Martha’s Vineyard Commissioners wrestled for nearly two hours with a new proposed energy policy at their meeting Thursday night as climate change and green policy issues continue to loom heavily over Island development.

The proposed energy policy was drafted by a commission subcommittee and presented at the meeting Thursday by commissioner Ben Robinson, who has spearheaded the commission’s work to revamp the guidelines.

The commission’s current energy policy, which is one of many sets of nonbinding guidelines the commission uses to evaluate the benefits and detriments of regional impacts, dates back to 2008 and focuses on Energy Star and LEED certification for developments, among other things.

But according to Mr. Robinson’s presentation, the new policy proposed Thursday would shift away from emphasizing LEED certification and focus on promoting the design and implementation of all electric systems in developments, including homes. The policy would also look to encourage electric vehicle use with charging stations, as well as onsite renewable energy, like solar panels, for 100 per cent of a building’s projected electrical usage.

Compliance with the state energy stretch code for all development is also listed as a guideline, as well as adherence with the International Energy Conservation Code. Commercial projects are recommended to obtain the EPA “Designed to Earn the Energy Star” (DEES) certification by employing a qualified building performance analyst during the design phase of the project.

Commissioners grappled with details of the policy — which includes broader energy goalposts, narrative and recommendations rather than specific building requirements — for more than an hour Thursday night. Issues considered were the cost and economic burden of promoting all electric systems, the lack of specific guidance and enforcement.

MVC governor’s appointee Michael Kim and Mr. Robinson entered into a lengthy discussion regarding the benefits of promoting all-electric systems in buildings, as well as on-site energy generation. While the policy pushes for all electric systems, Mr. Kim noted that they were not always more cost effective or energy efficient, especially in seasonal homes.

“When something is used periodically, electric is usually not as good,” Mr. Kim said. “It doesn’t save carbon, given the type of use.”

Mr. Robinson disagreed, saying that electric heat pumps would be more energy efficient than gas or propane in most circumstances, and that while the policy sought to promote on-site energy generation, it was not a requirement for all sites.

The policy will continue to be adapted by the commission subcommittee before further discussion at the commission’s regular meeting Dec. 3.

In other business, commissioners nominated Joan Malkin, of Chilmark and Jim Vercruysse, of Aquinnah, as chairman and vice chairman for the upcoming year. A vote will take place at the commission’s upcoming regular meeting.

Commissioners also received an update on community development block grants from the Department of Housing and Community Development. The grants are administered through CARES Act funds as micro-loans for small businesses. Commissioners then voted to send a letter of support for a grant from the Cape Cod regional economic development organization.

A written decision for a historic home remodel on Iroquis avenue in West Chop was also approved.