Across Martha’s Vineyard, climate action is not an abstract idea—it’s being shaped town by town, committee by committee, by residents who care deeply about the future of the Island. From energy efficiency and emissions reductions to conservation, preparedness, and community engagement, local climate, energy, and conservation committees play a critical role in turning the Vineyard Way Climate Action Plan into on-the-ground progress.
What follows is a snapshot of the meaningful work happening across several Island towns—work that is collaborative, evolving, and rooted in place.
Edgartown: Climate + Energy in Action
In Edgartown, both the Climate Committee and the Energy Committee are actively advancing climate resilience and emissions-reduction efforts through research, coordination, and policy support.
The Edgartown Climate Committee focuses on identifying local climate risks and opportunities, supporting town leadership with analysis and recommendations, and helping integrate climate considerations into municipal planning. A current priority is compiling a year-end report for delivery to the Selectboard, a valuable step toward transparency, accountability, and long-term planning.
Working alongside this effort, the Edgartown Energy Committee concentrates on practical energy solutions—promoting energy efficiency, renewable energy adoption, and strategies that reduce municipal and residential energy use. Together, these committees help ensure Edgartown’s climate goals are both visionary and achievable.
Oak Bluffs: Energy Leadership at the Community Scale
The Oak Bluffs Energy Committee is focused on reducing the town’s carbon footprint while helping residents understand and access cleaner, more efficient energy options. From advising on municipal energy projects to sharing information about incentives, technologies, and best practices, the committee serves as a bridge between policy goals and everyday decision-making.
By keeping energy efficiency and emissions reduction front and center, Oak Bluffs continues to build momentum toward a more resilient and cost-effective energy future—one that benefits both year-round residents and the broader Island community.
West Tisbury: A Recognized Climate Leader
West Tisbury is gaining statewide recognition for its leadership in climate action. In 2025, West Tisbury—alongside Aquinnah—was one of nine communities named a Massachusetts Climate Leader Community, earning a place among a small group of 28 municipalities across the Commonwealth recognized for ambitious and measurable climate commitments.
The West Tisbury Climate Advisory Committee supports this work by advancing policies and programs that reduce emissions, strengthen resilience, and engage the community in climate solutions. One practical opportunity currently available to residents is the Eversource Heat Pump Electricity Rate, which offers a discounted electric rate for homes that use heat pumps for heating and cooling—an important incentive that helps make clean energy more affordable.
West Tisbury’s progress demonstrates how thoughtful planning, local leadership, and community participation can come together to create real climate impact.
Tisbury (Vineyard Haven): Planning for a Resilient Port Town
The Tisbury Climate Committee plays a key role in supporting climate action in Vineyard Haven, a working harbor town where climate resilience intersects with transportation, housing, energy, and economic vitality.
The committee advises town leadership on climate-related initiatives, supports implementation of Climate Action Plan strategies, and helps ensure that resilience planning reflects the unique challenges and opportunities of a year-round port community. Their work reinforces the idea that climate solutions must be tailored to place—and that local voices matter.
A Shared Commitment to the Vineyard Way
While each town’s committees focus on their own priorities, together they form a powerful network of local leadership advancing the goals of the Vineyard Way Climate Action Plan. Their efforts reflect a shared commitment to collaboration, education, and steady progress.
Whether it’s drafting reports for Selectboards, earning statewide recognition, promoting clean energy incentives, or advising on climate-smart planning, these committees are laying the groundwork for a more resilient Martha’s Vineyard.
How You Can Get Involved
Climate action on the Vineyard is strongest when it’s community-led. Residents can support and participate in this work by:
- Attending town climate, energy, or conservation committee meetings
- Volunteering to help with research, communications, or reporting efforts
- Applying to serve on a committee when seats become available
- Taking advantage of local programs and incentives, like home energy assessments or heat pump rate options
- Staying informed through town websites and The Vineyard Way
By showing up, staying curious, and contributing your skills, you help turn climate goals into lived, local action. That’s the Vineyard Way—built town by town, and strengthened by community participation.
