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2 <br /> from the Rocky Mountain Institute and the World Resources Institute, helping to ensure that the <br /> joint comments letter advocated for policies and practices that are feasible and advance thw <br /> shared renewable energy and climate goals. The Rocky Mountain Institute is a nonprofit that <br /> engages businesses, communities, institutions, and entrepreneurs to accelerate the adoption of <br /> market-based solutions that cost-effectively shift from fossil fuels to efficiency and renewables. <br /> World Resources Institute is a global research organization that spans more than 60 countries, <br /> and aims to turn big ideas into action at the nexus of environment, economic opportunity and <br /> human well-being. <br /> Other NC local governments who were engaged in the process of creating and refining these <br /> comments who are now considering signing this letter include the following: <br /> • Town of Chapel Hill <br /> • Durham County <br /> • City of Durham <br /> • City of Wilmington <br /> • Town of Boone <br /> Other local governments may decide to sign on as well. The group of sustainability staff who <br /> collaborated on drafting this letter understands that the North Carolina Utilities Commission <br /> (NCUC) tends to give greater weight to public comments by representatives of large groups of <br /> utility customers such as local governments, especially when submitted jointly. <br /> FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with this item. <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 /> Transitioning to renewable energy infrastructure and reducing fossil fuel emissions are directly <br /> linked to economic sustainability. As renewable energy sources continue to decline significantly <br /> in cost, new investments in fossil fuel electrical generation are becoming less affordable. As the <br /> impacts of climate change progress, the full costs to health and quality of life associated with the <br /> burning of fossil fuels in the near future are going to increase. The County's utility providers are <br /> key partners in accelerating this energy transition to preserve the economic self-sufficiency of our <br /> residents. <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 /> Engaging in the IRP process is a way to collaborate with the County's utility providers to accelerate <br /> the transition to renewable energy to preserve the economic self-sufficiency of our residents. <br />