Agenda - 04-07-20; 6-a - Climate Action Tax Recommendations for FY 2019-20

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2 During the discussion of the Solar for Schools grant program, Board members asked several questions in preparation for additional discussion in the future. In response, staff has revised the report and has had discussions with staff in both school districts. Attachment 2 is a list of the Board members' questions and follow-up responses on the recommended Solar for Schools Grant Program. FINANCIAL IMPACT: The Climate Action Tax is projected to generate $469,272 in funds in FY 2019-20. The top two recommended projects have already been approved to use $169,272 of these funds, and the remaining $300,000 is recommended to fund two Solar for Schools grants for $150,000 each. SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goals are applicable to this item: • GOAL: ENSURE ECONOMIC SELF-SUFFICIENCY The creation and preservation of infrastructure, policies, programs and funding necessary for residents to provide shelter, food, clothing and medical care for themselves and their dependents. Local investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy in Orange County provides direct reduction of monthly energy bills and supports jobs and investments in clean energy technologies. These cost reductions lead to improved affordability for County school facilities and ensure responsible stewardship of Orange County taxpayer resources. • GOAL: ESTABLISH SUSTAINABLE AND EQUITABLE LAND-USE AND ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of people of all races, cultures, incomes and educational levels with respect to the development and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, policies, and decisions. Fair treatment means that no group of people should bear a disproportionate share of the negative environmental consequences resulting from industrial, governmental and commercial operations or policies. Reducing energy usage from the electric grid improves air quality impacts. Improving local air quality helps to protect the health of vulnerable populations in Orange County whose health is disproportionately affected by ground-level ozone and other emissions. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: The following Orange County Environmental Responsibility Goal impacts are applicable to this item: • ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND WASTE REDUCTION Initiate policies and programs that: 1) conserve energy; 2) reduce resource consumption; 3) increase the use of recycled and renewable resources; and 4) minimize waste stream impacts on the environment. Investing in local climate change mitigation actions will conserve energy, reduce resource consumption, and increase the use of renewable resources. • RESULTANT IMPACT ON NATURAL RESOURCES AND AIR QUALITY Assess and where possible mitigate adverse impacts created to the natural resources of the site and adjoining area. Minimize production of greenhouse gases.