Beverly City Council Approves Green Future Act Resolution in 4-3 Vote

BEVERLY — January 18, 2022 — Beverly City Council voted 4-3 to urge Massachusetts lawmakers to advance the Green Future Act, House Bill 3292, which would deliver an estimated average of $3.4 million annually to cities and towns for clean energy infrastructure. The resolution, co-sponsored by Councilors Scott Houseman and Valerie Feldman along with Mayor Michael P. Cahill, cleared the full council over objections from Councilors David St. Hilaire and Elissa Sweeney, who argued local officials should leave state legislation to State Representative Jerry Parisella and State Senator Joan Lovely. Sustainability Director Arena Keefe, appearing for the mayor, called the bill "a meaningful way to mobilize funds" while acknowledging it "is not a perfect bill." The Clean Energy Advisory Committee, led by Chair Julia Long and former Chair Fred Hopps, cited a February 2 legislative committee vote as the reason for urgency. The council also unanimously approved more than $700,000 in combined grants and earmarks, including $200,000 for the McPherson Teen Center and $200,000 for parks improvements, both funded through state ARPA allocations.