What Is Cape Cod Doing To Secure Its Energy Independence And Protect Its Natural Resources?

Cape Cod is using regional planning tools to balance energy independence with protection of natural resources, according to coverage of the area’s approach this week. The Cape Cod Commission, created in 1990 for Barnstable County’s 15 towns, sets regional land-use objectives aimed at identifying critical resources, defining growth policy, and coordinating local planning. A central mechanism is the use of development agreements—voluntary, negotiated contracts where applicants provide benefits such as infrastructure, land dedication or preservation, fair housing, employment, community facilities, and recreational uses. Current agreements focus on natural systems, built systems, and community systems to limit off-site impacts tied to developments and guide permitted uses and densities.