Martha's Vineyard Climate Action Plan

By 2030, increase energy performance of new and/or existing commercial and residential buildings.

By 2032, 55% of Island homes (10,000) will have air source heat pumps for home heating and domestic hot water.

By 2032, the number of newly Island-registered electric vehicles will exceed the state forecast of 46% by 10%, for a total of 56%.

By 2032, all fleet vehicles will be 100% electric.

As Steamship Authority and passenger ferries are replaced, they are replaced with hybrid or electric models.

By 2030, all landscaping equipment is electric.

By 2032, 15% of our electricity is generated by solar on Island up from the current 9%.

By 2030, increase the amount of baseline renewably generated electricity, 30% above the renewable portfolio standard (RPS) in the standard power supply.

By 2027, 10% of Island residential ratepayers are either opting into the 50% or 100% “local green” renewable generation products provided by Cape Light Compact.

Increase participation in programs targeting low to moderate income islanders to gain the benefits from new renewable sources (through lower rates).

Develop a targeted program for solar and battery backup for low to moderate income rate payers.

By 2024, all Island towns have developed a plan based on Island-wide standards/guidelines for energy resilience in the face of extreme weather events and prolonged power failure.

By 2024, we have developed a plan with Eversource as to how we can meet the Island’s resilience needs.

From 2023 on, aid the implementation of the Stretch Code and its future iterations to ensure new builds are increasingly resilient to the impacts of climate change.

By 2030, all municipalities and regional entities have incorporated microgrid technology to service their critical facilities.

By 2026, establish a procurement and distribution system to bring more New England-grown foods to the Vineyard.

By 2030, all Island farms are implementing a standard slate of climate-friendly farming practices (i.e., till less, utilize cover crops, increased diversity, native plantings, reduce fossil fuel usage, reduce/eliminate synthetic fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides).

By 2027, substantially increase the number of Islanders growing food for themselves and their families.

By 2030, increase aquaculture production by 30%.

By 2030, increase local purchasing of locally harvested seafood.

By 2032, commercial fishing and aquaculture are safeguarded as sustainable livelihood options.

By 2028, there is an Island-wide resilient network of food processing, storage, and distribution centers.

By 2029, there is a consistent 2-3 week supply of food available on-Island for the year-round population throughout the year, which can also be accessed in the event of an emergency.

By 2025, SNAP/HIP & Fresh Connect are accepted at farmers markets and local farm stands to maximize usage for those who are eligible.

By 2030, ensure that safe passage is provided to Wampanoag Tribal members for traditional foraging, fishing, and hunting practices on all Island conservation lands forever.

By 2030, develop partnerships between local farms, individuals, Tribal members and organizations to rematriate traditional seed varieties and increase the availability of traditional Indigenous foods.

By 2024, identify and map coastal and inland land vulnerable to flooding, land vulnerable to extreme wildfire risks, associated ecosystems, and land suitable for undevelopment that significantly contribute to climate resilience and public safety. (Some actions support Overarching Goal 1)

By 2028, develop tools to protect and enhance prioritized ecosystems that provide public safety benefits. (Some actions support Overarching Goal 1.)

By 2026, development in harm’s way is discontinued or managed through local, regional, and state regulations to minimize climate risks to public safety. (Some actions support Overarching Goal 1)

By 2025, a conservation summit convenes every 2-3 years where conservation organizations identify data gaps and develop collaborative projects that promote connectivity and resilience toward targets developed in the process. (Some actions support Overarching Goal 1.)

By 2024, with the guidance of the Tribe, the Island has established minimum standards for the use native vegetation for municipally maintained greenspaces.

By 2025, a maximum % disturbance per acre is established for all new development over one acre, except for the purpose of restoring native ecological habitat.

Nitrogen mitigation and other pollutant strategies have been identified, approved, funded, and implemented for each priority coastal ponds by 2027 and all other coastal ponds by 2030.

By 2026, island-wide bylaws and regulations are in place which will ensure the aquifer remains safe and potable, experiences sustainable recharge, and is consumed in a manner that is responsive to population growth, changes in precipitation, and air temperature.