Local and State Green Legislation Updates
ZEV First Policy adopted
Last month, the Sustainable Green Committee and Julia Chun presented the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) First Policy to the Select Board and School Committee. Both boards adopted it as town policy. So what is this policy? It essentially requires town departments to choose the most efficient vehicle that meets their needs. The policy doesn’t require EVs, and it doesn’t ban gas vehicles. Note that this doesn’t apply to all vehicles in the town fleet; the policy exempts large and heavy vehicles, vehicles with emergency response capabilities, vehicles used for snow and ice removal, and offroad vehicles. When a department is replacing a non-exempt vehicle, they’ll look at factors such as vehicle range, size, needed features, and budget to determine their purchasing options. For example, if an EV and a gas vehicle both meet all requirements, the EV would be chosen. EVs cost less per mile driven when comparing fuel/electricity and maintenance costs. By 2050, this policy is projected to save the town $4.5M and avoid 13,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions. A climate and financial win.
State House funding for energy efficiency improvements at the Senior Center
Thanks to the advocacy of the Sustainable Green Committee and Julia Chun, and the support of State Representative James Arena-DeRosa, the State House voted this week to include $30k in funding for energy efficiency improvements at the Hopkinton Senior Center in the House budget. Of all our municipal buildings, the Senior Center has the highest EUI (Energy Use Intensity), which measures the energy used per square foot to heat/cool the building. This funding will help lower energy costs and increase the comfort of our Senior Center.
A Green Sweep at Town Meeting!
While not directly sponsored by the Sustainable Green Committee, all four article we supported passed on Saturday!
Article 21 – MBTA Communities
The Sustainable Green Committee supports compliance with the MBTA Communities Act.
There are two main reasons for our support:
First, this is the law in Massachusetts and non-compliance means a loss of access to grant funding and an inevitable costly lawsuit. We are in the final stages of becoming a Climate Leader town, which will give us access to $1M grants to help fund projects that we know are coming in the next few years, such as school HVAC improvements. Non-compliance with MBTA Communities would jeopardize that, and many other state programs that Hopkinton benefits from. It would also be a costly distraction to fight in a lawsuit with the state when we have more important ways to spend our time and money. This policy was already approved by the town, and this vote is just closing a gap to finalize compliance.
Second, the goals of MBTA Communities are in line with sustainability principles. Though the parcels Hopkinton selected are highly unlikely to be redeveloped in the next few years, this zoning allows multi-family developments near public transportation and commercial centers. Denser housing decreases vehicle miles traveled and uses less land and resources per capita, allowing more natural lands to be preserved. Plus, with our adopted building code, any large multi-family buildings will be built to extremely efficient Passive House standards. Compliance with MBTA Communities is overall the best way to meet the needs of the many people who want to live in our state and town while minimizing the strain on resources.
Article 26 – municipal aggregation revolving fund
The Sustainable Green Committee supported adoption of the municipal aggregation revolving fund. Our municipal aggregation program is named Hopkinton Power Choice. Since the creation of Hopkinton Power Choice, Hopkinton ratepayers have avoided more than 1300 metric tons of CO2 emissions and saved over $225k in just six months. For reference, 1300 metric tons is equivalent to driving a typical passenger vehicle 3.3 million miles. With the current worldwide energy issues, we expect Eversource’s prices to rise again in August, but thanks to this program, Hopkinton ratepayers will be insulated from those effects and continue to save money.
Built into the contract with Power Choice, a small amount has already been set aside for the Town’s usage. This article is just a bookkeeping measure to make those funds accessible through a revolving fund that will be used for energy projects, such as the installation of municipal solar panels or strengthening the energy security of some of our most vulnerable residents. We look forward to the creation of this fund.
Article 27 – EV charging revolving fund
The Sustainable Green Committee supported adoption of the EV charging revolving fund. A growing proportion of vehicles registered in Hopkinton are EVs or plug-in hybrids; in fact 20% of the newest model year vehicles in town support electric charging, and 8% of all vehicles in Hopkinton have a plug – a number which has doubled in just two years. The town won grant funding for the installation of EV charging stations at four public locations over the next year. These municipally owned charging stations will cost the town almost nothing to install, and the revenue from their use will go into this revolving fund to support their maintenance, as well as investing in the expansion of EV charging capabilities in town. More charging options also increases the odds that travelers will pause in town to charge up and visit local businesses. The creation of this fund should allow the charging stations to be self-sustaining from their revenue and not require funding from the town.
Article 28 – use of trails and shared use paths
The Sustainable Green Committee supported adoption of the new trails and shared use paths bylaw. Sustainable transport involves more than EVs; it’s about equitably supporting all forms of mobility. E-bikes and other electric mobility devices are increasing in popularity, and right now, state and local laws lack guidance on where they are allowed. This policy provides clarity in Hopkinton that they are allowed on shared use paths, but with reasonable speed restrictions.
Many studies show that e-bikes are a key climate solution, as they allow users to cover longer distances and our Hopkinton hills with less effort and less emissions than car travel. Biking is also a healthier activity that increases our connection with the environment around us. Allowing them on shared use paths expands the number of safe route options that keep riders safely separated from cars, and will support more people selecting this option as an alternative to cars for local commuting to work, school, and activities.
Understanding Hopkinton’s Water Supply
Most of Hopkinton’s drinking water is sourced from local groundwater wells that rely on rainfall for natural recharge. Periods of limited precipitation can impact supply, especially during high-demand seasons. Protecting this resource through responsible water use helps ensure a reliable and sustainable water system for all residents.
SGC Plastics education reading list for all ages!
The Problem with Plastics – by Judith Enck and Adam Mahoney (2025)
Plastic Inc.: The Secret History and Shocking Future of Big Oil’s Biggest Bet – by Beth Gardiner (2026)
Waste Wars: The Wild Afterlife of Your Trash – by Alexander Clapp (2025)
Plastic: A Toxic Love Story – by Susan Freinkel (2011)
Saving Us: A Climate Scientist’s Case for Hope and Healing in a Divided World
by Katharine Hayhoe (2021)
A Poison Like No Other: How Microplastics Corrupted Our Planet and Our Bodies
by Matt Simon (2022)
Practical Guides & Solutions
Plastic-Free: How I Kicked the Plastic Habit and How You Can Too – by Beth Terry
Thicker Than Water: The Quest for Solutions to the Plastic Crisis – by Erica Cirino (2021)
How to Give Up Plastic – by Will McCallum
For Younger Readers
The Lorax – By Dr. Seuss
One Plastic Bag – by Miranda Paul
No Time to Waste – by Carolyn Armstrong
Bag in the Wind – by Ted Kooser
Kids vs. Plastic – by Julie Beer