CEAC Minutes 42320204 -23 -2020
Roll call:
Committee: Julia Long, Julie DeSilva, Fred Hopps, Amy Smith, Sean Leach, Tom Keeley
Guests: Chris Nihan, Lyndon Holmes, Wayne Miller, Stacia Chamberlain, Dean Berg, Bruce Egan, Mayor
Mike Cahill
• Update on how we're all doing and feeling; Fred urged us to sign petition and keep climate
change front of mind
• Everyone on call celebrating successes of using technology and remaining focused on climate
change
Solar Update (KEARSAGE /Beth Greenblatt)
• Last call April 22
• 1600 MW
• All Beverly projects are going forward. The school projects have some concerns from school
committee.
• SolarNow is looking for CPA funds. Greenergy Park and canopy will each get 1 MW.
• High school will become net zero. "It is a dream come true. Future is happening now!" according
to Fred.
• Because of COVID there is an 18 -month extension for construction.
• Kearsage speaks to school committee next week, selling the financial benefits of solar, net zero
for HS, etc.
Earth Day update
All great ideas we had planned for this year have been postponed to next year. Change is Simple posted
an online challenge.
Miscellaneous
• Green municipal aggregation (CCA) is moving ahead according to Sean who is working with
Wayne Miller. Fred to be included as 2nd CEAC member in upcoming meeting.
• Stacia presented. She and Dean met at a Salem CAC meeting. She is starting a clean energy
business called CircleBlock, using blockchain technology to connect clean energy peer to peer
sellers and buyers to boost production and more. Ask her to share her slides to attach.
In answer to Stacia's questions about BlueWave, Sean indicated that they are using batteries for
storage. Fred mentioned they are using "adders" for incentives only but cautions that they don't
serve as a backup.
• Dean Berg shared summary of RFP for Climate Action Plan (merged with resiliency). Seven main
points: transition from fossil fuels to clean energy, reduce overall consumption through
efficiency and conservation, reduce communitywide emissions, resiliency efforts, waste
reduction, equity and access for vulnerable populations, and community education and action.
RFPs were due this month. 15 -month contract due to be completed June 2021. Minor
disappointment was that there was no mention of food goods or services. Very clear that the
consultant will set up a stakeholder group that involves citizens.
• Tom and Fred stress that time is now to take advantage of the Northeast's coalition of states to
get the clean energy sector creating jobs and employing people. We need to be innovative and
reach out perhaps to Elon Musk and other orgs to bring technology to our city and beyond.
Follow -up items:
• Where is Pathway to 100% doc?
• Any BlueWave update? Julie thinks they might be waitlisted for Beverly residents
• Sean asked everyone to share contacts in other communities in National Grid territory that want
to participate in GMA to bring the rates down for all.
• Minor disappointment with Climate Action Plan was that there was no mention of food goods or
services.
• Julie to share with the group when the contract for solar will go in front of the two committees
and get a CEAC member on the agenda to speak in favor of the project
• CPC meeting that Fred is going to next week needs a letter signed by the mayor
• Julie to put the 100% document in front of the mayor again
Comments from the Mayor:
Our grid has a long way to go to become green and grow before we can replace energy with all
electricity. He wants to keep discussing ways to do this. Domestically and internationally post -COVID
planning needs to include the greening of our economy. Climate mayors are trying to weigh in with
congress on this need. Climate Action Plan received 6 responses to be reviewed by a committee of 6 (3
Bev /3 Salem) next Monday. Goal is to get started quickly. Solar contract needs to be approved by SC and
CC and he encourages us to participate when that goes in front of those committees. We have the oldest
photovoltaic site in the country and 8.5 MW of clean energy that we could use help with. Tom and Mike
agree that reaching out to Musk is a something they can do. Currently there is no plan to add a
sustainability staff position to the administration. Mayor would like to work on climate day all day every
day if he could and wants to stay involved with the committee.
Next meeting: Wednesday, May 6
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