Sudbury Declares Climate Emergency, Creates Sustainability Position

SUDBURY, MA — On the final night of Sudbury Town Meeting Wednesday, members approved a measure advising the town to hire a sustainability director to fight climate change.

The advisory measure also more broadly addressed environmental concerns, declaring a climate emergency in Sudbury and calling for a 50 percent reduction in town greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 — and continuing with a 75 percent reduction by 2040 and net-zero by 2050, according to the article.

The article also advised setting aside $130,000 in funding to pay for the sustainability director. If created, the position would be responsible for finding ways to reduce emissions, but also strengthening the town against climate change, including items outlined in documents like the 2020 Hazard Mitigation Plan and the 2019 Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness report.

"The position would work with staff and boards across town government to promote appropriate consideration of sustainability and climate change issues, and engage with residents and businesses to ensure they realize the financial and other benefits of sustainable choices," the petitioners said of the article. "Sustainability directors in peer towns have often had a substantial net positive impact on town finances, including through improved capacity to take advantage of relevant state and federal funding, and by implementing energy efficiency and renewable energy projects."

Supporters of the article have said Sudbury's legislative delegation — state Sen. Jamie Eldridge and state Rep. Carmine Gentile — have pledged to try to get $100,000 in state funds for the position, with the Energy and Sustainability Committee has pledge to raise the additional $30,000.

The climate article also asks the select board and town manager to convene a public meeting within 90 days to discuss the climate crisis and what the town plans to do about it.

Some local cities and towns have already hired employees to oversee sustainability efforts, including Framingham and Brookline. Some local communities have also declared climate emergencies, including Worcester, Plymouth and even the Episcopal dioceses of Massachusetts and Western Massachusetts.

The 2022 Sudbury spring Town Meeting was held over three nights beginning on Monday. Wednesday's session had the lowest turnout with 298 members compared to 300 on Monday and 445 on Tuesday, according to the town clerk.

Clarification: This story has been updated to clarify that the climate article voted on by Town Meeting was advisory, not binding.