions of the Commonwealth – the Western, Connecticut River Valley, Central, Northeast, Southeast, Cape Cod, and Islands regions. The drought level remains unchanged from the previous month’s declaration. 

At a Level 2 – Significant Drought, as outlined in the Massachusetts Drought Management Plan, conditions are becoming significantly dry and warrant detailed monitoring of drought conditions, close coordination among state and federal agencies, emphasis on water conservation, more stringent watering restrictions, and technical outreach and assistance for the affected municipalities.

“Although recent rain events have been helpful, the combination of four months of below normal rainfall and consistently above normal temperatures throughout the summer have led to very dry conditions in every region of Massachusetts,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Kathleen Theoharides. 

“All levels of government are coordinating to address these critical drought conditions, and it is essential that residents and businesses across the Commonwealth take extra care to conserve water both indoors and outdoors and be mindful of the increased risk of brush and wildland fire when using any fire or smoking materials.”

Continue reading the article on the MA.gov page  

https://www.mass.gov/news/significant-drought-conditions-continue-across-massachusetts

Significant Drought Conditions Continue Across MA

Picked up for Franklin radar from Twitter  https://t.co/vccgSca2fD 

FM #320 Town Council - PACE Program - 7/29/20 (audio)

FM #320 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 320 in the series.

This session shares a key segment of the Franklin, MA Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, July 29, 2020. The meeting was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Chair Tom Mercer opened the meeting on schedule. The agenda eventually gets to the second item for presentation, the PACE Program. Wendy Lee O’Malley, Vice-President of MassDevelopment provides the overview of this newly released program. This is an opportunity for business and nonprofit property owners to get advantageous financing for energy improvements.

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda and to the individual documents referenced.

This meeting segment runs just about 21 minutes, so let’s listen to the presentation and discussion on the PACE Program.

Audio file:   https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HXv4XmdK





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Town Council agenda
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/07/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-july-29.html

PACE Program doc and presentation
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/8b._pace_program_presentation_-_massdevelopment.pdf

My notes from the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/07/town-council-recap-reluctantly-approves.html

--------------
We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!
------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

FM #320 Town Council - PACE Program - 7/29/20 (audio)

MassCEC launches pilot program for whole-home heat pumps

A total of $500,000 has been allocated by MassCEC to provide rebates for the installation of whole-home air-source heat pump systems

Announcing the Whole-Home Air-Source Heat Pump Pilot Program The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center ("MassCEC") is excited to announce the launch of our Whole-Home Air-Source Heat Pump Pilot. MassCEC has allocated $500,000 to provide rebates for the installation of whole-home air-source heat pump ("ASHP") systems at residential properties – specifically at existing homes with natural gas and new construction projects designed to operate without fossil fuels. This pilot is meant to support ASHP systems that function as the sole source of heating in a home without the need for supplementary or back-up heat. The Pilot will accept applications until December 31, 2019 or until all allocated funding has been awarded.  HVAC contractors interested in becoming a participating installer should review the requirements in the Pilot Program Manual and reach out to ashp@masscec.com with any questions. Through the pilot program, MassCEC will promote projects at the leading edge of Massachusetts' strategic electrification efforts. A major goal of the pilot is collecting learnings and information on whole-home ASHP systems, so we look forward to sharing preliminary results, lessons learned, and case studies through the pilot program. Read our blog post to learn more about the goals of the pilot, and please reach out to us if you have any questions or ideas. Further program information can be found at www.masscec.com/clean-heating-and-cooling/air-source-heat-pumps. Warmly, The MassCEC Air-Source Heat Pump Team Massachusetts Clean Energy Center The MassCEC Air-Source Heat Pump Team Massachusetts Clean Energy Center 63 Franklin St, 3rd Floor, Boston, MA 02110 617-315-9300 | ASHP@masscec.com Massachusetts Clean Energy Center   Grow the state's clean energy industry while helping to meet the Commonwealth's clean energy and climate goals. Copyright © 2019 Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, All rights reserved 63 Franklin Street, 3rd Floor Boston, MA 02110 Phone: 617-315-9300 Fax: 617-315-9356

On this date: Feb 21, 2009 - energy efficiency

In 2009, I find I did skip posting on 2/21/09, and shared the Milford Daily News article about energy efficiency steps being taken by Franklin on 2/22. These energy efficiency steps are being continued today.

"Michael D'Angelo, the facilities director for the schools and the town, takes pride in Franklin taking the lead in using technological advances early in the game. 

"We were doing it before it was popular," said D'Angelo, who is constantly researching ways to make the schools as energy-efficient as possible - he's currently eyeing the installation of solar panels three years down the road, when he says they will be cost-effective."

Read the post in the archives for 2/22/09
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2009/02/you-dont-see-difference.html

Franklin was named a "green community" in 2018. One of the reasons it took so long to get named is we were already too efficient to qualify for the state designation.
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/06/franklin-green-community-recognition.html

Franklin Green Community recognition event - Jun 7, 2018

"administration’s decision advances a project sought by the natural gas industry"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"In a decision blasted by South Shore lawmakers as reckless, irresponsible and dangerous, Gov. Charlie Baker’s administration on Friday approved air quality permits for a natural gas compressor station in Weymouth, with state environmental regulators concluding the Enbridge Energy project conforms with air pollution regulations. 

The project will support natural gas capacity upgrades and the expansion of a gas transmission pipeline system that runs from Mahwah, New Jersey, to Beverly, Massachusetts, for transportation and deliveries on the Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline system. Collectively, it’s referred to as the Atlantic Bridge Project, which includes the siting of the compressor station, and which received federal approval in January 2017. 

“This reckless and irresponsible decision is harmful to the health, safety and well-being of residents of Weymouth and the entire South Shore,” said Rep. James Murphy, D-Weymouth, in a statement released after state energy officials disclosed their decision just before 5 p.m. Friday. 

“Generations of residents living in the Fore River basin have been burdened by industrial pollutants. These industries once supplied much-needed jobs to the area, while simultaneously poisoning the earth, water and air,” added state Rep. Ronald Mariano, D-Quincy. “Now, Enbridge plans to expose current and future generations of Quincy and Weymouth residents to a new source of toxins, all in the name of padding the profits of a multinational energy corporation. With today’s decision, Enbridge is one step closer to succeeding.”

https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190113/baker-oks-air-permits-for-natural-gas-project

Given the approval provided by Governor Baker, could the Algonquin Pipeline Expansion come back on the table? It was proposed to run through Franklin. It is still shown as part of the Atlantic Bridge Project. Check the green lines on the map shown.

https://www.enbridge.com/projects-and-infrastructure/projects/atlantic-bridge#projectdetails:project-to-date

"The Atlantic Bridge Project is designed to provide additional capacity"

In the News: sign bylaw up for change; energy saving tips

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

Sign Zoning Bylaw up for Town Council review/vote

"Regulations on signs in town are very loose, but that may soon change. 

The bylaw, written in 2012, is up for a public hearing on Wednesday, during the next Town Council meeting. 

Bryan Taberner, director of Planning and Community Development, said that the bylaw does not regulate how many signs can be in one plaza. For example, if a plaza in town had 10 businesses, there could be 10 different signs, one for each business. 

That reason, he said, is why the pending bylaw is going to be important."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190107/franklin-sign-bylaw-to-change

• Zoning Bylaw Amendment 18-822: Changes to §185-20. Signs

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/zoning_bylaw_amendment_18-822.pdf

• Zoning Bylaw Amendment 18-823: Changes To Sign District Regulations

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/zoning_bylaw_amendment_18-823.pdf

• Zoning Bylaw Amendment 18-824: Changes To Sign District Overlay Map

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/zoning_bylaw_amendment_18-824.pdf

Sign Zoning Bylaw up for Town Council review/vote

Energy saving tips

"Massachusetts residents are no strangers to expensive energy costs, especially during colder months. 

A recent report by Move.org shows Massachusetts residents on average pay the eighth-highest utility costs in the country -- $469 per month -- and the fourth highest in New England. 

What some residents don’t know, however, is that there are several ways to make changes -- big and small -- around any home or apartment that could help lower those costs. 

“Becoming more energy efficient is the single-most important step a homeowner or renter can take to gain control of their energy use and energy costs,” said Bill Stack, energy efficiency manager for Eversource, one of the state’s largest utility companies."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190107/tips-to-save-on-energy-costs-in-massachusetts

Which states pay the most for utilities?

Changes to MassCEC's Woodstove Changeout - Extended to Sep 25

Updates from MassCEC Clean Heating & Cooling

Dear Friends of MassCEC's Clean Heating and Cooling Programs, We have updates for you regarding our Woodstove Change-Out and Air-Source Heat Pump Programs. Enclosed are details on making the move to low-emission stoves as well as information about new ASHP rebate levels. Woodstove Change-Out Extended! The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) is extending the 2018 Woodstove Change-Out Program deadline to September 25, 2018. Any Massachusetts resident or business currently operating a non-EPA-certified wood stove or fireplace insert is eligible for a rebate of up to $1,750 when replacing an existing stove with an eligible model. Those that meet certain income requirements are eligible for rebates of up to $3,000. To date, 114 woodstoves have been changed out with our program and we've awarded $193,500 in rebates. If you own an old wood stove and would like to replace it with a new, low-emission EPA-certified wood or pellet stove, visit MassCEC's website to find out more. You will need to contact a local stove professional who can determine the eligibility of your old stove and submit a rebate application on your behalf after installing your new stove. Act now to make sure you don't miss this newly extended application deadline!   Air-Source Heat Pump Updates The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) is making some changes to our Residential Air-Source Heat Pump Program. This program provides rebates for the installation of qualifying air source heat pump systems at homes and small businesses in Massachusetts. The new standard rebate levels will range from $500 to $2,500. Homeowners that meet certain income requirements will be eligible for rebates of up to $4,000. Those replacing electric resistance heating with heat pumps are eligible for additional funds. The changes to the program can be found in our Program Manual. Any applications submitted after November 1 will be subject to the new rebate amounts. If you would like to install a heat pump in your home, visit MassCEC's website to find out more. You will need to contact an eligible installer who will discuss with you what heat pumps will satisfy your needs and complete the install. Thank you for your interest in our Commonwealth Woodstove Change-Out and Air-Source Programs! Massachusetts Clean Energy Center   Grow the state's clean energy industry while helping to meet the Commonwealth's clean energy and climate goals. Copyright © 2018 Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: 63 Franklin Street, 3rd Floor Boston, MA 02110 Phone: 617-315-9300 Fax: 617-315-9356

Massachusetts Clean Energy Center · 63 Franklin Street · 3rd Floor · Boston, MA 02110 · USA

Advocates share agenda for 100% renewable energy as election season heats up

With election season just around the corner, environmental advocates and local leaders gathered at Franklin’s town common to share ideas for accelerating Massachusetts’ transition to 100 percent renewable energy.

The 100% Renewable Energy Agenda, developed by the Environment Massachusetts Research & Policy Center, includes more than 30 policies that the winner of this fall’s gubernatorial election can implement to reduce energy consumption and rapidly repower all sectors of the economy with clean energy.

“For decades, the Commonwealth has led the nation in preserving the environment, protecting public health, and reducing global warming pollution,” said Ben Hellerstein, State Director for the Environment Massachusetts Research and Policy Center. “Now more than ever, Massachusetts must lead the way. With support from our state’s top leaders, we can power our homes, our businesses, and our transportation system with clean, renewable energy.”

Advocates described how Massachusetts’ solar and wind resources, combined with emerging technologies like electric vehicles, air source heat pumps, and battery storage, will enable us to meet our energy needs with clean, renewable power at all times of the day and night.

After discussing the recommendations in the 100% Renewable Energy Agenda, local leaders discussed the ways that clean energy is supported at the local level, and what more needs to be done.

“Franklin has done a lot to ensure that our town exemplifies what a Green Community should be,” said former city councilor, and renewable energy advocate, Brett Feldman. “Our electricity load for our municipal and school buildings is 95 percent covered by our town solar farm on the Mount St. Mary’s Abbey. On top of that, we have upgraded all of our buildings to maximum efficiency, and by the end of the year will convert of our town lights to LED. We are doing all we can, and we want the state to be able to say the same.”

Speakers also pointed to the urgent need for action before the end of the legislative session.

In June, the Massachusetts Senate passed a bill that would eliminate caps on solar net metering and increase renewable energy to 50 percent of Massachusetts’ electricity consumption by 2030 and 100 percent by 2047. The House has passed a bill for 35 percent renewable electricity by 2030. Legislators must reach an agreement before July 31, or start from scratch next year.

A report by the Applied Economics Clinic found that increasing the renewable portfolio standard by 3 percent per year, along with other clean energy policies, would result in 600,000 fewer metric tons of greenhouse gases per year by 2030 (equivalent to taking 128,000 cars off the road) at little to no additional cost to the public.

Since 2007, Massachusetts has seen a 246-fold increase in the amount of electricity it gets from the sun. Wind energy generation in Massachusetts is set to increase dramatically in the coming years, with a commitment to install 1,600 megawatts of offshore wind capacity.

Massachusetts’ offshore wind potential is equivalent to more than 19 times the state’s annual electricity consumption. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, rooftop solar installations alone could provide 47 percent of Massachusetts’ electricity.

“Even beyond rooftop solar, community solar projects, like the one we installed in Holliston, expand the possibility of who can benefit from the solar boom,” said Jeff Lord, senior Vice President of Project Development at the Clean Energy Collective. “ There are dozens of community solar projects in the Commonwealth, including one in nearby Holliston, but many more are needed if we’re to truly provide equal access to the benefits of renewable energy to all of our states homes, businesses, towns, and organizations.”

Last week, 16 academics, researchers, and clean energy industry leaders sent a letter to state officials affirming that “there are no insurmountable technological or economic barriers to achieving 100 percent renewable energy.”

“Now is the time for us to go big on clean energy,” said Hellerstein. “Come January, we’re ready to work with whoever occupies the corner office on Beacon Hill to help Massachusetts go 100 percent renewable.”

###

The Environment Massachusetts Research and Policy Center is dedicated to protecting Massachusetts’ air, water and open spaces. We investigate problems, craft solutions, educate the public and decision-makers, and help Bay Staters make their voices heard in local, state and national debates over the quality of our environment and our lives.

Advocates share agenda for 100% renewable energy

Changes to MassCEC's Woodstove Changeout and Air-Source Heat Pump Programs

Updates from MassCEC Clean Heating & Cooling

Dear Friends of MassCEC's Clean Heating and Cooling Programs, We have updates for you regarding our Woodstove Change-Out and Air-Source Heat Pump Programs. Enclosed are details on making the move to low-emission stoves as well as information about new ASHP rebate levels. Woodstove Change-Out Extended! The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) is extending the 2018 Woodstove Change-Out Program deadline to September 25, 2018. Any Massachusetts resident or business currently operating a non-EPA-certified wood stove or fireplace insert is eligible for a rebate of up to $1,750 when replacing an existing stove with an eligible model. Those that meet certain income requirements are eligible for rebates of up to $3,000. To date, 114 woodstoves have been changed out with our program and we've awarded $193,500 in rebates. If you own an old wood stove and would like to replace it with a new, low-emission EPA-certified wood or pellet stove, visit MassCEC's website to find out more. You will need to contact a local stove professional who can determine the eligibility of your old stove and submit a rebate application on your behalf after installing your new stove. Act now to make sure you don't miss this newly extended application deadline! MassCEC webpage                            https://masscec.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=cfa86dfbf4982660c6328daa0&id=b97e9e9f13&e=952cc7b7a1 local stove professionals https://masscec.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=cfa86dfbf4982660c6328daa0&id=81d573c207&e=952cc7b7a1 Air-Source Heat Pump Updates The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) is making some changes to our Residential Air-Source Heat Pump Program. This program provides rebates for the installation of qualifying air source heat pump systems at homes and small businesses in Massachusetts. The new standard rebate levels will range from $500 to $2,500. Homeowners that meet certain income requirements will be eligible for rebates of up to $4,000. Those replacing electric resistance heating with heat pumps are eligible for additional funds. The changes to the program can be found in our Program Manual. Any applications submitted after November 1 will be subject to the new rebate amounts. If you would like to install a heat pump in your home, visit MassCEC's website to find out more. You will need to contact an eligible installer who will discuss with you what heat pumps will satisfy your needs and complete the install. Thank you for your interest in our Commonwealth Woodstove Change-Out and Air-Source Programs! The MassCEC Woodstove Change-Out Team Massachusetts Clean Energy Center 63 Franklin St, 3rd Floor  Boston, MA 02110 Telephone:  617-712-1109 woodstoves@masscec.com masscec.com The MassCEC Air-Source Heat Pump Team Massachusetts Clean Energy Center 63 Franklin St, 3rd Floor  Boston, MA 02110 Telephone:  617-712-1109 ashp@masscec.com  masscec.com Massachusetts Clean Energy Center   Grow the state's clean energy industry while helping to meet the Commonwealth's clean energy and climate goals. Copyright © 2018 Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: 63 Franklin Street, 3rd Floor Boston, MA 02110 Phone: 617-315-9300 Fax: 617-315-9356

Massachusetts Clean Energy Center · 63 Franklin Street · 3rd Floor · Boston, MA 02110 · USA