The Cohasset Alternative Energy Committee (AEC) closed out its final meeting of 2025 with ambitious plans for the new year, unanimously voting to establish a new subcommittee to explore solar energy arrays at the Osgood and Deer Hill schools. The December 11th virtual meeting focused heavily on the next steps for renewable energy and climate action in town, building on what Chair Tanya Bodell called "an amazingly productive year." The committee’s discussion about the school solar project revealed significant technical challenges. Doran Hull, who attended a recent project meeting, explained that the Osgood school roof is undergoing a restoration, not a full replacement. He noted that "any design that we entertain for the solar needs to take into account the fact that we're likely not going to be able to put anything on that would involve bolting or penetration of those layers," due to waterproofing concerns. This would necessitate a ballasted system held down by weights, a prospect that concerned member Tom Daily. "That's kind of alarming," Daily stated, adding that "insurance companies hate ballasted roofs." Despite the hurdles, the committee agreed to move forward, with member Chris Salation making the motion. Motion Made by Chris Salation to "establish a subcommittee to look into solar energy arrays at the Osgood and Deer Hill schools." Motion Passed (Vote 6-0).

The committee also engaged in a lengthy discussion about launching a town-wide Climate Action Plan (CAP). Members Barbara Russell and Debbie Cook proposed creating a blueprint for a plan by engaging community volunteers who had previously expressed interest. While there was broad support for the concept, the conversation turned to strategy and jurisdiction. Steve, a committee member, highlighted the financial incentive for action, noting that "half a dozen towns in Massachusetts that already got the climate leaders status have already gotten over a million dollars in grants in the state. So, we're really losing out by not pursuing this vigorously." Chair Tanya Bodell advised a measured approach, reminding the group of its advisory role to the Select Board. "We have politically tried to do baby steps to get approval," she cautioned. The committee ultimately decided to focus its immediate efforts on developing a Municipal Decarbonization Roadmap, an initiative for which they have already received Select Board approval, viewing it as a foundational piece of a future, broader climate plan. "If we bite-size the municipal decarbonization roadmap... we can make strides now and we can bring in others," Bodell concluded.

Updates from town staff and committee members rounded out the meeting. Tom Daily presented a data report showing that ongoing inverter issues with the town's landfill solar array have led to significant lost revenue, with a projected net benefit of $55,000 for 2025 instead of a potential $90,000. Town staff member Julia provided a key update on grants, explaining that the town plans to pivot its grant strategy. She said "it was a general consensus that we would like to pursue the decarbonization grant for green communities which would mean that we will need to withdraw our fall green communities application." This new application in April seeks up to $500,000 for the Town Hall renovation project. Member Barbara Russell also sparked a brief discussion about modernizing the committee's name. "The name of our group is the alternative energy committee and... many modernized the name and tucked in the word sustainability which to me is... more relevant in 2025," she commented. Debbie Cook assured the committee that she and Russell would return at the next meeting with a more clarified proposal for their climate action efforts, stating, "we'll come together with a plan of exactly what we would want them to do and what the scope would be." The meeting was adjourned.