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Live In Precinct C, D, or E?

9/14/2021

 
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With so many decisions that tie into climate action, there is no time better than NOW to take part in Wellesley town government as a Town Meeting member.  These position have a big impact, with not a lot of time commitment.

There are vacant Town Meeting seats in Precincts C, D, and E. The Town is seeking individuals from those precincts to fill these open positions. 

Special Elections for these positions will take place the week of October 4, 2021. 

New Town Meeting members will participate in the Special Town Meeting that starts on October 25, 2021. 

Residents may nominate themselves or have someone else nominate them. 

Nominations for Precinct C are due on September 30 at 5:00 p.m. Nominations for Precincts D and E are due on September 28 at 5:00 p.m. 

Nominees MUST be registered voters in the specific precinct they want to represent.  Email us at [email protected] with any questions.​

Massachusetts New Climate Law Is Now In Effect

6/26/2021

 
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Press Release from: 
Clean Water Action, Mass CLU ​ and Mass Climate Action Network

State’s energy policies must now weigh equity, climate concerns and community safety alongside cost and energy needs


Massachusetts' breakthrough climate law takes legal effect today, 90 days after it was signed by Gov. Charlie Baker.  Most notably, effective today, the scope and mission of one state agency, the Department of Public Utilities (DPU), has changed dramatically. The DPU can no longer make decisions strictly based on the criteria of system reliability and affordability, instead it must factor in the effects of our energy system on residents health and safety and the climate, as well as cumulative impacts for environmental justice communities.

The bill rode a rollercoaster on the way to passage in late 2020 and early 2021. Governor Charlie Baker vetoed a version of the legislation that came to his desk days before the end of the 2019-2020 legislative session. When it reached his desk again in January, Governor Baker sent watered down amendments back to the legislature. House and Senate leaders responded to pressure from their constituents and overwhelmingly rejected  efforts to weaken key parts of the legislation. The Governor finally capitulated and signed the bill into law in March 2021.

The Department of Public Utilities must align its policymaking with an ambitious new mission.  Under the Next Generation Roadmap, the DPU must give equal weight to six factors as it decides electric power and natural gas rates, reviews contracts with electric and gas companies, and makes policy.  System reliability and affordability, the DPU's two long standing priorities, will remain crucial, but starting today  the DPU must also consider four new criteria -- safety, system security (from both cyberattacks and physical sabotage), equity, and reductions in climate pollution (GHG).  

“This bill takes an important step by putting equity and climate explicitly in the mission of our utility oversight. It's been long overdue.” said Lee Matsueda of Community Labor United, “Now our energy policy will have more clear guidance to better serve Environmental Justice communities, and confront disproportionate impact and unequal treatment.”

Also starting today is the requirement that all parties - the state agencies, the utilities, the program administrators -  involved in running Mass Save must factor the “social value of greenhouse gas emission reductions” into the design, evaluation, and approval of program service. Essentially, until now, the benefits of not burning dirty fuel for health and climate justice have been missing from the cost-benefit analysis.

“With the social value and benefits of equitable energy efficiency being finally added to the equation, we will see deeper investments in these critical programs.” said Andrea Nyamekye of Neighbor to Neighbor, “Cleaner air, lower heating and cooling bills, and lower asthma rates in historically impacted communities.” 

This new requirement begins little more than a month after the Energy Efficiency Advisory Committee shared a Draft 2022-2024 Energy Efficiency Plan.  During the last public comment session, advocates highlighted another new statutory requirement, effective today,  to align the plan’s goals and benchmarks with the new emissions targets that will be established on July 15 by the Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs.  

The Green Justice Coalition has worked for years to increase access to energy efficiency programs in language isolated and low-income communities. “Residents in our state are struggling with high utility bills and economic hardship after COVID-19; with the rising temperatures every year, we cannot let our communities suffer any longer. We call on the Baker Administration to address the barriers that are preventing participation by members of EJ communities and reject any 3-year plan that doesn’t center the needs of these communities.” said Paulina Casasola, Climate Justice Organizer for Clean Water Action.

“Governor Baker had succumbed to the interests of real estate lobby groups and attempted to water down key provisions in the bill, targeting the net zero stretch provisions,” Sarah Dooling of the Massachusetts Climate Action Network said. “But advocates got this bill over the finish line by demanding buildings be part of the climate solution, and legislators listened.  Building code is now valued as a core part of the climate movement.  The bill also adds three new seats to the Board of Building Regulations and Standards -- with expertise in commercial and residential building energy efficiency, and advanced building technology. The BBRS is now in a position to work effectively with the Department of Energy Resources on developing a true net zero stretch code guided by community input.”

Thursday 12-12.45- MA: Climate Action Call

6/14/2021

 
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Join Mother's Out Front's second Climate Action Call to take quick and effective action in just 45 minutes! This month, we’ll be advocating for legislation to make clean heat, clean air, and healthy soils a reality across the Commonwealth.

This event is designed for everyone - from curious newcomers to long-time volunteers. We’ll give you everything you need to take action right on the call. No experience necessary to help move forward legislation designed to protect all Massachusetts communities from environmental pollution and climate change.

​REGISTER HERE

MA needs a new “Net Zero” stretch code

5/12/2021

 
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An energy efficient building code that still allows the combustion of fossil fuels is not helping Massachusetts achieve its goal of Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Because of the state’s Net Zero goals outlined in Gov. Baker’s Clean Energy Climate Plan, new homes will have to either be built to Net Zero now or be retrofitted later. It is less expensive to both the state and owners to build Net Zero buildings now than to retrofit buildings down the line. But cities and towns are prohibited from exceeding the state’s “stretch” code (a building code that requires higher energy efficiency standards for new buildings than the base code) even while many developers are already building to Net Zero standards at little to no a to no additional cost (ReadyforNetZero_03.01.21.pdf).
That’s why Massachusetts needs a new “Net Zero” stretch code that includes the use of renewable energy instead of gas or oil.  
To keep the pressure up to guarantee that the Net Zero stretch code developed by the Department of Energy Resources is truly Net Zero, please consider:
1) Writing to the Board of Building Regulations and Standards ([email protected]) to let them know that a true Net Zero stretch code means building safe and healthy housing, affordable to heat and cool, and effective in mitigating climate change. A true Net Zero stretch code transforms our buildings from a major source of emissions to being part of the climate solution.  

2) Share the news on your favorite social media and include any and all of the following hashtags:  #NetZeroForAll, #NetZeroNow, #ProtectOurAir, #ElectrifyEverything, #AllElectric, #PassOnGas, #GasFreeHomes, #CleanEnergy, #AirPollution·         
Need inspiration? 
Harvard Study estimates burning fossil fuels for buildings costs Massachusetts $8.4 billion in annual health impacts 
An interactive map shows health impact of building emissions by state
Thanks!

BEFORE YOUR {STAY}CATION NEXT WEEK

4/14/2021

 
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For those doing something different next week for the school April break, take a minute this week to:

1) Write/call your Town Meeting Member letting them know that you support the Town's updated greenhouse gas emissions reductions goals.  These goals appear in Article 24, Motion 1 and call for reductions in town-wide GHG emissions of 50% below Wellesley’s 2007 baseline by 2030, 75% below Wellesley’s 2007 baseline by 2040, and net zero town-wide GHG emissions by 2050. These science-based goals follow State policy, are in line with The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, support Wellesley’s Unified Plan, and echo similar climate actions taken by an increasing number of Wellesley’s peer communities across the Commonwealth. 

​2)
 Enjoy Sierra Club's free plant-based cooking classes! You know that 
going meatless is good for the environment and for your health. The production of meat and dairy generates a lot more greenhouse gases than the production of comparable amounts of plant-based proteins. Check out two upcoming online cooking classes from the Sierra Club for inspiration and helpful tips.

Sunday, April 18, 6-7pm 
Plant-based Cooking Demonstration: Learn how to make healthy plant-based food with the Plant-based Planet Team! We’ll demonstrate how to make various plant-based dishes at home. Feel free to ask us questions! Register in advance here.

Tuesday, April 20, 6:30-7:30pm
Our Sustainable Kitchen Cooking Class, Second Episode: Professional vegan chef Diana Goldman will teach you virtually how to prepare delicious plant-based food. Register in advance here.

3) Enjoy the week!  

Climate Legislation Passed in Mass NOW ITS  Wellesley's TURN- action item for you

4/5/2021

 
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Last week after the Massachusetts Legislature put its climate bill on the Governor’s desk for the second time, Governor Baker signed it into law. This sweeping and historic statute is the first piece of climate legislation passed in Massachusetts in over a decade, creating the foundation for bold and robust statewide climate policy for years to come.

Specifically, the Roadmap Bill strengthens Massachusetts’s
emissions reduction targets to establish a 50% reduction by 2030, a 75% reduction by 2040 and a goal of Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. 


Having targets like these will hold the Commonwealth accountable to reduce emissions in our energy, transportation and building sectors.  


To make these goals, the act stipulates the development of a Net Zero Energy stretch building code, which it empowers communities to adopt by 2022.  It also mandates energy efficiency standards for appliances by 2025, and authorizes another 2,400 megawatts of offshore wind power.  It also provides protections for Environmental Justice communities.

What does this mean for Wellesley? 
Later this month, Wellesley’s Sustainable Energy Committee (SEC) will be updating the Town’s  greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction goals and bringing them to the Annual Town Meeting (ATM) 2021. These goals, contained in Article 24, call for reductions in town-wide GHG emissions of 50% below Wellesley’s 2007 baseline by 2030, 75% below Wellesley’s 2007 baseline by 2040, and net zero town-wide GHG emissions by 2050. 
 
These science-based goals follow State policy, are in line with The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, support Wellesley’s Unified Plan, and echo similar climate actions taken by an increasing number of Wellesley’s peer communities across the Commonwealth.  Residents are encouraged to contact their Town Meeting Members letting them know they support these emissions reductions goals for our community.

Ready to Run?

4/5/2021

 

OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOU!

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ADVISORY
There are six positions on the 15 member Advisory Committee that will become open at the end of the current fiscal year that Town Moderator Mark Kaplan will be filling to take effect as of July 1, 2021. Five  of the openings are for three year terms and one is for a two year term.
 
All Wellesley (residents) (town meeting members) who are interested in being considered for one of these vacancies should contact  Mark Kaplan at [email protected] by no later than April 23, 2021.
 
Please include a current resume if you have one as well as a brief description of your background including (1) any prior involvement in either town government or the community in general; (2) any knowledge, expertise or experience that you have that you feel may be relevant for service on the Advisory Committee; and (3) the reasons that you are interested in being considered for appointment to the Advisory Committee.
______________________________________________________________________________________
PRECINCT F TOWN MEETING MEMBER
A special election for Precinct F will take place on Tuesday, April 13, 2021 at 7 p.m. to fill a Town Meeting Member vacancy.

Section 8A, Chapter 202 of the Acts of 1932 specifies that in the event of a vacancy in the full number of Town Meeting Members, the Town Clerk shall call a special meeting of the Town Meeting Members from the affected precinct to elect a new member until the next annual election.

The special election candidates shall be from the registered voters of the precinct.  A quorum for this special meeting is a majority of Precinct F Town Meeting Members.

The special election Town Meeting Member will serve until the next annual election.

Town Meeting Members, or others, should nominate candidates for this position on or before Tuesday April 6, 2021. Nominations should include the candidate name, address and email address if available, and should be submitted in writing or by email.

The nominee’s permission should be secured in advance. Any resident may propose nominations and candidates may propose themselves.

Please submit nominations by email to [email protected] or by phone at 781-431-1019 ext. 2252 no later than April 6.

LISTEN IN! SPEAK UP! MA Clean Energy & Climate Plan

3/8/2021

 
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The Massachusetts Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) has rescheduled two public listening webinars on the Interim Clean Energy and Climate Plan for 2030 (2030 CECP).  Below are the dates and registration information.  Please register in advance for the webinar you plan to attend. Please also indicate that you would like to make a public statement during the listening session.  We will consider the speakers on a first-come-first-speak basis as much as we can.

The two webinars will follow the same format and stakeholders are invited to attend either one. First, EEA will give a presentation and overview of the Interim 2030 CECP, after which attendees will be invited to provide oral public comment (up to 3 minutes). These comments will be recorded and considered with the other public comments on the Interim 2030 CECP. 

If you have a specific question about the CECP, please send it to [email protected] at least 24 hours in advance of the webinar you will be attending, and the team will try to address your question during the presentation portion. During the listening webinars, EEA will be in “listening mode” and will not be taking live questions. 

Listening Webinars on the 2030 CECP
  • Tuesday, March 9th, 3-4:30pm. Click here to register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_hSMK52GNQPyCmpvXcZ91gQ
  • Monday, March 15th, 6:30-8pm. Click here to register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_FsmTHu_qQfe-7cQolmid1Q

We will continue to take public comments on the Interim 2030 CECP until 5:00pm on March 22, 2021.  Details are at www.mass.gov/2030CECP.

Please send any questions on this process to [email protected].  

INSPIRATIONAL Sustainable Fashion- JOIN THE CHAT TONIGHT 7PM

3/2/2021

 
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Style. Fashion. Inspiration. All in a conscientious way.
Join the Zoom chat this Thursday, March 4th, at 7. Learn more about who is really paying the price for fast fashion. We will be looking at not only the sustainable factors but the ethical and societal as well. After offering some solutions, we will be opening it up to questions and answers. 

To Attend: Please fill out this form and submit your questions or comments.

VIRTUAL CLIMATE LOBBY

2/18/2021

 
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Be part of Mass Power Forward's Virtual Lobby Day on Thursday March 4th from 3pm-6pm to advocate for a suite of Environmental Justice legislative priorities, 100% Renewable Energy, and the Mass Renews Build Jobs and Justice Act.

DEADLINE TO RSVP is March 1st at 12pm
It’s time to build some momentum behind our environmental justice and climate action legislative priorities. Sign up today  here or on Facebook and share with friends, family, colleagues in Mass.
  
WHY?: New state-wide laws are one of many critical actions we must take to transform our state for climate and environmental justice.

WHAT?: For the new legislative session, Mass Power Forward will be advocating for 3 main groups of bills.
1. First, we are supporting the Environmental Justice Table’s priorities. We will be working to reform the Energy Facility Siting Board, Improve Air Quality for pollution hot spot communities, restore the ability to sue the government for unequal impact and clarify the definitions of environmental justice
2. Second, we are supporting the MA Renews Alliance work to rapidly retrofit homes to be affordable, efficient, electric and climate healing- with priority to environmental justice neighborhoods.
3. Third, we expect to be continuing our work from last session to get Massachusetts to 100% renewable energy.

WHAT TO EXPECT:
Meetings Thursday, March 4th between 3 and 6pm The Mass Power Forward Planning team is setting up Zoom meetings with State Legislators.
Optional Educational Webinars the week before
Lobby Day Trainings
Option 1: Monday March 1st 1pm - 2:30pm
Option 2: Tuesday March 2nd 6pm -7:30pm
Participants will have an opportunity to meet ahead of time and organize their meetings. The lobby day guide and meeting logistics/instructions will be provided.

"Tell Your Legislator: Don't Water Down The Climate Roadmap Bill"  -SIERRA CLUB

2/10/2021

 
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SUSTAINABLE WELLESLEY IS SHARING AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM THE SIERRA CLUB MA:
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We’re approaching the end of this legislative tug of war between House/Senate and Governor and we need your help.

On Sunday, February 7, Baker (to no one’s surprise) vetoed the bill AGAIN. In the second veto he scaled back a few of his earlier criticisms and instead proposed a series of amendments that would weaken and water down key aspects of the bill, specifically...
  • The 2030 and 2040 emissions targets: S.9 calls for a 50% reduction in emissions by 2030 and a 75% reduction in emissions by 2040. Baker’s amendments would weaken these targets to 45% and 65% respectively.
  • The sector emissions sublimits: S.9 establishes sector sublimits for different sectors of the economy (electric power, transportation, heating, and cooling, etc). Baker’s amendments would severely weaken the accountability power of these sublimits.
  • The net zero stretch building code: S.9 requires the state quickly move to develop a “net zero energy building code” for new construction. Baker’s amendments would severely weaken this provision by removing the “net zero energy” definition, slow down the timeline for adoption, and make it easier for communities to opt-out.
The Governor also proposed many smaller edits to the bill, many small technical changes to the language. And on a positive note, he also proposed a couple minor changes that would slightly strengthen the existing environmental justice protections in the bill.

Tell Your Legislator: Don't Water Down The Climate Roadmap Bill!
The legislature now must choose one of three options to move forward and they have no timeline in which they are required to act:
  1. Reject the Governor’s amendments and override his veto (requires ⅔ votes in both House and Senate).
  2. Vote to adopt the Governor’s amendments as written.
  3. Negotiation further and perhaps adopt some amendments, but not others… this path is the least clear, but perhaps the most likely.
Please email your legislator to ask them to reject any amendments that weaken the bill. The climate crisis requires urgent action and every day wasted is another missed opportunity to address carbon pollution and existing environmental injustices.

After you've sent your message, please also take a moment to call your legislator's office. You can use the following phone script: 

 
Hello, this is {ADD YOUR NAME HERE} calling from {ADD YOUR TOWN/CITY HERE}. I am calling today to thank you for your leadership on climate and environmental justice issues this past year. I am calling today to ask you to request that [House/Senate] leadership move urgently to reject any of the Governor’s amendments to the climate bill (S.9) that would weaken the legislation. It is critical that the legislature preserves the following parts as originally passed:
  • The 2030 and 2040 emissions targets
  • The sector emissions sublimits
  • The net zero stretch building code
Climate science tells us we have only 9 years left to significantly address carbon emissions to escape the worst impacts of climate change. Please talk to your colleagues and ask them to bring the bill back for a floor vote as soon as possible with no amendments that weaken the bill. Thank you for all you do!
Thank you for your action!

Sincerely,

Jacob Stern
Deputy Director, Sierra Club Massachusetts Chapter

Register to vote & to vote by mail

2/9/2021

 
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Wellesley's Annual Election is Tuesday, March 2, 2021. Residents will vote on Town-wide officials, Town Meeting members, and a referendum on Indigenous Peoples Day. 
The deadline to register to vote in this election is Wednesday, February 10 at 8:00 p.m. 

Residents who are 18-years-old and older may register online or may drop off a voter registration form in-person at Town Hall by appointment only. Appointments can be scheduled by email or by calling 781-431-1019 ext. 2252. 

Voters may request a Vote by Mail ballot by completing the application and returning it to the Town Clerk's office by email or by using the Town Hall ballot and payment drop box. The last day to request a Vote by Mail ballot is Wednesday, February 24. To allow time for mail processing, voters should request ballots as early as possible. 

​Ballots for the Annual Election will be mailed by February 16 to all voters who have requested them. 

HEAR CANDIDATES THOUGHTS ON SUSTAINABILITY ISSUES

2/9/2021

 
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Join Sustainable Wellesley’s Conversation with the Candidates on Wednesday, February 24 from 7:30 – 9:00pm. 

Meet the candidates running for the many important town positions and hear where candidates stand on issues specifically related to sustainability. 

Send in questions in advance to [email protected].

Mark your calendars for this event and make sure to get your ballots and vote in this election.

Get your spot on the Zoom call by clicking here.

Fridays from 3-4pm

2/2/2021

 
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Wellesley residents and students will mark the one year anniversary of standing up peacefully for the climate on Friday, February 5th and encourage you to join them.

Residents of all ages, and their colorful signs, stand on the lawn in front of the Wellesley Town Hall, on Washington Street/Rt.16 every Friday from 3-4pm.  

A year ago Wellesley resident Ken Batts, inspired by Greta Thunberg’s Fridays for the Future movement, decided he would personally stand out every Friday to bring awareness to climate change issues. He wasn't alone.

“It's really a highlight of the week when a variety of community members come together, having interesting discussions, networking and simply having a relaxing, non technology hour in the week,” Batts said enthusiastically. “Plus, the waves, honks and cheers from people driving, biking and walking by are really encouraging.

Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend any Friday at 3pm outside the Wellesley Town Hall. There is a Facebook group called FRIDAYS FOR FUTURE-WELLESLEY, MA with photos and more information. 

Bring friends, family and neighbors to stand socially distanced and masked. Feel free to bring a sign or use one in the collection.  

We NEED TO PASS THE MASS Climate Bill- WRITE/CALL/TWEET TODAY

1/27/2021

 
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There is still a chance to get Massachusetts’s Next-Generation Roadmap Climate Bill passed in this session.
 
Our legislators swiftly refiled the bill, and now it's up to us. Get your representatives to support the passing of this bill, without amendments, by reaching out BEFORE FRIDAY. What an impactful first act of the new legislature this could be.
 
This Climate Act, which represents five months of negotiations in conference committee, offers Massachusetts an organized, forward moving path to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. Bill S.9 offers an opportunity to create jobs and a thriving economy, while protecting our health and ensuring protections for overburdened communities. 

Send an email or call your representatives TODAY communicating that you want them to pass the climate bill, S.9. Put your social media to good use by sharing this message and be sure to tag your representatives, plus: 
senator, Speaker Mariano (@RonMariano)  
Senate President Karen Spilka (@KarenSpilka)
Senator Barrett (@BarrettSenate)
Representative Golden (@tomtipagolden)

Gov. Baker vetoed The Climate Action Bill

1/18/2021

 
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In the spirit of Martin Luther King Day, our community needs environmental justice. Below, please find some words from Sarah Dooling, Executive Director, Mass Climate Action Network about the Governor's recent veto of the Next Generation Roadmap Bill (S2995).

Get out there, make a change, make your voice heard. Reach out to us to learn more [email protected].

___________________________________________________________________________________________
FROM MCAN 1/15/21 NEWSLETTER

Governor Baker’s veto of the Next Generation Roadmap Bill (S 2995) is deeply disappointing. The bill had overwhelming legislative support, the result of the leadership of Rep Tom Golden, Sen Mike Barrett, a broad coalition of legislators and the work of grassroots advocates who laid the groundwork for popular support.  
​

The bill was the most comprehensive climate legislation put forth in Massachusetts in over a decade. Statewide greenhouse gas reductions were established, with interim emissions reduction targets, to get the Commonwealth to net zero by 2050. The bill also directed investments in clean energy and workforce development, prioritizing minority and women owned businesses. 

The Governor’s veto perpetuates the burdens Environmental Justice communities have endured that benefited white, affluent communities for generations. Protecting EJ communities is the first step in supporting a holistic recovery from the overlapping impacts of  the Covid pandemic, climate crisis and longstanding housing unaffordability. This past year revealed how suffering from the disproportionate effects of climate change makes Black and Brown communities more vulnerable to COVID-related deaths, because they live in neighborhoods and housing that are more toxic and more polluted compared to white neighborhoods.  

The bill gave communities three years to opt-in to the net zero stretch code for all new buildings, ensuring new construction is energy efficient, comfortable, and safe, and responding to the calls of municipal leaders across the state. The Governor mistakenly assumes the cost of these upgrades would hinder the construction of urgently needed affordable housing. Quite the opposite: Net zero upgrades constitute a small part of a typical project’s construction costs. The money invested upfront for upgrades is recouped in dramatically lower operating costs. 

This is not a cost problem – this is a political problem.  

The Governor’s veto is a temporary setback. The Next Generation Roadmap Bill is crucial to  ensuring a just transition that protects Environmental Justice communities, transforms our building sector, and advances statewide climate solutions. 

We thank the advocates who worked so hard to get this bill to the Governor’s desk. MCAN looks forward to the leadership of Speaker Moriano and Senate President Karen Spilka in promptly refiling the bill. 

With gratitude, 
Sarah Dooling
MCAN

Make Your Voice Heard- Be A Town Meeting MEmber

1/12/2021

 
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​Ready to dip your toe into politics with an important, but limited commitment role?

The Town Meeting is the legislative body for the Town of Wellesley. 240 voting town meeting members are elected by precincts. Each precinct has 30 members elected to three year staggered terms. 

The Annual Town Meeting begins on the last Monday in March and meets Monday and Tuesday nights until the business of the meeting is concluded. The length of the town meeting is dependent on the number of articles on the Warrant and the complexity of the issues to be discussed.

Get your papers to be a Town Meeting Member by January 22, 2021, 5 pm and turn them in (with 10+ signatures in precinct) by January 26, 2021, 5 pm.

What You Need To Know:
  • You must be a resident of Wellesley to run for an elected Town office  
  • For an appointment to get the papers, please email [email protected] or call 781-431-1019, ext. 2258 or 2252
  • 10 signatures from registered voters in the precinct are required, although it is recommended that more be obtained in the event that any of the signatures cannot be certified.

There are seats in your district (As of 12/1/2020): 
Precinct A 10-3 year terms 
Precinct B 10-3 year terms 
Precinct C 10-3 year terms, 1-2 year term 
Precinct D 10-3 year terms 
Precinct E 10-3 year terms, 1-2 year term 
Precinct F 10-3 year terms 
Precinct G 10-3 year terms 
Precinct H 10-3 year terms

For more information on how to run, click here.

Help Get The State's Climate Change Roadmap legislation enacted this session. Simply Call/write the Governor TODAY

1/4/2021

 
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DATE EXTENDED
Please Call the Governor’s office at 
(617)725-4005 and email him.**


GREAT NEWS: The Mass. Legislature is poised to approve a dramatic revision of our state climate laws.  An Act Creating a Next-Generation Roadmap for Massachusetts Climate Policy (S.2995) is the strongest effort of its kind in the country.  

WE NEED YOUR HELP TO HELP THIS BILL CROSS THE FINISH LINE: The Governor may want to weaken it or veto it outright.  Thus, he needs to hear from YOU. Please urge the Governor to sign S.2995, the new climate bill, by emailing him here or calling his office at (617) 725-4005. Let him know you want him to pass this and why it is important to you. Once you do, please share this request with friends and family in the Commonwealth via social media or anyway you can. 

Governor Baker has until Thursday, Jan. 14th to sign this bill, so make reaching out to him a priority.

This legislation moves us forward in some important ways:
  1. Including environmental justice into Massachusetts law and provides new tools and protections for effected neighborhoods.
  2. Creating for the first-time greenhouse gas emissions standard for municipal lighting plants and imposes a five-year moratorium on biomass. 
  3. Allowing for a local option "net-zero stretch energy code" and adds 4 energy efficiency seats to the Board of Building Regulations & Standards.

We thank the work of legislators and advocates who have gotten us this far.

Advocates at Mass Climate Action have some talking points here.

Thank you!

Ready to run?

12/4/2020

 
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​
✔Health 
✔Housing
✔Library
✔Planning
✔Recreation 
 
These are just a few of the spots open this election season.  

If you are interested in making a difference, read on.

There is a spot with your name on it.

The Town of Wellesley depends on community volunteers who hold elected offices in municipal government, lead boards and committees, and serve as Town Meeting members.

The nomination period for all elected officials opens on Wednesday, December 2, 2020 at noon. Candidates for public office must be Wellesley residents.

Due to COVID-19, nomination papers are available by appointment only at Wellesley Town Hall. Interested candidates should email the Town Clerk or call 781-431-1019 ext. 2252 to pull papers.

The last day to obtain nomination papers to run for Town-wide office is January 8, 2021. The last day to obtain nomination papers to run for a Town Meeting member seat is January 22, 2021. 

The Annual Town Election is scheduled for Tuesday, March 2, 2021. 

Run for Wellesley Town Office – Here’s How

11/13/2020

 
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Individuals who are curious, concerned or interested in following the direction of Wellesley’s
current projects are encouraged to consider becoming more directly involved in their
community by running for Town Meeting Member or an elected board. Now’s the time to get
organized for the March 2, 2021 Town Election!

The League of Women Voters of Wellesley invites members of the community to learn all about the process and about Town government at a virtual presentation, “How to Run for Local Public Office” on Wednesday, December 2 at 7:30 pm. The featured speakers, Mark Kaplan (Town Moderator) will cover Town Government structure and how it works, and Kathy Nagle (past Town Clerk) will review offices on the ballot and the pragmatic nuts and bolts of running a campaign. Questions will be welcomed from the audience.

Registration: https://bit.ly/howtorun2020

​The 2021 Candidate Handbook will be posted on the League’s website on November 17:
https://my.lwv.org/massachusetts/wellesley. The League’s Town Government Handbook (a
detailed guide to Town Meeting, Wellesley’s representational form of government) is also
found on the website. Both publications are updated by the League annually.

VOTE! VOTE! VOTE!

11/2/2020

 
Picture
Tomorrow is Election Day. 
Make a plan to vote if you have not voted yet. Encourage friends, neighbors and family to vote as well.
Voting in person? Here is where you need to go between 7 AM to 8 PM.
Have a Mail-in ballot? Return it to the box at Town Hall on or before the close of the polls tomorrow (8pm).

climate change Article passeS at Town Meeting!

10/28/2020

 
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Thank you for those who came out on Saturday, those who reached out to Town Meeting Members, and of course to Town Meeting Members for their enthusiastic support for Article 12 regarding climate change. Article 12 helps lay a foundation for the Sustainable Energy Committee’s (SEC) work on a new town-wide Climate Action Plan this fiscal year.

Be on the lookout for upcoming Climate Action Plan feedback sessions. Residents, businesses, and organizations, as well as town boards and departments will be key to developing a roadmap of actions to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. In 2021, the SEC will propose new emissions reduction goals for the town and a final Climate Action Plan with specific recommendations.

P.S. Article 17, which strengthen's the Town's existing tree bylaw, and the citizens petition regarding a fur ban, passed as well.

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