January 2007

January 2007

Local News

I am excited to announce that the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors adopted Resolution No. 2006/740 authorizing Contra Costa County to join the nonprofit environmental organization ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability; and authorizing the Climate Change Working Group to conduct a greenhouse gas emissions inventory using a part-time intern funded by County Health Services Department – Hazardous Materials Division with the assistance of ICLEI. With a Baseline in place, it will be easy for the County to assess the Green House Gas (GHG) Reductions accomplished to date, and to set goals and monitor success in meeting those GHG reduction goals in the coming years. See the attached Climate Protection Report for activities that may be considered for implementation. Or check out the county website at http://www.cccrecycle.org/climate/

Meanwhile, the city of Lafayette passed an Environmental Strategy that outlines a long range plan with consideration for conducting a baseline assessment using the assistance of ICLEI . see attached

To learn more about ICLEI’s CCP campaign and join with 200 U.S. local governments – and more than 750 around the world – in advancing climate protection call 510/844.0699 or visit www.iclei.org/usa and also please see the attached fact sheet on California activities!

Aspen City (pop. 6500) employees get bonus for reaching ‘green’ goals” Using a 1% per department approach, they involve everyone in the process! with a total GHG of 10.5% overall. http://www.aspentimes.com/article/20061121/NEWS/111210022

The 2007 Fuel Economy Guide released Oct. 17, 2006 by the U.S. Department of Energy and U.S. EPA helps state and local officials make well- informed choices when purchasing new vehicles. A vehicle that achieves 25 miles per gallon rather than 20, will emit 17 tons less of greenhouse gases over its lifetime on average. Choosing the most fuel-efficient vehicle in a particular class can save $200-$1,500 in fuel costs annually without sacrificing utility or size. Fuel economy estimates, which appear on the window stickers of all new cars and light trucks prior to sale, are determined by tests that manufacturers and EPA conduct according to EPA specifications. http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/feg2000.htm.