Orange County NC Website
2 <br /> The Climate Mitigation Review Team conducted three virtual meetings to discuss and agree on <br /> the attached guidance document that refines and clarifies the eligibility and scoring for Climate <br /> Action Fund grant projects beginning in the FY 2020-21 round. <br /> The recommended eligibility and scoring criteria will clarify the project selection process and <br /> ensure that the funds continue to be allocated in alignment with the intentions of the Board of <br /> Commissioners. <br /> FINANCIAL IMPACT: The Climate Action Tax is projected to generate $478,657 in funds in FY <br /> 2020-21, and the Board of Commissioners intends to identify impactful projects and distribute <br /> these funds promptly to accelerate action on the urgent issue of climate change and help to <br /> further stimulate the local economy. <br /> SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goals are applicable <br /> to this item: <br /> • GOAL: ENSURE ECONOMIC SELF-SUFFICIENCY <br /> The creation and preservation of infrastructure, policies, programs and funding necessary <br /> for residents to provide shelter, food, clothing and medical care for themselves and their <br /> dependents. <br /> Local investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy in Orange County provides direct <br /> reduction of monthly energy bills and supports jobs and investments in clean energy <br /> technologies. <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 /> consequences resulting from industrial, governmental and commercial operations or <br /> policies. <br /> Reducing energy usage from the electric grid improves air quality impacts. Improving local air <br /> quality helps to protect the health of vulnerable populations in Orange County whose health is <br /> disproportionately affected by ground-level ozone and other emissions. <br /> ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: The following Orange County Environmental Responsibility Goal <br /> impacts are applicable to this item: <br /> • ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND WASTE REDUCTION <br /> Initiate policies and programs that: 1) conserve energy; 2) reduce resource consumption; <br /> 3) increase the use of recycled and renewable resources; and 4) minimize waste stream <br /> impacts on the environment. <br /> Investing in local climate change mitigation actions will conserve energy, reduce resource <br /> consumption, and increase the use of renewable resources. <br />