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CLIMATE UPDATES for FEBRUARY 
Hooray for Our New President!

In an article in the New Yorker, environmentalist Bill McKibben called out Wednesday, January 27, as “the most remarkable day in the history of America’s official response to the climate crisis…. The Biden Administration took a series of coordinated actions that, considered together, may well mark
the official beginning of the end of the fossil-fuel era.”

THIS SUNDAY, 3 PM!
Please Join The
MV Public Charter School Students 

As they lead our community in the first of four topic specific conversations about climate change. Come to listen or to lend your voice. Scan the QR code on the poster to receive a zoom link. 
Climate Roadmap Bill Gets a Second Chance
On January 28th the MA State Legislature reconsidered a bill to create a next generation climate roadmap for the State. An identical bill was vetoed by Governor Baker at the end of the last session. This new iteration of the bill is back on Baker's desk with 10 days for it to be signed, vetoed or sent back with amendments. There is overwhelming bipartisan support that could override another veto, if need be. You can see a summary of the bill's contents provided by Dylan Fernandes' office here. Follow the progress at MCAN.
Try the New Carbon Counter
If you are curious about the potential cost savings of owning an electric vehicle or how your current car stacks up against its gasoline and electric counterparts, spend a minute using MIT's newly developed interactive tool. With a few clicks it makes it plain that EV ownership has the potential to cut both emissions and vehicle ownership costs. The tool also illustrates how our current model cars stack up against necessary emission reduction goals for the coming decades. You can also listen to this great How to Save a Planet podcast to learn more about EVs and their environmental impact relative to gas-powered vehicles.
MVC Artificial Turf Hearings Continue
February 4th at 7 pm.
This particular hearing will include testimony from Sarah-Jeanne Royer. Ms. Royer is an oceanographer who has studied how degrading plastics contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. This is something to consider as our community tackles climate change and plastic pollution. The proposed 2.7 acre plastic carpet will need to be discarded and replaced every 8-10 years. For more information from the Field Fund click here. 
We need your letters and voices! Letters can be short and simple.
WRITE: elvin@mvcommission.org 
and planningboard@oakbluffsma.gov.
SPEAK: Contact Lucy Morrison to speak. 
Make the Switch!
Take Advantage of Rebates!
Cape Light Compact continues a big push to get people off oil and propane and using cold climate airsource heat pumps. Learn more about heat pumps and how they help us reach climate goals by reading this blog. Or access the rebate here.
Electric Buses for the Steamship Authority
Following in the electrification footsteps of the Vineyard Transit Authority, there is exciting news from the Steamship Authority about a contract for three new electric buses and charging stations. These will be the first electric buses for the Authority and were approved by a unanimous vote of the SSA governors. You can read the MV Times article for more!

Chappaquiddick Climate Work

The Environmental Committee of the Chappaquiddick Island Association has been busy addressing climate change concerns. They held a series of Zoom gatherings to address four separate climate issues. Read their report and view their presentations.
Sea Level Rise & Coastal Flooding
Emergency Preparedness
Coastal Erosion and Accessibility: How Can We Adapt?
Global Warming: How Can We Help Mitigate It?   
Climate XChange Webinar February 16, 3-4 pm 
Our community has been working hard to pass a 100% Renewable Resolution, but what would transitioning to 100% renewable actually look like? What is the difference between 100% renewable, net-zero, and carbon neutrality? How can we ensure the protection of jobs in a massive energy transition? These and other issues will be addressed. Register and learn more!  

We Need Social Media Help!

ICAN would love to have more of a voice on social media, but we need expertise in this area. If you are interested in helping please send us an email.
Thank you for being part of the Vineyard’s climate action movement.  Please keep us posted with your questions, actions you’re taking, and ideas for next steps.
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