A proposed zoning bylaw to regulate Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) was indefinitely postponed after a procedural ruling by the Moderator. Article 18 was intended to create an overlay district to manage the placement and safety of large-scale battery installations, a move town officials say is necessary to maintain local control against state mandates.

Select Board Vice Chair Amy McNab explained that while the Planning Board had been working on a draft, they ran out of time to perfect the language. The situation was further complicated when a resident proposed a floor amendment to expand the overlay district to the entire town. Moderator Jim Hartford ruled that the amendment was outside the scope of the original article, meaning it could not be legally voted upon at this meeting.

Despite the postponement, officials emphasized that the bylaw remains a priority. Having a bylaw gives us a vehicle to contest what the state is pushing on us, noted resident Stu McIntyre. McNab stated the town is committed to bringing a revised version of the bylaw back to voters as soon as possible to ensure Duxbury has protections in place regarding fire safety and zoning for renewable energy projects.

Motion: To indefinitely postpone Article 18.

Vote: Passed 162-12