The Harwich Energy and Climate Action Committee is racing against a July 25 deadline to apply for a state decarbonization roadmap grant, a critical step toward securing the town’s designation as a Massachusetts Climate Leader. During their April 17 meeting, committee members expressed urgency regarding the application, which would establish a long-term plan for the town’s energy future. Chair Valerie noted that Harwich currently meets three of the six criteria required for the state program, including its status as a Green Community and the 2020 passage of a non-binding resolution to eliminate on-site fossil fuel use. Valerie emphasized the importance of the roadmap, stating, In order to be a climate leader there's a list of six criteria... we're halfway there. This road map thing is what I want them to apply for.

The push for state certification comes amid mounting frustration with town leadership. Valerie described a lukewarm response to her recent roadmap presentation to the Select Board, specifically pointing to comments from Board member Michael MacAskill. While Select Board member Jeff Handler appeared supportive, Valerie said MacAskill claimed there was insufficient information despite detailed packets being provided. One committee member echoed this sentiment of administrative stagnation, remarking that Town Administrator Joe Power can do whatever he wants and things can sit on his desk for two years and nothing happens. The committee further criticized what they characterized as a passive-aggressive approach from administration that has stalled progress on electric vehicle charging stations for over two years, contrasting Harwich's lack of progress with successful implementations in neighboring Chatham.

To support the grant writing process and the roadmap initiative, the committee is coordinating with the Select Board to hire a summer intern. Local resident Pam Latimer has volunteered to house the intern, addressing the town's significant housing hurdle where a $220,000 income is now the threshold for homeownership. One committee member stressed the need to define the intern’s role early to avoid them being poached by other departments, sharing an anecdote about managing interns at GE to illustrate the importance of clear expectations and accountability. Early in the session, the committee handled routine business as Motion Made by Valerie to accept the March minutes. Motion Passed 3-0-0.

The committee is also keeping a close eye on the upcoming town elections, where three candidates—Katie McManus, Mark Kelleher, and Anita Doucette—are vying for two Select Board seats. Valerie characterized McManus as a firecracker who is the most excited about any of our energy projects because she's young. While noting that former Town Clerk Anita Doucette possesses deep institutional knowledge, Valerie suggested she may lack experience with modern climate issues. The committee plans to be visible at upcoming candidate forums, including a League of Women Voters event on May 15, to ensure energy and sustainability remain central to the campaign dialogue.

Recent spikes in utility costs also dominated the discussion, with members highlighting that Eversource delivery charges now frequently exceed actual supply costs. Valerie explained that a state-mandated $50 rebate for citizens was funded by clawing back money from the Mass Save program, which has subsequently slashed the budget for Cape Light Compact’s energy audits. Cape Light Compact had to go back and redo their budget because they've been nicked a couple million bucks, Valerie said, adding that the impending retirement of the Compact’s long-time head, Maggie Downey, will leave a significant leadership gap in regional energy advocacy. The committee encouraged residents to visit their table at the upcoming Health and Environmental Fair at the 204 building this Saturday, where Valerie will deliver a presentation at 1:30 PM.