MARION — Town Meeting finalized the removal of the Stretch Energy Code from Marion bylaws, triggering the town to leave the Green Communities Program on Monday, May 12.

The Stretch Energy Code established specific energy efficient demands for new residential and commercial buildings and new additions and renovations that exceed 1000 feet.

Requirements included installation of renewable energy sources to offset fossil fuel usage, with the goal of increasing energy efficiency and reducing energy-related costs in the long-term by seeking sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels.

Alanna Nelson, Chair of the Energy Management Committee, said that the code reduced town energy consumption by 24% since 2017.

“If we hadn’t been doing these green community change improvements, our electric bill this year would be about $200,000 more,” she said.

Residents voiced concerns with the cost of energy-efficient construction and renovations in addition to the unpredictable nature of the code changing each year.

“The cost of energy in Massachusetts has skyrocketed in recent months and is projected to go even higher in the years ahead. It is too expensive to only use electric heat,” said resident Lori Knight. 

She added that all-electric heat systems are vulnerable to power outages and residents could be risking their safety if they pivot away from fossil fuel systems.

Andrew Daniel, Chair of the Planning Board, expressed his regret over endorsing the Stretch Energy Code in 2017.

He furthered that solutions to the Massachusetts housing crisis and Stretch Energy Code act in opposition to each other, as it is more expensive to build new housing with the energy code restrictions in place.

“We have stifled growth in town because of this and we have more municipal projects on the way. I think we have to get out of this and quickly,” said Daniel.

Voters in support of the energy code discussed their concerns with climate change.

Resident Robert Raymond questioned what the alternative would be if the energy code were eliminated, stating that the effects of climate change are imminent and the Stretch Energy Code will help the state reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

“Maybe it’s not perfect, but tell me what Plan B is,” he said.

William Tifft, who is Chair of the Marion Historic District Study Committee, stated that his electricity bill dropped by 40% since reconstructing his house to Stretch Energy Code standards.

“This is not something that’s bad for people,” he said.

A majority of 267 voters favored the removal of the Stretch Energy Code and it will be eliminated from Marion bylaws.