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Commission for the Environment November 26, 2014 List of Specific Tasks, Events, or Functions Performed or Sponsored Annually. • Review and comment on environmental issues (e.g., fracking, biosolids application, water pollution, air quality, forest mgmt..) and other issues assigned by the BOCC • Identify priorities for the Lands Legacy Action Plan (natural areas and wildlife habitat) • Conduct special studies pertaining to Orange County environment (e.g., energy efficiency /sustainability, forestry effects on water quality, herbicides and native flora) • Develop recommendations on implementation of ground water studies of the 1990s and the integration of ground water and surface water quality and quantity • Conduct environmental education outreach at events (e.g., Last Fridays, Festifall) Describe this commission's activities /accomplishments in carrying out BOCC goals /priorities, if applicable. BOCC Goal Five: Create, preserve, and protect a natural environment that includes clean water, clean air, wildlife, important natural lands and sustainable energy for present and future generations. Presented findings and recommendations to BOCC on selected environmental issues: effects of forest mgmt. on water quality; effects of herbicides on roadside native plant habitat; potential effects of hydraulic fracturing ( "fracking ") in Orange County; problems caused by hydrilla in the Eno River (BOCC Priorities #1 and #12) Stayed abreast of ongoing and developing env. issues of importance to the County, such as Falls & Jordan Lake nutrient mgmt. rules, reducing commercial food waste in solid waste stream and permitting of biosolids on farmland (Priorities #12 and #16) Provides comments on proposed master plans for future parks /preserves If your commission played the role of an Element Lead Advisory Board involved in the 2030 Comprehensive Plan preparation process, please indicate your activities/ accomplishments as they may relate to the Comprehensive Plan's goals or objectives. (Element Lead Advisory Boards include: Planning Board, Commission for the Environment, Historic Preservation Commission, Agriculture Pres. Board, and Parks & Recreation Council) The CFE provided extensive input into DEAPR staff development of the Natural and Cultural Systems Element of the Comprehensive Plan— specifically the chapters on Air and Energy Resources, Water Resources, and Natural Areas and Wildlife Habitat. Objective AE -1: Assess and implement the current countywide greenhouse gas emissions inventory and action plan target reductions. • The CFE helped to initiate a countywide inventory of greenhouse gas emissions (2005), and continues to advise on ways to reduce the County's "carbon footprint." Objective AE -15: Foster participation in green energy programs such as installation incentives for solar hot water /solar generation /solar tempering in residential or commercial construction. The County should develop programs that will link citizens and businesses with options for alternative and sustainable energy sources. • The CFE's Air and Energy Resources Committee has developed proposals that address energy efficiency and renewable power issues, and will pursue further in collaboration with other advisory boards and stakeholders.