Town of Dover Creates Sustainability Committee, Seeks Participation

DOVER — The Town of Dover is pleased to announce the creation of the Dover Sustainability Committee, which will provide input to inform the community’s efforts to combat greenhouse gas emissions, increase climate resilience, and improve environmental sustainability.

The Dover Board of Selectmen recently formed the volunteer committee to advise the Town’s elected officials and appointed board members, and to complete projects in line with the committee’s goals related to environmental sustainability. The Committee will begin by addressing long-standing concerns about water, and completing education and outreach projects in town. The Town will continue to promote the electrification of systems through Capital Budgets, moving away from reliance on fossil fuels.

“We’re very excited to establish the Dover Sustainability Committee,” said Conservation Commissioner Anna Nagy, who presented the charge to the Selectmen. “This is a chance for the public to suggest and collaborate on ways to boost climate resilience and for the community to establish benchmarks for success and transparency in our efforts to improve environmental sustainability.”

In addition to providing advice to Town officials on policies, the Sustainability Committee is charged with fulfilling the following goals and initiatives:

• Assist the Board of Selectmen and other Town boards with reviewing municipal and school initiatives for sustainability, while promoting measurable and auditable results within those initiatives.
• Promote the application of transparency to the Town’s sustainability goals and educate the public on climate change, emissions, natural resource conservation, and energy.
• Partner with community members, businesses, nonprofits, and the state government to protect natural resources, improve health, and boost the quality of life within the Town of Dover while advancing state sustainability goals.
• Encourage residents and provide advice to businesses on implementing measures proven to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve climate resilience, and conserve natural resources.

The Dover Sustainability Committee will consist of nine voting members — five will be appointed by various Town committees and commissions, and four will serve as at-large committee members approved by the Board of Selectmen. Two of the four at-large seats are designated for students who are at least 14 years old.

The Sustainability Committee welcomes community involvement. Candidates for voting roles as at-large Sustainability Committee members should complete a volunteer interest form on the Town’s website, by going online to www.doverma.gov/Forms.aspx?FID=62.

Voting members will serve rotating three-year terms, with the exception of student members, who will serve one- to two-year terms at their request.

Community members are also encouraged to attend Sustainability Committee meetings and participate in its activities.

The first Sustainability Committee meeting is expected to take place Monday, Dec. 16 at 7 p.m. over Zoom. The Committee will continue meeting about once per month.

“We are thrilled to announce the establishment of this committee,” said Robyn Hunter, Chairperson of the Dover Board of Selectmen. “Sustainability is a vital priority for our community, and this committee will play a key role in integrating sustainability goals into our decision-making process. By doing so, we aim to enhance our environmental stewardship and ensure a sustainable future for Dover. We encourage community members to consider joining the committee and warmly invite the broader community to participate in future meetings.”

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