The Yarmouth Energy Committee is moving to downsize its official membership as a strategy to overcome persistent attendance hurdles that have left the body unable to take formal action. During their August meeting, Chair Michael Duffy announced plans to petition the Select Board to reduce the committee’s total seats from seven to five. The move follows the appointment of Dean Sorenson, which brings the committee to three permanent members—a number currently insufficient to reach a legal quorum under the seven-seat structure.

One of the things we're going to try to do is get the Select Board to reduce the number of members on the Energy Committee from seven to five so that with three official members, if they all attend, we will have a quorum, Duffy explained. The lack of a formal quorum meant that while the committee discussed several town initiatives, their actions remained largely advisory or informal. This included the approval of previous records, which were amended to reflect the professional credentials of town staff. Motion Made by M. Duffy to accept the minutes as modified by Micah Hearn to include Amanda as a professional engineer. Motion Passed (3-0).

Town staff member Amanda Stone provided progress reports on several municipal energy projects, noting that backfill operations have begun at the Senior Center to prepare pads for new battery storage systems. Stone also briefed the committee on the Cape Cod Commission’s "Charging Smart" program. Yarmouth is among six Cape communities seeking a "bronze" designation by updating zoning and permitting processes for electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure. Stone noted that current EV units at the DPW facility are seeing use from the community, stating, residents in the area will come after hours and plug their cars in. Those are free.

The expansion of EV infrastructure sparked a technical debate among members regarding the environmental trade-offs of various vehicle types. Member Micah Hearn questioned the "accepted wisdom" that fully electric vehicles are the superior choice for the town's fleet. I would challenge: are EVs actually carbon neutral or even advantageous? Hearn asked. My sense is hybrid electric vehicles are probably much better for the environment than either extreme, but I don't know if anyone knows. Stone noted that while the Green Communities program encourages certain purchases, practical needs often dictate choices, such as the DPW’s requirement for traditional engines in heavy-duty snow removal vehicles.

The committee also dedicated significant time to critiquing the draft 2025 Local Comprehensive Plan (LCP), where the Energy Committee is named as a responsible partner for five out of eight climate-related actions. Duffy expressed concern that the plan lacks specific metrics to track success. A goal is when you put a numeric metric on it so you know when you've achieved it. An objective is forever. How are you going to measure how well you're doing? Duffy said. The committee plans to submit formal comments by the September 1 deadline, recommending that the town prioritize "heat pumps" generally rather than just geothermal systems, and specifically calling for the hire of a part-time energy manager as the top priority.

Regarding that personnel search, the town has seen early interest in the 19-hour-per-week position, which is funded through regional energy programs. Duffy reported that Town Administrator Robert Whritenour confirmed at least two applicants have sought the role. Looking ahead, the committee aims to strengthen its ties with the local school district. Hearn suggested that finding a teacher or student liaison at the high school could help bridge the gap between municipal energy goals and household changes. An ideal path would be the student population at the high school—bring the stuff home to parents and produce a generational change, Hearn noted.