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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCFE agenda 021119 AGENDA Orange County Commission for the Environment February IIth, 2019 7:30 p.m. Southern Human Services Center, 2501 Homestead Road, Chapel Hill Time Item Title 7:30 I. Call to Order 7:32 II. Additions or Changes to Agenda 7:35 III. Approval of Draft Minutes — January 14th 2019 The CFE will consider approval of minutes from the last meeting.Action needed (Attachment 1) 7:40 IV. Chair Update The Chair will discuss recent BOCC and Federal issues of interest. (Attachment 2) 7:55 V. CFE Activities and Concerns for 2019 The Chair will lead a discussion to identify activities the CFE would like to pursue in 2019,as listed on page 2 of this agenda. 8:10 VI. BOCC Agenda Abstract Environmental Impact Staff will lead a discussion concerning options to recommend to the BOCC for consideration of environmental impacts on agenda abstracts. (Attachments 3,4,and 5) 8:25 VII. Idle Reduction Campaign Update Staff will update the CFE on the status of this petition item. (Attachment 6) 8:40 VIII. Committee Meetings Following a short discussion of the 2019 State of the Environment documents on Google Docs, CFE Committees will meet to discuss the SCE report. 9:10 IX. Updates and Information Items Staff and/or CFE members will provide updates on the following items: ➢ Updates: ➢ Any other new information from CFE members and staff 9:15 X. Adjournment • Next Meeting; March 11 th, West Campus Office Building, Room 302, 131 West Margaret Lane, Hillsborough CFE Activities — 2019 Item Respons- Next Steps ible Party Drafts of SOE issues: CFE Committees should have final drafts of all Land I Water I Air and Energy issues by end of March SOE website B. Saul Collect images INTERN? SOE event K. Livingston K. Livingston talking with other environmental C. Fletcher groups about partnering on event organization. L. Gronback "Eco-tips" in county newsletter K. Piracci B. Bouma Forest Management Policy Land Land Resources has prepared a draft. K Livingston Resources will edit before presenting to full CFE. Rural Buffer Research Project B. Saul Submit research ideas to grad students in UNC B. Bouma Planning Dept. before August 2019. Greenhouse Gas Emissions B. Ward Submit request to MPOs for transportation data. Inventory B. Bouma Get Solid Waste, utilities data. Finalize report. Fossil Fuel Divestment B. Ward Pending edits, formatting resolution Idling Campaign B. Bouma Get signs from DEQ, deliver to schools. Draft letter to parents, send to schools for their review. Discuss proposed expansion to drive-thru establishments. i Landscape corridor planning i Earth Evening event- April 2019 DEAPR annual photo contest Recent Achievements • BOCC unanimously passed "Best Practices on Roadsides and Rights-of-Way" resolution • CFE mentioned by BOCC members several times during recent Our Climate Resolutions event CFE Meeting Ground Rules (Adopted 9/12/11) 1. Keep to agenda topic under discussion 2. Share relevant information 3. One person speaks at a time after recognition by the Chair 4. Everyone is invited to participate in discussions/no one person should dominate discussions 5. Strive to reach consensus first before voting Attachment 1 Draft MEETING NOTES Orange County Commission for the Environment January 14th, 2019 West Campus Office Building, Room 302, 131 West Margaret Lane, Hillsborough Item Title In Attendance: CFE Members: Bradley Saul, Laura Doherty,Jim Eichel,Carrie Fletcher, Lynne Gronback,Jeremy Marzuola,Kim Piracci Staff:Tom Davis, Brennan Bouma I. Call to Order. Saul called the meeting to order at 7:40pm. II. Additions or Changes to Agenda Piracci suggested adding a discussion of the Chapel Hill Planning Board's upcoming vote to require solar for all development and the I-40 widening project. After some follow up questions, Piracci offered to do some more research on these topics and bring them to next meeting for discussion. Staff also reminded members that they had opportunities to send a liaison to several related boards and commissions. For the Solid Waste Advisory Group, Marzuola indicated an interest in attending one meeting to identify shared interests. For the Intergovernmental Parks Working Group, Gronback expressed interest in being the CFE liaison. For the Orange Unified Transportation Board, Marzuola and Saul said they would share the duties if allowable. Staff will investigate and report to the group. III. Approval of Draft Minutes — November 121h 2018 The CFE considered approval of minutes from the last meeting. A motion to approve was made by Marzuola, seconded by Fletcher, and approved unanimously. IV. CFE Officer Election After Saul opened the floor for officer nominations Piracci nominated Saul to continue serving as chair. Saul accepted the nomination and no other nominations were made. Members voted unanimously to approve his election. Piracci then nominated Marzuola to serve as Vice-Chair. Marzuola accepted the nomination and no other nominations were made. Members voted unanimously to approve his election. V. BOCC Agenda Abstract Environmental Impact Bouma led a discussion concerning options to recommend to the BOCC for consideration of environmental impacts on BOCC agenda abstracts. Bouma reminded CFE members of the history of the BOCC's interest in exploring this and the CFE's discussion at the previous meeting in November. Bouma discussed examples of proposed abstract templates including several examples from the December 3rd BOCC meeting. Attachment 1 Marzuola and Saul both indicated a preference for the free response template option as it appeared to provide value without burdening staff preparing the abstract. For context, staff related a point of fact about an unforeseen environmental impact of one of the example abstracts. Staff had not been consulted about this agenda item. This highlighted the CFE members' interest in seeing if there was a way to encourage cross-departmental input on agenda abstracts effectively without overburdening staff. One possibility considered was to add a response option to the abstract indicating that staff lacks the information to accurately determine potential environmental impacts. This response could then potentially trigger a search for input. After Saul reminded members of the time, they agreed to continue this discussion at the following meeting. VI. Committee Meetings CFE Committees met to discuss issues and indicators for the 2019 State of the Environment report and make plans to finish a first draft. Staff noted that two months remain to create a final draft of the report content in order to stay on the schedule previously agreed to by the CFE members. Doherty volunteered to move to the Water Committee as it has lost members and the Air and Energy Committee is well represented. Staff will update the roster to reflect this change. VII. Updates and Information Items ➢ Continuing Action Items from previous CFE meetings: o Divestment Resolution Update o Idle Reduction Petition Update ➢ Updates: o Calendar of 2019 Meetings o Adopted Pollinator Resolution VIII. Adjournment Piracci motioned to adjourn and this was seconded by Saul. The meeting was adjourned at 9:10pm. • Next Meeting.February 11 th,Southern Human Services Center, 2501 Homestead Road, Chapel Hill RES-2019-002 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS RESOLUTION REQUESTING THAT REPRESENTATIVE DAVID PRICE ENDORSE ALEXANDRIA OCASIO-CORTEZ'S RESOLUTION FOR A SELECT COMMITTEE ON A GREEN NEW DEAL WHEREAS, on October 8, 2018, the United Nations released a special report, criticized by many leading climate scientists as overly conservative, which projected that limiting warming to the unsafe 1.5°C target this century will require an unprecedented transformation of every sector of the global economy over the next 12 years; and WHEREAS, on November 23, 2018 the Federal Government issued a climate study detailing the massive threat that climate change poses to the American economy and underscoring the need for immediate climate emergency action at all levels of government; and WHEREAS, the death and destruction already wrought by global warming of approximately 1.1°C above late 19th century levels demonstrates that the Earth is already too hot for safety and justice as attested by increased and intensifying wildfires, floods, rising seas, diseases, droughts and extreme weather; and WHEREAS, restoring a safe and stable climate requires a "Climate Mobilization" at all levels of government on a scale not seen since World War 11 to reach zero greenhouse gas emissions across all sectors at emergency speed, to rapidly and safely drawdown or remove all the excess carbon from the atmosphere, to end the 6th mass extinction of species, and to implement measures to protect all people and species from the increasingly severe consequences of climate change; and WHEREAS, to address the nation's urgent climate change needs and impacts, Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has proposed a "Green New Deal"; and WHEREAS, the proposed Green New Deal would be a sweeping overhaul of the economy that includes equity and justice in its solutions and has the following goals- 1. Dramatically expand existing renewable power sources and deploy new production capacity with the goal of meeting 100% of national power demand through renewable sources; 2. building a national, energy-efficient, "smart" grid; 3. upgrading every residential and industrial building for state-of-the-art energy efficiency, comfort and safety; 4. eliminating greenhouse gas emissions from the manufacturing, agricultural and other industries, including by investing in local-scale agriculture in communities across the country; 5. eliminating greenhouse gas emissions from repairing and improving transportation and other infrastructure, and upgrading water infrastructure to ensure universal access to clean water; 6. funding massive investment in the drawdown of greenhouse gases; 7. malting "green" technology, industry, expertise, products and services a major export of the United States, with the aim of becoming an international leader in helping other countries transition to completely greenhouse gas neutral economies and bringing about a global Green New Deal. WHEREAS, justice calls for climate resilience that addresses the specific experiences, vulnerabilities, and needs of marginalized communities within our jurisdiction, who must be included and supported in actively engaging in climate resilience planning, policy, and actions; and WHEREAS, actions to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions and/or drawdown greenhouse gases may be taken in ways that also improve resilience to the effects of climate change, and vice versa; and WHEREAS, justice requires that frontline communities, which have historically borne the brunt of the extractive fossil-fuel economy, participate actively in the planning and implementation of this mobilization effort at all levels of government and that they benefit first from the transition to a renewable energy economy; and WHEREAS, fairness demands the protection and expansion, of workers' right to organize as well as a guarantee of high-paying, high-quality jobs with comprehensive benefits for all and many other tenets of a Green New Deal effort as the mobilization to restore a safe climate is launched; NOW, THEREFORE, BE 1T RESOLVED that the Orange County Board of Commissioners declares that a climate emergency threatens our county, region, state, nation, civilization, humanity and the natural world; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Orange County Board of Commissioners requests that Representative David Price join with the growing number of his Congressional peers and endorse Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's resolution for a select committee on a Green New Deal. This the 22nd Day of January 2019. 10 Penny Rich 4hair y Orange County Board of Commissioners ORANGE COUNTY COMMISSION FOR THE ENVIRONMENT DRAFT MEMORANDUM To: Orange County Board of County Commissioners From: Bradley Saul, Chair Orange County Commission for the Environment Date: February 11, 2019 Re: Recommendations pertaining to the inclusion of Environmental Impacts on County Agenda Abstracts At their regular meeting on April 26th 2018, Commissioners Jacobs petitioned staff to determine options for the inclusion of an environmental impacts statement on all County agenda abstracts. On November 8th, staff brought several options to the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) with the recommendation that the Commission for the Environment (CFE) consider these options under BOCC guidance and make a recommendation. Per request by the BOCC, the CFE reviewed options for including environmental impacts on agenda abstracts. At our November and January meetings, the CFE learned from County staff how the agenda abstract process works and the BOCC's motivation for considering environmental impacts of agenda items. The CFE endorses this initiative. Attached to this memo is a draft agenda abstract template which includes our recommended approach. Below we discuss our rationale and potential shortcomings for your consideration. Our inquiry revealed at least two main difficulties to including environmental impacts on agenda abstracts. Brennan Bouma walked the CFE through several example agenda abstracts that made the following clear. One, the potential environmental impact of an agenda abstract's contents range from none to considerable. Two, the degree of that impact can be clear for some topics and much more subtle for others. Three, the ability to identify and succinctly explain environmental impacts will vary depending on the expertise and knowledge of the abstract writer. With these three complications in mind, the CFE chose a template that allows for a free response in the impacts section. The template includes a summary of the County's Environmental Responsibility Goal and Objectives adopted December 5, 2005. This summary serves as a prompt for the abstract writer to consider an item's impact. The template also encourages abstract writers to include a"more information needed"response if the writer is unsure about an item's impact. It is our hope this will flag abstracts for additional consideration when needed, either during the agenda review process or elsewhere in the decision making process. Attachment cc: David Stancil Cor�uu�uissiovi,fortGre�rti✓rovi,vaertit 0/0 orawge 00i- intrJ. Z FFAP2, Po gox 818i, NzllsboroucJG Nc2���8 ysy-��s-2sso ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: Action Agenda Item No. SUBJECT: DEPARTMENT: ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: PURPOSE: BACKGROUND: EXPECTED IMPACTS RELATED TO COUNTY GOALS: • FINANCIAL: ❑ More information needed • SOCIAL JUSTICE: ❑ More information needed • ENVIRONMENTAL: ❑ More information needed RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board Relevant County Goals To Be Considered: - OPTION 1 Financial: SAFEGUARD TAXPAYER RESOURCES Please consider first costs and lifecycle costs,opportunities to combine or phase projects to reduce costs,and any avoided costs or revenues that will be generated from this proposed action. Social Justice: ENSURE ECONOMIC SELF-SUFFICIENCY The creation and preservation of infrastructure,policies,programs and funding necessary for residents to provide shelter,food, clothing and medical care for themselves and their dependents. CREATE A SAFE COMMUNITY The reduction of risks from vehicle/traffic accidents,childhood and senior injuries,gang activity,substance abuse and domestic violence. ESTABLISH SUSTAINABLE AND EQUITABLE LAND-USE AND ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of people of all races,cultures,incomes and educational levels with respect to the development and enforcement of environmental laws,regulations,policies,and decisions.Fair treatment means that no group of people should bear a disproportionate share of the negative environmental consequences resulting from industrial, governmental and commercial operations or policies. ENABLE FULL CIVIC PARTICIPATION Ensure that Orange County residents are able to engage government through voting and volunteering by eliminating disparities in participation and barriers to participation. Environmental Responsibility: ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND WASTE REDUCTION Initiate policies and programs that: 1.)conserve energy;2.)reduce resource consumption; 3.)increase the use of recycled and renewable resources;and 4.)minimize waste stream impacts on the environment. CLEAN OR AVOIDED TRANSPORTATION Implement programs that monitor and improve local and regional air quality by: 1.)promoting public transportation options; 2.)decreasing dependence on single-occupancy vehicles,and; 3.)otherwise minimizing the need for travel. ENVIRONMENTALLY PREFERABLE PURCHASING Promote the use of chemicals,materials,equipment,and systems which are officially recognized as to minimize environmental impacts. RESULTANT IMPACT ON NATURAL RESOURCES Assess and where possible mitigate adverse impacts created to the natural resources of the site and adjoining area. Relevant County Goals To Be Considered: - OPTION 2 Financial: SAFEGUARD TAXPAYER RESOURCES Please consider first costs and lifecycle costs,opportunities to combine or phase projects to reduce costs,and any avoided costs or revenues that will be generated from this proposed action. • Suggested Metrics: Total cost, cost per unit, annual cost, simple payback, net present value, etc. Social Justice: ENSURE ECONOMIC SELF-SUFFICIENCY The creation and preservation of infrastructure,policies,programs and funding necessary for residents to provide shelter,food, clothing and medical care for themselves and their dependents. • Suggested Metrics:New infrastructure/policies/programs/funding created, number of County residents impacted, etc. CREATE A SAFE COMMUNITY The reduction of risks from vehicle/traffic accidents,childhood and senior injuries,gang activity,substance abuse and domestic violence. • Suggested Metrics:Number and severity of accidents/injuries per year, violent crime rate, number of County residents seeking treatment, etc. ESTABLISH SUSTAINABLE AND EQUITABLE LAND-USE AND ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of people of all races,cultures,incomes and educational levels with respect to the development and enforcement of environmental laws,regulations,policies,and decisions.Fair treatment means that no group of people should bear a disproportionate share of the negative environmental consequences resulting from industrial, governmental and commercial operations or policies. • Suggested Metrics:New environmental laws/regulations/policies/decisions,Number of County residents impacted, proximity of residents to proposed County or commercial activity, comparison of quantitative measurements taken at site to known regulatory or human health thresholds(e.g.-noise(decibels), chemicals(parts per million, total maximum daily load, etc.), light(footcandles), etc. ENABLE FULL CIVIC PARTICIPATION Ensure that Orange County residents are able to engage government through voting and volunteering by eliminating disparities in participation and barriers to participation. • Suggested Metrics:Number of public meetings, number of participants at a meeting, number or rate of responses to a survey or other request for input, number or rate of voter registrations, number of volunteer hours, amount of staff time engaging with residents on a topic, etc. Environmental Responsibility: ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND WASTE REDUCTION Initiate policies and programs that: 1.)conserve energy;2.)reduce resource consumption; 3.)increase the use of recycled and renewable resources;and 4.)minimize waste stream impacts on the environment. • Suggested Metrics:energy use avoided(kWh of electricity, therms of natural gas), cost of avoided energy or resource use,pounds or volume of waste diverted from landfills, relative toxicity of waste removed from environment, etc. CLEAN OR AVOIDED TRANSPORTATION Implement programs that monitor and improve local and regional air quality by: 1.)promoting public transportation options; 2.)decreasing dependence on single-occupancy vehicles,and; 3.)otherwise minimizing the need for travel. • Suggested Metrics:Number of avoided trips or vehicle miles,gallons of fuel use avoided, number of hours of travel time avoided, etc. ENVIRONMENTALLY PREFERABLE PURCHASING Promote the use of chemicals,materials,equipment,and systems which are officially recognized as to minimize environmental impacts. • Suggested Metrics:Number of items purchased with sustainable certifications(Energy Star, Water Sense, Certified Compostable, etc),percent of recycled content in purchased items, etc. Dear Parents & Guardians: We are pleased to announce a new initiative to improve the air quality around our schools in the coming school year. We are working with Orange County to address an issue that has been brought to us directly from the Board of Commissioners:vehicle idling at our schools. Vehicle idling creates air pollutants that can exist at harmful levels every day at pick-up and drop-off times when hundreds of cars and buses visit each of our schools.This air pollution impacts all of us, but children are particularly vulnerable.Although school bus idling has been reduced significantly by enacting and adhering to strict policies, idling by personal vehicles is still a problem that we are hoping to address. Luckily,vehicle technologies have improved to the point where if you have to idle for more than 10 seconds at a stop, it uses less fuel to turn the engine off and back on than to let it run'.Also you no longer need to idle your engine to warm it up in cold weather.Just accelerate gently for the first 30 seconds'. We appreciate that idling also allows you to heat and cool your vehicles, and on some extreme days this will be necessary. On many days however, if you dress warmly in the winter and coolly in the warmer months, cars can be comfortably turned off while waiting in line. We will be posting signs in English and Spanish at all pick-up and drop-off areas as a reminder to all drivers to turn off their engines when stopped for more than 10 seconds. Thank you for allowing us to explain this issue. We ask for your help in reducing the level of vehicle idling at our schools to provide our students with a healthier school environment. Sincerely, [ Insert School Principal or Other Official Name ] 'L.Gaines, E. Rask,and G. Keller, "Which Is Greener: Idle, or Stop and Restart?Comparing Fuel Use and Emissions for Short Passenger-Car Stops."Argonne National Laboratory. https://afdc.energy.gov/files/u/publication/which is greener.pdf '"Idling Reduction for Personal Vehicles." US Department of Energy https://afdc.energy.gov/files/u/publication/idling personal vehicles.pdf