The Committee advises the City Council and assists and advises the City Manager, Community Development Director, and Sustainability Coordinator on energy matters that improve the economic and environmental sustainability of Rockland.

Meetings

First Tuesday 5:00 – 6:30 pm
The Committee is currently meeting virtually (Zoom link provided in each agenda). Agendas, minutes, and miscellaneous files are publicly accessible and can be viewed at https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B5G0bf_2EJ3RbGc1M1VwQ3ZvS28?resourcekey=0-9e4o6hPpDq_JSmDvs3rS5g&usp=share_link. For agendas and minutes, click on “Present Year”> “Monthly Meetings”> and then the files are within the folders for each month.

Members/Term Expiration/Expertise and interests

Mary Ellen Eagan (2026) – Env/transportation consulting + Organizational leadership
Constance Evans (2024) – Academic research + Low emissions
Lee Humphreys (2026) – Water quality + Agriculture
Todd Schwendeman (2024) – Water/soil chemistry + Hazardous waste
Nathan Smith (2026) – Seafood/aquaculture + wildlife conservation
Vacant (2027)
Vacant (2027)

Student Members (non-voting)
Joshua Placides (2025) – Energy + Climate change

If you are interested in serving on the Committee, please reach out to any committee member, or email rocklandresac@gmail.com.

  • Are Rockland’s goals for renewable energy and carbon neutrality consistent with the State’s goals?

    In the State’s Climate Action Plan “Maine Won’t Wait” the following goals are identified:

    • Decrease greenhouse gas emissions by 45% by 2030 and 80% by 2050
    • Achieve carbon neutrality by 2045

    In 2019, Rockland committed to:

    1. By 2025, the City of Rockland will obtain 100% of municipal electricity from renewable sources.
    2. By 2045, the entire community of Rockland will be carbon neutral.
  • What are Rockland’s goals for renewable energy and carbon neutrailty?

    In 2019, through Resolve #31 (see below), the City of Rockland committed to:

    1. By 2025, the City of Rockland will obtain 100% of municipal electricity from renewable sources.
    2. By 2045, the entire community of Rockland will be carbon neutral.

    The goal of 100% renewable municipal electricity was achieved through a commitment to a community solar project with net energy billing, and renewable energy included in our competitive electricity supplier’s portfolio.

    Resolve 31

  • What is the Energy and Sustainability Advisory Committee?

    The Energy and Sustainability Advisory Committee is established under Article IV (Economic and Community Development Department) of Chapter 2 (Administration) of the Rockland Charter and Code/Ordinances. Section 2-404 states:

    Sec. 2-404  Energy & Sustainability Advisory Committee 

    1. Committee Established.  There is hereby established an Energy and Sustainability Advisory Committee comprised of seven (7) members appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council for three (3) year terms, except that of the seven (7) members first appointed, two (2) shall be appointed for a term of one (1) year, two (2) for two (2) years, and three (3) for three (3) years.  There shall also be two (2) alternate members of the Committee who shall serve a term of three (3) years.  The alternate members shall attend all meetings of the Committee, may participate in any discussions or hearings, but shall only vote on Committee matters if a full quorum is not present at such meeting.  When a vacancy occurs on the Committee, an alternate member may be appointed to fill such vacancy.  As of the effective date of this section, no member shall be elected as Chair of the Committee more than six (6) consecutive times; and as of the effective date of this section, no member shall serve more than five (5) consecutive terms on the Committee.  The Secretary shall be responsible for taking minutes at each meeting of the Committee, and shall forward copies of the minutes to the City Manager for appropriate distribution once such minutes are accepted by the Committee. The Sustainability Coordinator shall serve as ex officio, non-voting members of the Committee.   The Committee shall elect one (1) of its members as chair and determine its own rules of procedure.

     

    1.   Duties.  The Energy and Sustainability Advisory Committee shall assist and advise the City Manager, Community Development Director and Sustainability Coordinator and advise the City Council on energy matters that improve the economic and environmental sustainability of City operations, and/or the economic and environmental sustainability of the City of Rockland.

    Members are expected to commit time outside of regular meetings to work on energy projects and activities that will advance Rockland’s economic and environmental sustainability.

    The Committee shall serve as the Advisory Committee to City Council for related grants, project proposals and other energy or sustainability related issues as needed.   Eff: 06/09/21