Catch the buzz in Rockport…please take a look at the Rockport Municipal Government Net Zero Energy by 2040 Resolution (here) and background paper (here). UUSR Climate Action Group and the Social Justice Committee have reviewed and are supporting. In addition, we are presenting to the UUSR Board of Trustees for their formal endorsement.

Developed by a group out of the Cape Ann Climate Coalition, this resolution will be coming soon to the Rockport Select Board as well as April 2 Town Meeting. Many local towns have adopted this resolution as well as some Rockport Town Committees.

The key points of the resolution are:

1. Rockport is experiencing the impacts of climate change now.
2. Burning of fossil fuels is the primary cause of climate change.
3. Rockport’s municipal government needs to acknowledge the climate change emergency and reduce/offset carbon emissions to Net Zero.
4. Net Zero Energy makes Rockport clean, efficient, strong and financially protected from the fossil fuel market.
5. Rockport can get 100% of its energy from clean sources, efficiency and conservation.
6. We support Net Zero energy by 2040 – 25% by 2025, 50% by 2030, and 75% by 2035.
7. We support Net Zero energy with input from all Rockporters of all ages.
8. We support the Board of Selectmen’s actions to reduce carbon emissions and increase renewable energy sources.
9. We support policy that all Town decisions shall include and review Net Zero cost/ benefits of the Town’s capital, operations, and maintenance.
10. We support the Town’s adoption of Net Zero policy.