Wayland energy committee endorses EV-first policy and decarbonization roadmap

WAYLAND -- December 9, 2025, Wayland Energy and Climate Committee unanimously endorses EV and decarbonization policies before state deadline. The committee voted 5-0 Tuesday to support a Zero Emission Vehicle first policy and a 25-year building decarbonization roadmap, both required for Wayland to qualify as a state Climate Leader and access up to $1 million in grant funding. Sustainability Coordinator Julie Conroy said both documents go to the Select Board Monday and must reach the state Department of Energy Resources by Dec. 31, or the town waits until February 2027 to reapply. Chair Ellen Tohn told members the pitch to the Select Board is that the policies carry "no added cost to the town." Member Tom Sciacca raised concerns about ground-source heat pumps near the Happy Hollow wells recharge area. Sustainability Coordinator Olivia Sutherland reported the town has signed with Mass Save vendor HomeWorks Energy and secured an $1,850 community education grant for a South Asian family composting event.