DUXBURY – March 2, 2026 – In a marathon session dominated by environmental safety and land-use strategy, the Duxbury Selectboard moved to support a non-binding moratorium on new nuclear construction in neighboring Plymouth and navigated a legal minefield regarding the future of battery energy storage systems (BESS). The meeting, which stretched over four hours, highlighted the town’s struggle to balance state-mandated green energy goals with local protections for public health and property values.
The most emotionally charged segment of the evening centered on Article 22, a citizen-initiated proposal for a moratorium on the construction of new nuclear power plants in Plymouth. Mary Lampert, representing the Nuclear Advisory Committee, delivered a detailed presentation warning against the potential installation of “small modular reactors” (SMRs) at the former Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station site.
“If your bathtub’s overflowing, what are you going to do? Are you going to turn off the water or you going to just continue to add more water to it?” — Mary Lampert, Nuclear Advisory Committee
Lampert cited concerns over the lack of a federal repository for spent fuel, reduced federal oversight, and alarming local health statistics. “Whether you’re pro-nuclear, anti-nuclear, or don’t have an opinion, there is always a risk with a nuclear reactor,” Lampert told the board. She presented data from the Massachusetts Cancer Registry showing higher-than-expected rates of radiation-linked diseases in the region. Despite some board hesitation regarding the town’s need for “base load” electricity, the Selectboard ultimately voted unanimously to recommend the article, which seeks to put pressure on state and federal regulators to ensure robust safety standards before any new reactors are considered.
The board then turned its attention to Article 18, a proposed zoning bylaw for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). This item follows a contentious and failed attempt by a developer to site a large-scale battery facility on West Street. Planning Director Matthew Heins presented a “spotted” map that would restrict BESS facilities to roughly 10% of the town, primarily in commercial and “planned development” districts, while prohibiting them in the most sensitive residential compatibility (RC) zones.
The discussion quickly became a debate over “paper compliance.” Local resident and legal expert Jim Lampert warned that the proposed zoning might not survive a challenge from the Attorney General or a developer. He argued that by allowing BESS in dense commercial areas but prohibiting them in less-dense residential areas, the town might fail to prove “necessity” under state law. “This article is simply not ready for prime time,” Jim Lampert stated, suggesting the town should instead create strict, evidence-based safety standards that apply town-wide rather than trying to hide the facilities in specific districts.
The board also advanced Article 19, a major project to address PFAS contamination in the town’s drinking water. Water Superintendent Mark Cloud and the board discussed a $1.6 million request for design and permitting for water quality improvements at the Tremont and Depot Wells. Board member Michael McGee emphasized the need to be transparent with residents about the costs, noting that “these are not some kind of monopoly money here; these are increased water rates that we asked of folks to address these PFAS concerns.”
The recommendations made during this meeting for votes at Town Meeting will directly impact Duxbury’s landscape and safety for decades. The support for a nuclear moratorium signals a firm stance against the industrialization of the Plymouth coast without permanent waste solutions. Meanwhile, the BESS zoning debate illustrates the high-wire act officials must perform to keep Duxbury from becoming a “target” for industrial green-energy projects that may conflict with residential character. Finally, the PFAS funding ensures the town stays ahead of 2031 health mandates, though at a continued cost to ratepayers.
Motion: To recommend approval of Article 22 (Nuclear Power Moratorium).
Motion: To recommend approval of Article 19 (Water Quality Improvements/PFAS).
Motion: To grant a new all-alcoholic beverages liquor license to the Art Complex Museum.
Stan Wheatley spoke on Article 21, urging the board to reduce the speed limit on a narrow stretch of Tremont Street (Route 139) to 25 mph. He argued the road is too narrow for current volumes and cited frequent speeding by trucks and commuters.
Jim Lampert provided extensive analysis on the BESS zoning bylaw, warning that the current “district-based” approach might be legally indefensible.
BESS Zoning (Article 18): The Planning Board will hold a final vote on the article on Monday, March 9. The Selectboard deferred its recommendation until that vote is cast.
Speed Limit: The board will revisit the Tremont Street speed reduction at the next meeting, pending a consultation with the Highway Safety Advisory Committee.
Annual Town Meeting: Scheduled for Saturday, March 14, 2026, at 9:00 AM at the Performing Arts Center.
Source Video: Duxbury Meetings: Local Seen Streaming Channel