Climate Action Plan and Building a Sustainable Community
The Town participated in a program with Local Governments for Sustainability and Northwest Clean Air Agency to conduct a greenhouse gas emissions inventory for the community. This inventory created a baseline. Subsequently, the town adopted a Climate Action Plan with a target to reduce our emissions by 20% by 2020. Climate Action Plan
Actions by the government and community to achieve this goal will include increasing recycling, changing out light fixtures, reducing vehicle idling, etc. In addition, there are many actions that individual businesses and residents can take to reduce their consumption of fossil fuels and electricity.
At the same time, we are developing practices that increase our ability to maintain a sustainable community. You already see simple efforts in place like re-usable shopping bags. We have implemented low impact development techniques and are looking at other environmentally friendly practices to implement.
The Town has contracted with WSU (Washington State University) Extension Service, through Island county, to provide support implementing our plan. WSU has now hired Cathy d’Almeida to focus on these efforts. Although Cathy is employed by WSU, we are her primary responsibility. WSU’s suite of environmental programs; Beachwatchers, Waste Wise, Shore Stewards, are a great compliment to our interest.
Cathy has already coordinated an energy audit of Town Facilities, and is making contacts with the various agencies that can provide support to our efforts. Watch for a newsletter with your next utility billing.