Resolution of the town of Windsor in support of 100 percent renewable energy

Resolution of the town of Windsor in support of 100 percent renewable energy

WHEREAS, too much of Massachusetts’ energy comes from fossil fuels that pollute our air and water and alter our climate; and,

WHEREAS, Massachusetts communities are already feeling the impacts of climate change; and,

WHEREAS, the town of Windsor is already taking action to reduce its carbon emissions and promote clean energy, including energy improvements to municipal buildings as part of the Green Communities Act, and promoting residential onsite production of solar electricity as part of the Solarize program; and

WHEREAS, clean energy has brought many benefits to Massachusetts, including reduced pollution, tens of thousands of clean energy jobs, and more of our energy dollars retained in the local economy; and

WHEREAS, Massachusetts has historically been a leader in the fight against global warming, and has a responsibility to continue to set a positive example for other states and countries to follow; and

WHEREAS, Massachusetts can get 100 percent of its energy from clean, renewable sources by harnessing its abundant solar and wind resources, and taking advantage of innovations in energy efficiency, green transportation, energy storage, and other technologies; and

WHEREAS, the transition to 100 percent renewable energy should promote employment opportunities and economic growth in our communities, facilitate local control and ownership over energy options, and bring tangible benefits to low-income residents and others who have historically been disadvantaged by our energy system;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the people of the town of Windsor, in the County of Berkshire, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, that Massachusetts should commit to a goal of 100 percent clean, renewable energy, and move as quickly as possible to achieve that goal;

AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that leaders in the Legislature and statewide elected and appointed officials are urged to do everything in their power to bring Massachusetts closer to 100 percent renewable energy, and ensure that the benefits of renewable energy are realized by Massachusetts residents from all walks of life;

AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the town of Windsor will commit to a goal of 100 percent renewable energy, and its officials and staff will consider all municipal decisions in light of whether they will bring the town and its residents, businesses, and institutions closer to 100 percent renewable energy;

AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the town of Windsor will avoid taking actions that could increase the use of fossil fuels or delay the transition to 100 percent renewable energy;

AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the town of Windsor supports bills to transition the commonwealth to 100% renewable energy (H.3395 and S.1849) introduced at the Massachusetts house and senate during January 2017.  A portion of the text is quoted below:

“Section 3. (a) It shall be the goal of the commonwealth to meet 100 percent of Massachusetts’ energy needs with renewable energy by 2050, including the energy consumed for electricity, heating and cooling, transportation, agricultural uses, industrial uses, and all other uses by all residents, institutions, businesses, state and municipal agencies, and other entities operating within its borders.

(b) It shall be the goal of the commonwealth to obtain 100 percent of the electricity consumed by all residents, institutions, businesses, state and municipal agencies, and other entities operating within its borders from renewable energy sources by 2035.”