Orange County NC Website
Browse       Search
1 <br /> ORANGE COUNTY <br /> BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT <br /> Meeting Date: June 20, 2017 <br /> Action Agenda <br /> Item No. 4-d <br /> SUBJECT: Proposed Resolution Regarding Reduction of Methane Emissions <br /> DEPARTMENT: Board of County <br /> Commissioners <br /> ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: <br /> Proposed Resolution from NCWARN Commissioner Mark Marcoplos, 919- <br /> 245-2130 <br /> Thomas Davis, 919-245-2510 <br /> David Stancil, 919-245-2510 <br /> PURPOSE: To consider adoption of a resolution to petition the Governor of North Carolina to <br /> enact certain measures intended to reduce emissions of methane related to the use of natural <br /> gas and power generation. <br /> BACKGROUND: As initially introduced at the June 6, 2017 Board of County Commissioners <br /> meeting, this resolution petitions the Governor of North Carolina to take steps to reduce <br /> emissions of methane associated with the increased use of natural gas produced through the <br /> process of hydraulic fracturing ("fracking"). Natural gas is often termed a "bridge" interim source <br /> of energy on the path to a future where renewable energy sources dominate. However, the <br /> production and use of natural gas often includes sizeable releases of methane, a very <br /> significant greenhouse gas. <br /> The attached resolution asks the Governor of North Carolina to take steps to reduce the use of <br /> natural gas in North Carolina that is produced by fracking, as well as prevent the transport of <br /> natural gas produced by fracking through North Carolina, and prevent the construction of new <br /> natural gas fired power plants and pipelines in the state while existing natural gas fired power <br /> plants and pipelines are replaced with sources of renewable energy. <br /> FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact to Orange County associated with <br /> consideration of this resolution. <br /> SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goal is applicable to <br /> this item: <br /> • GOAL: ESTABLISH SUSTAINABLE AND EQUITABLE LAND-USE AND <br /> ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES <br /> The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of people of all races, cultures, incomes <br /> and educational levels with respect to the development and enforcement of <br /> environmental laws, regulations, policies, and decisions. Fair treatment means that no <br /> group of people should bear a disproportionate share of the negative environmental <br />