[Read the Task Force's report here. -Ed.]

By Emily Dupuis

They have proposed steps ranging from creating a municipal power authority to painting bike lanes on Westerly streets.

The Peak Oil Task Force has now been directed to continue its work to chart the town response to rising energy prices.

The task force presented a final report to the Town Council on Monday, and was instructed to work with the town solicitor to draft proposed ordinances to carry out its recommendations.

The group’s nine-page document not only eyes alternative energy sources, but makes recommendations to assist residents expected to be hit hard this winter by rising heating costs.

Peak oil refers to when worldwide oil production hits a high and subsequently declines. The timing is uncertain, although a U.S. Department of Energy report says global oil production peaked in 2005, said Patricia Hval, task force co-chair. Peak oil is expected to impact the town and its residents in myriad ways, including increased energy prices, more expensive road maintenance and higher food prices.

Councilors welcomed the report on Monday and encouraged the task force to continue its work, recommending actions.

Councilor Michelle Buck thanked the group for submitting “such a comprehensive report” and council President Mary Jane DiMaio applauded the “fantastic job.”

Councilor Christopher Duhamel encouraged the task force to work closely with the separate Alternate Energy Subcommittee.

“We have a daunting array of recommendations,” Hval told councilors. “It will take courage and it will take a commitment in order to bring these things to fruition.”

The numerous proposals include creating a community crisis fund to help cover energy and basic needs for residents in need, and creating a public or volunteer shuttle service for qualified low-income residents and senior citizens or create a subsidy program for taxis.

On a larger scale, the task force recommended that the town establish a written Westerly Municipal Energy Policy and invest in upgrading municipal buildings to increase their energy efficiency.

To help residents rely less on vehicles, the group proposed reconsidering land use and zoning regulations to place residences closer to downtown and shopping areas, repainting roads with bike lanes, facilitating a free bicycle program and creating community gardens and greenhouses on town land.

Hval said this winter, in light of rising energy costs, many residents will be unable to afford to heat their homes. The task force proposed the town set up a shelter where people can go to keep warm and relax laws to allow extended families to live together.

“It really is that critical,” she said.

Frederick Presley, task force co-chairman, said the task force document is not all “doom and gloom.”

He said Westerly has an opportunity to lead and is “perfectly situated” to utilize wind and wave power. He said communities that embrace change will be best suited to move forward and prosper.

Hval said she would be able to continue to serve on the task force, but other members were only available for the short-term. She recommended the council form a citizens’ advisory committee — “something to really just keep this going.”

The task force has scheduled a talk at the Westerly Public Library on Sept. 9, when Hval said she planned to seek new task force members.

Photo credit: daawn