The Clean Energy Future Committee (CEFC) of Arlington, Massachusetts convened a remote meeting on August 25, 2023. The meeting was chaired by Ryan Katofsky and attended by eight other members.
MBTA Communities Act and Fossil Fuel Free Pilot
The main discussion revolved around a letter to the Arlington Redevelopment Board (ARB) regarding the MBTA Communities Act. The MBTA Communities Working Group is finalizing the multi-family by-right zone(s), and the final proposal will be sent to the ARB for consideration. The ARB will then present the proposal to the public for comments and questions before deciding what should be presented to the Special Town Meeting (STM) in October. The CEFC Chair and Sustainability Manager Talia Fox drafted a letter of support for the concept of the MBTA Communities, which was approved with minor changes. The letter emphasized the importance of passing the MBTA Communities Act for the implementation of the Fossil Fuel Free Pilot and the Clean Heat Bylaw.
Fossil Fuel Free Bylaw and Language Updates
The meeting also focused on the Fossil Fuel Free Bylaw and its language updates. The town of Arlington decided to modify the model bylaw prepared by the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) to reflect their preferred language. The proposed edits to the bylaw include several changes to the definition of “major renovation,” the exemption for gas hot water use, the implementation date, and the exemption for cooking appliances. The CEFC unanimously approved the language in the Fossil Fuel Free Demonstration Warrant Article.
The next meeting is scheduled for September 22, 2023. The minutes were submitted by Nellie Aikenhead.
Source: https://www.arlingtonma.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/66889/638309796009668743