Town Meeting members voted to adopt Article 4, authorizing the Select Board to establish community-wide greenhouse gas emission reduction goals. The move aligns Milton with Massachusetts state law, targeting a 50% reduction in emissions by 2030 and reaching net-zero by 2050. Adopting these non-binding goals is a prerequisite for Milton to be certified as a Climate Leader Community by the state.

Climate Action Planning Committee Chair Alex Hasha emphasized the financial benefits of the designation, noting that certification could unlock significant state funding. The cumulative financial support could be as much as $10 million between now and 2050, Hasha said. This article is about getting the ball rolling. Immediate grants available include up to $150,000 for technical support and $1 million for municipal projects such as heat pumps or school solar installations.

Warrant Committee Chair Jay Funling reassured members that the goals are non-binding and do not force the town into uneconomical decisions. While some members questioned how Milton compares to neighbors, Hasha noted that 19 other Massachusetts towns have already sought this certification to access the same pool of grant funding.

Motion: To authorize the Select Board to adopt community-wide greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals in alignment with state law and update the inventory every five years.

Vote: Passed 187-15-0