Orange County NC Website
3 <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 /> Social Justice and Racial Equity is the most heavily-weighted factor in scoring projects proposed <br /> through this grant program, ensuring that the equitable distribution of funds and the repair of <br /> environmental inequities are a central element of each funded project. Local investments in <br /> energy efficiency and renewable energy in Orange County provides direct reduction of monthly <br /> energy bills and supports jobs and investments in clean energy 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 environmental <br /> laws, regulations, policies, and decisions. Fair treatment means that no group of people <br /> should bear a disproportionate share of the negative environmental consequences <br /> resulting from industrial, governmental and commercial operations or 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 /> • RESULTANT IMPACT ON NATURAL RESOURCES AND AIR QUALITY <br /> Assess and where possible mitigate adverse impacts created to the natural resources of <br /> the site and adjoining area. Minimize production of greenhouse gases. <br /> The Climate Action Fund will continue to support high-impact projects which will minimize the local <br /> production of greenhouse gases, reducing Orange County's contribution to the adverse impacts <br /> of climate change on human and natural resources both inside and outside of the County. <br /> RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board <br /> • Receive the grant project funding recommendations of the Human Relations Commission <br /> and the Commission for the Environment for the FY20-21 Orange County Community <br /> Climate Action Grant Program; and <br /> • Approve funding for the recommended Community Climate Action Grant projects for FY20- <br /> 21. <br />