Agenda - 06-02-20; 6-b - Guidance for Future Climate Action Fund Project Eligibility and Scoring

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2 The Climate Mitigation Review Team conducted three virtual meetings to discuss and agree on the attached guidance document that refines and clarifies the eligibility and scoring for Climate Action Fund grant projects beginning in the FY 2020-21 round. The recommended eligibility and scoring criteria will clarify the project selection process and ensure that the funds continue to be allocated in alignment with the intentions of the Board of Commissioners. FINANCIAL IMPACT: The Climate Action Tax is projected to generate $478,657 in funds in FY 2020-21, and the Board of Commissioners intends to identify impactful projects and distribute these funds promptly to accelerate action on the urgent issue of climate change and help to further stimulate the local economy. 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. • 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.