There’s been a lot of activity across different organizations this month. We’re seeing more and more people pay attention to the threat of climate change. Here’s your November 2019 Napa Climate News:
On November 4th, Linda Brown presented on Radiative Forcing and the Climate Emergency to Napa County Parks and Open Space District. During that same meeting, POSD adopted a “Commitment to Address Climate Change” Resolution incorporating some of the edits suggested by Linda. You can read more about that commitment here.
On November 8th, the Climate Action Committee (a countywide climate group) met for the first time. In attendance were elected representatives from each of Napa County’s jurisdictions, including two mayors, Geoff Ellsworth of St. Helena and John Dunbar of Yountville. Supervisor Alfredo Pedroza was elected as Chair and Napa Vice Mayor Scott Sedgley as Vice-Chair.
The Committee heard reports on each jurisdiction’s progress toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Some highlights include a commitment to adopt MCE’s Deep Green program that provides 100% renewable power in both the County and City of Napa for municipal operations. St. Helena and Calistoga plan to follow soon. St. Helena and Yountville have also integrated climate actions into their updated General Plans.
Many individuals and representatives of community interest groups voiced support for urgent and substantial actions, including Isabel Martin of S4CA who received a round of applause for her plea that the Committee do everything they can. The Committee is aiming for the next meeting in December to discuss structure, staff support, and goals.
On November 14th, Linda Brown presented to the Napa County Resource Conservation District Board. Jim Wilson and Bayard Fox attended.
On November 18th, the City of Napa General Plan Advisory Committee met. Comments were heard from NCN! members (Chris Benz, Sharon Parham, Jim Wilson) and S4CA members (Nick Cheranich and Zweena Gray) on the need for stronger sustainability goals led the committee (thank you to John Glaser) to strengthen the language of principle #6, “Emphasize environmental sustainability and public safety and health”, and to move “public safety and health” to a new principle. Committee members agreed the language should read “The City will achieve a zero-carbon footprint…The General Plan will decrease reliance on automobile use…” However, the committee was not willing to include a timeline after the consultant explained that a timeline might lead to inconsistencies in the Plan.
The next General Plan Advisory Committee meeting will be in January. Please stay in touch to find out how when you can show up to give public comment when it counts!