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Walks No Further

The April 28 issue of The Sound headlined the Town of Branford’s Planning & Zoning Commission approval of Amazon’s application to build a last mile facility in Branford [“Branford Approves Amazon ‘Last Mile’ Facility”].

The news article cited a concern raised in review of the application suggesting that “some language could be included as to the potential” for on-site solar generated electricity. The Sound wrote that Town Planner Smith noted that “nothing exists in current zoning regulations to which such a stipulation regarding a roof-top solar installation could be attached.”

Without new regulations and/or ordinances, how is Branford going to realize our July 2020 Energy Plan that pledges meet or exceed the State of Connecticut’s goals to produce 40 percent of its electric power through renewables by 2030, rising to 100 percent by 2040, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions to 80 percent below 2001 levels by 2050.

Amazon talks the environmental talk, but walks no further than required by the communities it affects.

Robert Barnett

Branford