Wayland Energy Committee bids farewell to two members, sets fall agenda

WAYLAND — June 10, 2025 — Wayland Energy and Climate Committee says goodbye to two members and lines up a busy fall. Chair Ellen R. Tohn led tributes to departing member Anne Harris, credited with helping secure nearly $1 million in Green Communities grants, and to Tara Sarger, the committee's first student member, who is leaving for Harvey Mudd College. New Sustainability Coordinator Olivia said she has applied for a roughly $15,000 MAPC ARC grant to hire three high school interns on climate anxiety and emergency preparedness, with awards expected in August. Assistant Facilities Director Abby Shue said the town's 50-kilowatt Council on Aging solar array is now operating and that Wayland has roughly 380 residential solar installations and 488 heat pumps. The committee set an end-of-October target to complete a decarbonization roadmap and EV-first purchasing policy needed for state Climate Leader designation, missing the Aug. 1 deadline. Member Tom Sciacca said Harris had "held this committee together."