To the editor:

I regretfully submitted my resignation from my volunteer position on the Barrington Resilience & Energy Committee, after serving the Town for over six years. This decision arises from the lack of progress on implementing the renewable energy pledges detailed in the Barrington Resilient Future Resolution (BRFR) and the Town Comprehensive Plan. Those pledges are the priorities outlined in the goals of the R&E Committee. Both plans prioritize installing solar and zero-carbon systems on Town owned buildings including schools to achieve a 45 percent reduction in carbon emissions by 2030 and net-zero by 2050.

Despite R&E efforts to advocate for renewable energy integration, the current BPS $250 million construction proposal does not align with these goals or state mandates like the 2021 Act on Climate. This failure not only jeopardizes Barrington’s environmental commitments and exposes taxpayers to unnecessary future costs, but it also risks the health of our children, who deserve to learn in environments free from harmful emissions. Moreover, neglecting renewable energy undermines the educational potential of our schools to teach science, climate change, and sustainability through real-world applications, depriving students of valuable learning experiences.

Excluding renewable energy from such a significant project undermines our community’s goals and disregards the long-term financial benefits of lower operating costs and cleaner air. The gap between the project’s promotion and its actual design raises serious concerns about transparency and accountability.

Given these circumstances, I can no longer support the direction the Town is taking. I hope my resignation will prompt the Town to reassess its approach and fully commit to the sustainable future we’ve pledged, ensuring the well-being of our children and the integrity of their education.

I am grateful for the opportunity to have served and hope the Town will allocate the necessary resources to honor our commitments to the community and the environment.

Sincerely, 

Magnus Thorsson, PhD.

Barrington