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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCFE agenda 051319 AGENDA Orange County Commission for the Environment May 131"1 2019 7:30 p.m. West Campus Office Building, Room 302, 131 West Margaret Lane, Hillsborough Time Item Title 7:30 I. Call to Order 7:32 II. Additions or Changes to Agenda 7:34 III. Approval of Draft Minutes — April 8t" 2019 The CFE will consider approval of minutes from the last meeting.Action needed (Attachment 1) 7:35 IV. CFE Activities Update The Chair and members will briefly discuss progress on the list of activities included on page 2 of this agenda. 7:55 V. Addition of Environmental Impact Item to BOCC Agenda Staff will update the group on the latest concerning the addition of an item to the BOCC Agenda Abstract form concerned with considering the environmental item of agenda items being reviewed by the BOCC. (Attachment 2) 8:15 VI. Rights-of-Way Committee Update The Chair will lead a discussion concerning the proposed Rights-of-Way committee. (Attachment 3) 8:30 VII. SOE 2019 Event Discussion The CFE will discuss how to proceed with planning for the release of the State of the Environment 2019. 8:50 VIII. Updates and Information Items Staff and/or CFE members will provide updates on the following items: ➢ Updates: ➢ Draft Carbon Fee and Dividend Resolution (Attachments 4, 5, 6 and 7) ➢ Any other new information from CFE members and staff 9:00 IX. Adjournment • Next Meeting; June 10th, Southern Human Services Center,2501 Homestead Road, Chapel Hill CFE Activities — 2019 Item Resp. Party Next Steps i SOE issue pages Exec. Editors Executive editing group plans to finish the review of the draft SOE issue pages before the June 10th mtg. SOE website B. Saul Collect images Others SOE event C. Fletcher Partner with other groups for event? L. Gronback Eco-tips for county newsletter K. Piracci Find source(s). Compile in Google Docs. B. Bouma Forest Management Policy Land Land Resources has prepared draft. Pending CFE Resources review and comment. Rural Buffer Research Project B. Saul UNC student may begin working on this in August B. Bouma 2019. Greenhouse Gas Emissions B. Ward Submit request to MPOs for transportation data. Get Inventory B. Bouma Solid Waste, utilities data. Finalize report. Fossil Fuel Divestment B. Ward Parry editing. CFE review. Resolution Carbon Fee and Dividend Ward/Parry Draft resolution attached for CFE review. Web site Resolution for bill: https://energvinnovationact.org/ Climate Action Plan Parry/Bouma Idling Campaign B. Bouma Received signs, need to deliver to schools. Sent a draft cover letter to schools for their use. Discuss expansion to drive-thru establishments. Landscape corridor planning Future update from Collaborative Conservation Group? Other 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 Orange County Commission for the Environment Draft Meeting Summary April 8, 2019 Southern Human Services Center, 2501 Homestead Road, Chapel Hill Present: Bradley Saul (Chair), Jeremy Marzuola (Vice Chair), Bill Ward, Will Stanley, Kim Piracci, Matt Crook, Jody Eimers, Laura Doherty, Jim Eichel, Lynne Gronback Absent: Bill Newby, Alan Parry, Carrie Fletcher Staff: Tom Davis, Brennan Bouma 7:30 Call to Order— Saul called the meeting to order at 7:30. Additions or Changes to Agenda — Staff informed the group that Kim L. had accepted an employment offer and would be finished working for Orange County prior to the next scheduled CFE meeting. Approval of Draft Minutes from March 11, 2019. Bill W. made a motion to approve the minutes as written. Matt C. seconded. Approved unanimously. CFE Activities Update: The Chair discussed the recent BOCC work session for advisory board and commissions he attended at which he updated the BOCC on issues that the CFE is working on. The Chair also recently attended a Solid Waste Advisory Group (SWAG) meeting. Among other topics, the SWAG discussed forest management and tree policy issues. The Chair then led a discussion updating the list of Activities that the CFE members are interested in working on as compiled on page 2 of the CFE meeting agenda. This included some discussion of forest management policy in the area, including the collaborative conservation group that has been meeting, as well as other interested groups. Brennan B. provided an update on efforts related to the completion of a Greenhouse Gas (GG) inventory. Bill W, reported that he had received some GG info for the Co-Generation plant that is operated by UNC-CH. The two current draft resolutions that CFE members have been working on are not ready for the CFE to consider at this time. Brennan also updated the group about the anti-idling campaign: Brennan has delivered anti-idling signs to local schools as well as a draft letter he created after he updated the information in the Attachment 1 letter on health impacts, benefits of riding the bus, etc. Kim P. reported that Alan's wife is working with local school boards on Climate Change education efforts in local schools. Bradley provided a reminder about the upcoming Earth Eve event in Hillsborough on April 26th, as well as the on-going DEAPR photo contest. Jody E. reported on the forest management policy development effort which OWASA will embark upon in the near future initially through various public information events. Rights-of-Way Committee Bradley led a discussion of his draft memo to the BOCC requesting the support of the BOCC in creating a proposed Rights-of-Way Committee. This group would be composed of interested stakeholders and would be tasked with improving conditions for the growth of native species in right-of-way areas within Orange County. This effort was an outgrowth of the recent effort by the CFE to improve management of roadside wildflowers in the county. Bradley read the draft memo since public Wi-Fi is not operational this evening. Matt C. asked if there are other municipal governments that have attempted something like this. Bradley indicated that he was not aware of any other efforts that are similar to this one. Bradley reported that he recently met with others involved in the Collaborative Conservation Group, including staff from the NC Botanical Gardens. This group discussed possibly identifying a 5 or 10 mile stretch of road in Orange County to use as a model for the development and implementation of roadside Best Management Practices. Jeremy M. made a motion to approve the draft memo which was seconded by Kim P. and followed with unanimous approval by the CFE. State of the Environment 2019 (SOE 2019) Update Staff led a discussion of the ideas developed by the leadership committee for the group to work on this evening, and how the group should proceed. Drafts of almost all of the SOE issue pages have been uploaded. Some pages could be improved by the addition of timely, relevant data. It may be helpful for the authors of each issue page to compare their draft pages with the original template and determine if their page is missing any suggested information, or to see if there is something that may be missing, redundant or unneeded in their draft pages. Jeremy M. reminded the group to consider reviewing the 2014 version of the SOE for data that may pertain to the current draft pages, especially local data that potentially could be updated by our intern, Andrew. The original template for the SOE was for each issue to be two pages, with a maximum of 300 words for the body of the issue. Jody asked about graphs, maps and whether or not staff could help with developing these items for her page. Attachment 1 Bradley reiterated that it is important for each author to make sure their page reflects the message that they are trying to convey before the senior editorial committee starts to review each of the pages. 8:12 Committee Breakout Session The three Committees met to collectively review their draft issue pages and to consider if there was data from the 2014 SOE that could be updated and then included in the 2019 report to strengthen the draft issue pages. 9:17 Adjournment — Jim E. made a motion for the CFE to adjourn, which was seconded by Jody E and unanimously adopted. Attachment 2 1 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: April 16, 2019 Action Agenda Item No. 6-a SUBJECT: Potential Addition of an Environmental Impact Section to Agenda Abstracts DEPARTMENT: Asset Management Services; Environment, Agriculture, Parks and Recreation ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: 1) CFE Recommended Draft Abstract Brennan Bouma, (919) 245-2626 Template David Stancil, (919) 245-2522 2) CFE Recommended Prompts for Environmental Impact 3) CFE Memo: Recommendation on including Environmental Impacts in County Agenda Abstracts 4) Recommended Agenda Abstract Form Incorporating Environmental Impacts 5) Recommended Environmental Impact Prompts Based on County's Environmental Responsibility Goal PURPOSE: To: 1.) Receive a recommendation from Commission for the Environment regarding the addition of an Environmental Impact section to agenda abstracts; and 2.) Consider approval of the updated abstract and prompts based on the County's Environmental Responsibility Goal. BACKGROUND: At its November 8, 2018 work session, the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) reviewed staff-generated options on how environmental impacts could be holistically addressed in the framework of an agenda abstract. The Board provided feedback and proposed that the Commission for the Environment (CFE), which looked at the subject several years ago, review and advise on the topic. The CFE began discussing this topic in December 2018. Over the course of two subsequent meetings in January and February, staff presented the two draft agenda abstract templates that had been discussed by the BOCC, as well as several examples of the way an agenda item would be presented using each of the templates under discussion. The CFE endorses this initiative and recommends the attached Draft Abstract Template (Attachment 1) and the environmental impact prompts provided in Attachment 2 which are based on the County's Environmental Responsibility Goal and summarize relevant County Attachment 2 2 goals. The memorandum provided at Attachment 3 provides more details regarding the CFE's rationale. The Manager has evaluated the prior discussion by the BOCC, as well as the feedback from the CFE. In light of all the input received, the Manager recommends that the Board consider moving forward with the abstract template provided at Attachment 4 and the environmental impact prompts provided in Attachment 5 which are based on the County's Environmental Responsibility Goal. FINANCIAL IMPACT: The addition of a consideration of environmental impact will add staff time to the development of agenda abstracts. To the extent that a consideration of environmental impact could lead to efficiencies in the use of County facilities and vehicles, the Iifecycle benefits of those efficiencies may lead to avoided costs. SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goals are applicable to this item: • GOAL: 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. Including a section in every BOCC abstract that communicates expected environmental impacts will further institutionalize the consideration of the health of the environment in all County actions. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board consider approval of the abstract template provided at Attachment 4 incorporating an Environmental Impact section into agenda abstracts, and approval of the environmental impact prompts provided in Attachment 5 which are based on the County's Environmental Responsibility Goal. Attachment 2 3 Attachment 1 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 Attachment 2 4 Attachment 2 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 used/avoided(kWh of electricity, therms of natural gas), cost of 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 used, 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. RESULTANT IMPACT ON NATURAL RESOURCES Assess and where possible mitigate adverse impacts created to the natural resources of the site and adjoining area. • Suggested Metrics:Estimated impact on water quality(e.g.-water temperature,suspended sediment, nutrients, dissolved oxygen,pH, etc)or quantity(e.g.-gallons per day),Estimated impact on air quality(smell, dust, ozone, particulates such as PM2.S from combustion emissions, etc), loss of natural habitat for plants and animals, etc. Attachment 2 5 Attachment 3 ORANGE COUNTY COMMISSION FOR THE ENVIRONMENT 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 a few 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 oontndssiovi.for the Fpty✓rovavuevLt 010 Orange COulri,t(J DF,4PP-, TAD gOX 9181, FfiGGsbOYouGJG1 NC Attachment 2 6 Attachment 4 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: Action Agenda Item No. SUBJECT: DEPARTMENT: ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: PURPOSE: BACKGROUND: FINANCIAL IMPACT: SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board Attachment 2 7 Attachmcnt 5 Environmental Impact Prompts Based on County's Environmental Responsibility Goal 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. Attachment 3 ORANGE COUNTY COMMISSION FOR THE ENVIRONMENT Memorandum To: Orange County Board of County Commissioners From: Bradley Saul, Chair Orange County Commission for the Environment Date: April 16, 2019 Re: Proposed Roadside Rights-of-Way Committee The BOCC recently approved a resolution for the adoption of best management practices on Orange County roadsides and other rights-of-way to benefit pollinators and wildflowers. To maintain momentum on this issue and see that best practices are agreed upon and implemented, the Commission for the Environment (CFE) recommends the BOCC form a roadside committee with representatives from the county, the NC Botanical Garden, and major rights-of-way managers. Proposed membership (15 members) • Orange County: 1 staff, 1 commissioner, 1 CFE representative • NC Botanical Garden: 2 members • Duke Energy: 2 members • Piedmont Electric: 2 members • PSNC Energy: 1 member • NC Department of Transportation: 2 members • At large: 3 members cc: David Stancil, DEAPR Director commissiovi,for the Fpwirovi vuevu` c%or,7 eye couxtg DeAPR, Po gox 81g�4, Hiusborouyh, Svc 272�8y1y-� Attachment 4 RESOLUTION OF THE ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS CALLING ON THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS TO ADDRESS CLIMATE CHANGE BY PASSING THE BIPARTISAN ENERGY INNOVATION AND CARBON DIVIDEND ACT WHEREAS, on September 5, 2017, the Board of Orange County Commissioners passed a resolution entitled "Resolution of the Orange County Board of Commissioners in Support of a Local, State, and National Goal of 100% Clean Energy by 2050 and the Creation of Green Jobs," calling for Orange County, the State of North Carolina, and the United States to transition from a fossil fuel-based economy to a 100% clean renewable energy for all energy sectors-based economy, by January 1, 2050 or sooner to avoid climate catastrophe, to promote job creation and economic growth, and to protect the Earth for current and future generations from climate catastrophe; and WHEREAS, on January 22, 2019, the Board of Orange County Commissioners passed a resolution entitled "Resolution Requesting That Representative David Price Endorse Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's Resolution for a Select Committee on a Green New Deal," declaring that a climate emergency threatens our county, region, state, nation, civilization, humanity and the natural world and requesting that Representative David Price join with the growing number of his Congressional peers by endorsing the resolution for a Select Committee on the Green New Deal; and WHEREAS, (i) the scientific consensus that climate change is primarily due to human- caused fossil fuel emissions, (ii) the documented impacts of climate change in Orange County, the state, the country, and the world, and (iii) the public health, economic, and social justice benefits of a swift transition to a clean energy economy are summarized in the Board's September 5, 2017 and January 22, 2019 resolutions; and WHEREAS, the Orange County Board of Commissioners remains committed to acting locally to address climate change and its harmful impacts to the extent possible, and also believes that the United States Congress has a responsibility to act swiftly to take meaningful action on the issue at a national and international level; and WHEREAS,presently the environmental, health, and social costs of carbon emissions are not included in the price of fossil fuels, but rather these externalized costs are borne by all citizens of the world, including the residents of Orange County; and WHEREAS, assigning a cost to greenhouse gas emissions is one of the most efficient ways to discourage consumption of fossil fuels and thereby encourage development of alternatives; and WHEREAS, a pending bill entitled the "Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act," H.R. 763, which is co-sponsored and supported by members of the U.S. House of Representatives from both parties, would levy an annually increasing revenue-neutral fee on fossil fuels at the point of production and importation, collect 100% of those carbon fees in a trust fund, and distribute the net fees as equal monthly dividends to Americans; and 1 Attachment 4 WHEREAS, this policy is projected to reduce America's emissions by at least 40% in the first 12 years, improve health and save lives by reducing air pollution, put money in consumers' pockets that would more than offset higher fuel prices for most Americans, and stimulate the economy and create a projected 2.1 million new jobs; and WHEREAS, the Orange County Board of Commissioners has specifically considered the economic impact on those residents of Orange County who may be most vulnerable to an increase in fuel prices, including both rural residents and low-income residents, and has found that a 2016 economic impact study projects that such legislation would provide a net financial benefit to the majority of rural and low-income households in America, due to the dividend; and WHEREAS, considering these positive projected environmental and economic impacts, the Orange County Board of Commissioners concludes that, in addition to local measures in support of the September 5, 2017 and January 22, 2019 resolutions, a market-based, revenue- neutral carbon fee-and-dividend program at the federal level, like that set forth in the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act, appears to be a fair and effective means to significantly reduce carbon emissions. Now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that the Orange County Board of Commissioners does hereby approve of the following: SECTION 1. Orange County, North Carolina supports the concept of federal carbon fee- and-dividend legislation like that envisioned by the "Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act" that would levy an annually increasing revenue-neutral fee on fossil fuels at the point of production and importation, and that would be sufficient to: (i) accelerate the phasing out of fossil fuels and corresponding reduction in U.S. greenhouse gas emissions; (ii) make the transition from fossil fuels less onerous to consumers and to the economy by returning net revenues gained from the fee to Americans on an equitable basis; and (iii) encourage similar actions by other nations trading with the United States and protect U.S. manufacturers and jobs by imposing suitable border carbon adjustments on imported and exported goods. SECTION 2. This resolution is effective upon adoption and shall be sent to the County's federal delegation. This the XXth day of XXXXXX, 2019. Penny Rich, Chair Orange County Board of Commissioners 2 Attachment 5 A motion was made by Alderman Slade, seconded by Alderman Haven-O'Donnell, that this resolution be approved. A Resolution Stating the Town of Carrboro's Support for Implementing a Price on Carbon in a Manner that does not Absolve Carbon Emitters from Responsibility and Regulation WHEREAS, there is a scientific consensus that greenhouse gas emissions are the primary cause of global climate change, and that climate change is a crisis demanding immediate measures to reduce its negative effects; and WHEREAS, climate change is a threat to public health, national security, food security, and business supply chains, and societal costs of inaction are significant and outweigh the temporary economic impacts associated with the energy transition; and WHEREAS, assigning a cost to greenhouse gas emissions is one of the most efficient ways to discourage consumption of fossil fuels and encourage development of alternatives; and WHEREAS the urgent need to transition from fossil fuels can be accomplished with a market— based program, namely a revenue-neutral carbon fee-and-dividend; and WHEREAS such an instrument would encourage consumers and the market to replace their consumption of carbon based energy with innovative energy sources, whether by being more efficient or by choosing other, less carbon intensive energy sources; and WHEREAS, this revenue-neutral carbon fee-and-dividend is an effective method to reduce carbon emissions for the following reasons: 1. The fee would motivate everyone to conserve and to adopt renewable energy without the need for extensive governmental regulatory controls or infrastructure; 2. The fee would employ a free market approach to encourage innovative processes, not only in energy production, but also in every other field in which energy is consumed, e.g. electric cars, mass transportation, architectural planning and construction,water heating, lighting and air conditioning in residential and commercial buildings; 3. Levying the fee at the point of production would be more efficient, less expensive and provide more accurate price signals than would doing so at the points of consumption; 4. The fee would incentivize the development and use of alternative energies and attendant technologies; 5. Because the fee is levied on the same basis on all businesses, it is fairer to every business and easier to administer than alternatives, such as a cap and trade system; and Attachment 5 WHEREAS further delay in responding to this crisis increases the risk of catastrophic climate change, imminently threatens low lying coastal areas and land and sea species, threatens water supplies, increases the frequency of severe weather events, increases the cost of undertaking adequate responses and increases risks to the global economy. Now therefore be it RESOLVED, that the Carrboro Board of Aldermen accepts the position of climate scientists that burning fossil fuels is the primary cause of climate change, and that a necessary measure to address this problem is the enactment of a revenue-neutral fee on carbon production at its source, with the fees being returned to Americans as a dividend. Be it further RESOLVED: that the Town of Carrboro Board of Aldermen supports the concept of a federal carbon fee-and-dividend approach that levies an annually increasing revenue-neutral fee on the carbon in fossil fuels at the point of production and importation, and that would be sufficient to: a. Accelerate the phasing out of fossil fuels; b. Make the transition from fossil fuels less onerous to consumers and to the economy by returning all the revenues gained from the fee to Americans on an equitable basis; c. Reduce US CO2-equivalent emissions to 40% of 1990 levels by 2020; d. Encourage similar actions by other nations trading with the United States, by suitable carbon content-based fees for imports and rebates for exports to nations that have not taken such actions. Be it further RESOLVED that the Town of Carrboro Board of Aldermen believes that the carbon fee and-dividend should be implemented without reducing or preempting regulatory and legal protections for the public and the environment. In addition, fossil fuel companies should not be absolved from their potential legal liability and existing ethical responsibility. This resolution shall be sent to the Town's federal delegation. This the 27th day of June, 2017 The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: Alderman Seils, Alderman Slade, Alderman Chaney, Mayor Lavelle, Alderman Gist, Alderman Haven-O'Donnell Attachment 5 1, Catberinc DomnamTown Clerkfor the Town ofCaubom.N( do hereby certify that the foregoing is atrur and w=ect copy of arcmlu§oju adopted by the EarTbom Board of Aldermen. { { loll : > \ � 01�1'14elj d C Jko�� Attachment 6 DURHAM BOARD OFF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS RESOLUTION OF THE DURHAM COUNTY COMMISSION SUPPORTING A TRANSITION TO RENEWABLE ENERGY, THE CREATION OF GREEN JOBS, AND A FEDERAL PRICE ON CARBON WHEREAS, climate change is real, it is affecting our community now, and the choices we make today will affect future generations; and WHEREAS, an increase in the global average temperature, if not stopped, will have major adverse impacts on both the natural and human-made environments due to longer, more intense heat waves, prolonged droughts, rising sea levels, ocean acidification, and more intense and frequent extreme weather events; and WHEREAS, these physical effects are expected to lead to water scarcity, food insecurity, increasing numbers of refugees, increased poverty, and mass extinctions of species; and WHEREAS, low-income communities and communities of color in North Carolina and the United States are disproportionately exposed to hazardous pollutants released by fossil fuel burning that can lead to serious health problems such as cancer and asthma exacerbation; and WHEREAS, a Stanford University and University of California-Davis study concludes the United States energy supply could be based entirely on renewable energy by the year 2050 using current technologies and 80 percent renewable energy by 2030 while creating numerous green jobs; and WHEREAS, leading economists,policy experts, and business leaders conclude that transitioning to a clean energy economy would create millions of green jobs nationally, improve living standards, and boost economic growth; and WHEREAS, municipalities, organizations, businesses, and academic institutions around the world have set a goal to achieve carbon or climate neutrality by 2050 or earlier; and WHEREAS, Durham's former mayor William V. "Bill" Bell joined over 1,000 other mayors in signing on to the US Conference of Mayors Climate Protection Agreement to commit to significantly reduce carbon emissions in their cities to combat climate change, and Mayor Steve Schewel has recommitted Durham to this agreement going forward; and WHEREAS, former Mayor William V. `Bill" Bell committed Durham to upholding the commitments of the Paris Agreement through the Mayors National Climate Action Agenda; and ]c �r a r Attachment 6 DURHAM BOARD OFF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WHEREAS, Durham County's Strategic Plan Goal 4 is to "Protect natural resources and support and promote community and economic vitality for all residents of Durham County"; and WHEREAS, in 2007, the City of Durham and Durham County became the first local governments in the state of North Carolina to adopt a Greenhouse Gas and Criteria Air Pollutant Emissions Inventory and Local Action Plan for Emission Reductions which calls for a 30 percent reduction from 2005 emission levels by 2030 for the community and a 50 percent reduction from 2005 emission levels for local government operations; and WHEREAS, North Carolina ranks second in the nation in installed solar electricity capacity and has more offshore wind energy potential than any Atlantic state. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Durham County Commission that: SECTION 1: Durham County, North Carolina shall establish a plan and work to achieve a transition from fossil fuel- powered operations to 100 percent clean, renewable energy by December 31, 2050 and 80 percent by 2030, to build a more resilient community, to promote job creation and sustainable economic growth, and to protect our local community and the Earth for current and future generations. This commitment shall aspire to transition all energy sectors in County operations in an economically responsible and technologically feasible manner. Clean, renewable energy is defined as energy derived from ongoing natural processes that rapidly replenish and is sustainably collected from renewable sources such as solar, wind, and geothermal. Other approaches may be included after being evaluated for sustainability and environmental justice implications. Energy efficiency will continue to be an important part of our approach by minimizing the amount of energy used overall. The County firmly commits to achieving equity, affordability, and access for all members of the community in the transition to renewable energy. Furthermore, we commit to a transparent and inclusive process for planning and implementation, ensuring that the public has an opportunity to participate as the County develops and adopts a transition plan. To achieve this transition, the County will work with surrounding communities to achieve aligned clean energy and equity goals and advocate for necessary policy and regulatory changes at the state, regional, and federal level. SECTION 2: The County calls on the state of North Carolina: To establish a transition from fossil fuels to 100 percent clean renewable energy for all energy sectors by 2050 and 80 percent clean renewable energy for all energy sectors by 2030; and For Governor Roy Cooper to establish a Governor's Work Group to help local governments partner with the state to achieve this goal; and � T l Attachment 6 DURHAM BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS "eil C'411/1��' For the North Carolina General Assembly to enact policies and budgetary decisions that support a sustainable and clean energy economy for our state; and To strengthen the energy building code for new and renovated buildings and incentivize energy efficiency for existing buildings. SECTION 3: The County calls on Duke Energy, other utilities, and the NC Utility Commission to work with local governments, the NC General Assembly, and the Governor's Office to develop and implement a strategy to achieve the goals laid out in Sections 1 and 2. As nearly all County electricity is supplied by Duke Energy, it is imperative that our electric utility show leadership by aggressively increasing the percentage of renewable energy in the state. SECTION 4: The County calls on the federal government to establish a national transition from fossil fuels to 100 percent clean renewable energy for all energy sectors by 2050 and 80 percent clean renewable energy for all energy sectors by 2030. To facilitate and accelerate this transition, the County urges our Congressional representatives to support federal fee-and-dividend carbon legislation that levies an annually increasing revenue neutral fee on the carbon in fossil fuels at the point of production and importation that would be sufficient to: Encourage individuals and corporations to produce and use less fossil fuels; and Make the transition from fossil fuels less onerous to consumers and to the economy by returning all the revenues gained from the fee to Americans on an equitable basis; and Reduce US CO2-equivalent emissions to 40 percent of 1990 levels by 2020; and Encourage similar actions by other nations trading with the United States. This 131h day of November 2018. - " ct-e7'�- - �/' We s, Chair James thilY,Jr., Vice-Chair Heidi Carter, Commissioner Brenda A. H rton, Commissioner Ellen Reckhow, Commissioner ■ �•! �1t Attachment 7 RESOLUTION CALLING ON THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS TO ADDRESS CLIMATE CHANGE BY CONSIDERING AND EYPLORING A CARBON FEE AND DIVIDEND WHEREAS,The Town of Pittsboro is committed to addressing climate change and is committed to protecting residents from the effects of climate change and air pollution; and WHEREAS,Climate change poses a serious threat to the Town of Pittsboro in terms of the economy,public health,and the environment;and WHEREAS,the Southeast region is experiencing longer and more frequent droughts,more frequent and intense storms and heavy precipitation events including unprecedented hurricanes;and WHEREAS, more frequent heavy rains are expected to increase flooding, threatening infrastructure; and WHEREAS, as temperatures rise and droughts increase in frequency and duration, agriculture and forestry will likely face reduced yields,potentially damaging livelihoods and the regional economy; and WHEREAS,Congress has the responsibility to act swifdv and meaningfully on the issue of climate change;and WHEREAS, Legislation addressing climate change should not economically overburden people in the Town of Pittsboro; and WHEREAS, Carbon Fee and Dividend as put forth by the Citizens Climate Lobby and other groups will greatly help fight climate change, and is a net economic boost to residents of the Town of Pittsboro and its vicinity; now, therefore,be it RESOLVED,THAT THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS O1~THE TOWN OF PITTSBORO, calls on the United States Congress to address climate change and explore a Carbon Fee and Dividend as a sound,effective policy. Adopted this the I I' day of December, 2017. z ATTEST: Cindy S. P qry, Mayor a16 - G Alice F. Lloyd, CMC, NCCMC Town Clerk