AGENDA DATE: 9/6/2017
TITLE:
Title
Resolution to Reaffirm Commitment to Local Climate Action and Environmental Strategic Plan Process
BODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Resolution to Reaffirm Commitment to Local Climate Action and Environmental Strategic Plan Process
ITEM TYPE: Regular Action Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Walker, Letteri, Kamptner, Henry, Harper and Lowe
PRESENTER (S): Andy Lowe and Greg Harper
LEGAL REVIEW: Yes
REVIEWED BY: Douglas C. Walker
BACKGROUND: At its June 7, 2017, meeting the Board of Supervisors directed Environmental Services (ESD) staff to pursue the development of a resolution outlining the County’s support of actions to reduce climate change impacts. In accordance with that direction, ESD staff has submitted a draft that reaffirms the County’s commitment to reducing climate change effects and highlights the work that has been done in support of that priority. (Attachment A)
Further direction was given at the June meeting to explore more extensive environmental protection initiatives as stated in the Board’s FY 17-19 Strategic Plan. Currently, the County’s efforts related to climate change are guided by the goals and strategies put forth in the Environmental Stewardship Strategic Plan. (Attachment B) This document was developed as an outcome of the August 2011 Local Climate Action Planning Process (LCAPP) Steering Committee Final Report (Attachment C), and was adopted in November 2011.
The original goals established in the Environmental Stewardship Strategic Plan (with the exception of those related to solid waste) will expire on or before December 30, 2017. Rather than simply revising the expiring goals of the Environmental Stewardship Strategic Plan, ESD staff is updating the document and the County’s approach to reflect the Board’s interest in pursuing a more comprehensive climate action strategy. The intent is that the updated plan will expand the County’s operational goals, while establishing strategic priorities around climate goals in the larger Albemarle County community.
The goals and strategies put forth within the current plan placed an emphasis on Local Government operations, and specifically those that fall under the purview of General Services:
• energy use and recycling rates at main County office buildings (5th street, Court Square, McIntire) and,
• fuel efficiency in some fleet vehicles.
Efforts implemented across the broader community have been led by local non-profit organizations, with participation from the County. In the time since the adoption of the Environmental Stewardship Strategic Plan, the County has provided support in community initiatives such as:
• Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP)
• Better Business Challenge
• Solarize Charlottesville.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Natural Resource Stewardship: Thoughtfully protect and manage Albemarle County’s ecosystems and natural resources in both rural and development areas to safeguard the quality of life of current and future generations. Infrastructure Investment: Prioritize, plan, and invest in critical
DISCUSSION: To accomplish a meaningful revision to the Environmental Stewardship Strategic Plan, staff recommends following the “five-part framework” from the original LCAPP outlined in Attachment C. This process would involve individual subject matter experts and representatives of community organizations forming work groups concentrating on the five-independent energy related categories identified in the original LCAPP:
• Energy and the Built Environment
• Energy and Mobility
• Energy Sourcing
• Energy and Materials
• Energy and the Landscape
Each of the groups will be charged with providing an analysis of the regional progress within their category. They will also be responsible for identifying new resources available for implementing the updated priorities, as well as investigating the models provided by other localities.
The process to engage the work groups and to initiate community engagement strategies will start in the fall of 2017. The analysis and development of recommendations is expected to take approximately six months. Presentation of formal recommendations to the Board is tentatively anticipated to take place in the spring of 2018. Upon the establishment of the work groups, a more defined schedule of deliverables will be communicated to the Board.
BUDGET IMPACT: Adopting the Resolution has no budget impact. Workload will increase with the expanded scope of implementing local climate action recommendations. Facilities and Environmental Services has a vacant, currently unfunded position for an Energy Programs Coordinator, which is a pay grade 12. FES will include a funding request for this position as part of the Fiscal Year 19 budget process.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Board adopt the attached Resolution to reaffirm commitment to local climate action (Attachment C). Staff requests Board concurrence with direction to implement the work plan as described.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A: Climate Action Resolution
Attachment B: Environmental Stewardship Strategic Plan
Attachment C: LCAPP Final Report