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Stockbridge Green Committee votes to recommend electric landscaping equipment policy to select board
Summary
The committee approved a recommendation that the select board adopt a revision to the town—nvironmentally preferable purchasing policy encouraging battery-powered leaf blowers, lawnmowers and string trimmers; members discussed DPW feasibility and voted to forward the proposal.
The Stockbridge Green Committee voted to recommend that the select board adopt a revision to the town—nvironmentally preferable purchasing policy that would encourage use of battery-powered landscaping equipment where feasible.
The Chair led a discussion on a drafted policy that adds battery-operated leaf blowers, lawnmowers and string trimmers to the town pproved list of preferred products. Committee members raised operational questions for DPW—performance of battery equipment, storage and charging logistics, and maintaining gas-powered machines as backups—but said those concerns could be addressed in implementation and that the policy is intended as guidance rather than a strict prohibition.
A committee member moved to "go forward with this modification that we propose for the preferred product purchasing policy." The motion was seconded and approved by voice vote with committee members signaling approval.
Why it matters: the change formalizes procurement guidance to reduce on-the-job exposure to exhaust and noise for municipal workers and to encourage lower-emission equipment in town operations. Committee members said the revision is meant to strengthen implementation and reduce future oversights in purchases.
Next steps: the committee will forward the approved recommendation to the select board for consideration and asked Michael (staff) to place the policy on an upcoming select board agenda.
