Westford Throws Support Behind Net Zero Emissions Task Force

WESTFORD, MA — A non-binding resolution to promote clean energy and reduce fossil fuel use in an effort help the commonwealth achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, passed in Town Meeting.

"In response to the escalating climate crisis, Westford commits to take actions to promote clean energy and reduce fossil fuel use, including promoting energy efficient upgrades in all town facilities and in private homes and businesses and purchasing the highst percentage of clean, renewable energy in town contracts as feasible," reads the resolution in part, which was sponsored by Westford Climate Action Committee.

The resolution asks that the select board charges a task force to study and make recommendations for the town to help the state aim for net-zero greenhouse gas emissions through intermediate goals. The proposal also asked that the task force make those recommendations within nine months and report to annual Town Meeting.

Carol Morse, co-chair of Climate Action Westford, a grassroots organization concerned with the environment, said more than 200 people signed the petition to bring it to Town Meeting.

"We cannot fight global warming alone, we must find actions we can take as a community," she said during the October Town Meeting, which was held outside because of the pandemic.

"Westford is a town that cares about the environment," she said.

Westford banned single-use plastic bags in 2018, and in 2016 restricted polystyrene.

Westford joins Action, Bedford, Concord and Arlington along with more than 30 other communities in Greater Boston that have begun similar work.