On Saturday, May 16, York voters will be asked to approve three critical climate/energy initiatives:
- A request for funding to develop a Climate Action Plan for York
- A request to fund the position of Sustainability Director for York
- A request to lease the Witchtrot Road landfill to a developer for a solar array that will power York’s municipal buildings.
Your YES vote on these initiatives will move us toward a Climate Action Plan, which will have significant benefits for York, including:
- Cost reductions from new energy efficiency projects;
- Lower energy costs for households and businesses;
- Reduced vulnerability to the effects of climate change;
- Improved waste management;
- Shared responsibility and benefits that will lead to a more equitable community;
- Progress toward the preservation of local ecosystems and species; and
- Reduced greenhouse gas emissions are consistent with town goals.
The position of Sustainability Director will more than pay for itself. Funds from the state, private and federal grants and incentive programs are available only to towns that can actually develop climate action programs – work that requires full-time energy and climate specialist who not only knows the field but who appreciates the urgency of the issue and the need to work with community groups and individuals to identify the best actions for the families, businesses, environment, and future of our town. Your YES vote on funding for this position is essential to developing the Climate Action Plan.
The Witchtrot Road landfill is no longer in use. A solar array on that site could provide the power for York’s schools and other municipal buildings, thus reducing operational costs for taxpayers and reducing greenhouse gas emissions community-wide. Your YES vote to lease the landfill to a solar developer will allow this project to go forward.
These three ballot questions will allow significant progress toward clean, renewable energy and a more secure future for York. Please give them a green light!
