We found the following items of interest in the SMEAC newsletter and thought we'd share them with you...

 

Green Advisory Committee
The City has announced formation of a Green Advisory Committee
(GAC), and is seeking volunteers from which to appoint its members.
Quoting from the City's description, "The GAC will be a five-member
committee, appointed by the City Council. The GAC may be comprised of residents who arc professionals in the field of environmental conservation, environmental sustainability, design
professionals, or individuals who have a desire to explore 'green'
programs and practices that apply to future City development.
The GAC will meet on a regular basis and will be asked to provide
staff with recommendations and direction to further the City's efforts
on --- energy efficiency, waste reduction, recycling, clean energy,
sustainability, including monitoring compliance with State and regional
statutes .... " Meetings will be monthly or as needed. For an pplication, stop by City Hall or visit the City's web site. For more information, call Danny Castro, Development Services Director, at 355-7135.
This appears to be an opportunity to obtain a clear and comprehensive idea of the City's current and evolving environmental
policies as well as a means of providing input to guide in their
formulation. Give it your consideration. 

 

Global Warming Legislation
by Albert Metzger

On June 26th, by an uncomfortably close vote of 219-212, the House passed a landmark bill titled "The American Clean Energy and Security Act," a bill designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. At a length of 1200 pages, one wonders about the complexities, hidden pitfalls, contradictions, special exemptions etc. which may lie tucked away in its massive expanse. Is "Security" included in the title as a selling point or is it necessary to put our excess carbon dioxide under lock and key? As reported by the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the primary goal of the bill is to reduce emissions 17% below 2005 levels by 2020, and by an impressive (if not impractical) 83% by 2050. It requires electric utilities to supply 20% of their electricity demand through renewable energy sources and increased energy efficiency by 2020, mandates new energy-saving standards for buildings, appliances, and industrial processes, and contains billions in investments to facilitate clean energy technology.
Many environmentalists have expressed disappointment at the compromises applied to the bill as originally introduced in order to secure passage. The other school of thought points to the significance of making a real start after years of inaction. President Obama has expressed support for the bill. Senate leaders are hopeful of receiving their version of the bill from committee before their August recess, with Senate passage and House-Senate reconciliation steps undefined. If delayed, we predict that the approaching International Conference on Global Warming in December will become an important consideration. Now, how many people do you suppose have read all 1200 pages?