Deerfield Select Board Approves Decarbonization Roadmap Application in 2-1 Vote

DEERFIELD — November 24, 2025 — Deerfield Select Board votes 2-1 to seek free state technical assistance for a municipal decarbonization roadmap. Meeting jointly as the Board of Health and Sewer Commissioners on November 24, the board approved a letter of support and certification of application to the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources, which would fund consulting to evaluate municipal buildings, schools, and the vehicle fleet at no cost to the town. Select Board Chair Trevor McDaniel signed the letter, which cites Deerfield's 2011 Green Community designation and a recent commitment to eliminate on-site fossil fuel use by 2050. One unnamed member voted against, arguing the board should allow more time to reflect following a recent special town meeting. The town was previously rejected for similar assistance after the state said Deerfield had not demonstrated enough progress; proponents argued two newly constructed carbon-free municipal buildings strengthen the current bid.