Agenda - 12-10-2024; 6-b - Community Climate Action Grant (CCAG) – FY 2024-25 Project Selection

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spill light and glare while also allowing the lights to be consistently turned off each night by 11 pm.This has 14 biodiversity benefits (especially for migrating birds in spring and fall) and would benefit neighbors by reducing light spillage,glare, and noise after 11 pm. Reviewer Comments:The CFE supports this project for its focus on addressing light pollution, benefiting both birds and people. However, it offers limited potential for GHG emission reductions and local economic development.The HRC values that the project targets a historically Black neighborhood, providing energy-efficient upgrades that enhance safety and climate resilience. Hargraves Center plays a vital role in supporting low-income communities, making this project especially impactful. #15 Ranked Project — Carolina Advocates for Climate, Health and Equity—Climate Videos and Planning for Solar Arrays Applicant(Collaborators): Multiple physicians, health professionals, and health care trainees Funding Requested: $64,850 Recommended Funding Level: $0 Total Score (Out of 26 pts): 15.2 Project Description:These funds would be used to produce: 1) bilingual videos on climate health to be used in clinical practice and 2) develop an assessment and plan for an Orange County program that would enable medically high-risk residents to reduce their energy bills with renewable energy credits. Local solar array sites, hosted on private or nonprofit businesses, could choose to participate by offering offsets from the energy their arrays generate. This model is based on a successful pilot based at Boston Medical Center and would be adapted for our community. Project Benefits:The videos would support good clinical practice ensuring clinicians have the tools to address climate-related clinical challenges. Building on these educational initiatives,the second part of the project would develop a plan to provide ongoing financial support to low income, medically high-risk individuals. Lowering the energy burden (heating and cooling costs)for these individuals will reduce the risk of temperature-related adverse health outcomes for the duration of the program. The proposed project would reduce greenhouse gases, increase renewable energy consumption, and support climate resilience for low-income, medically high- risk residents. Reviewer Comments:The CFE recognized the creativity and innovation of this project, noting its potential to reach a large segment of the population. However, the project did not directly contribute to GHG emission reductions, and while the CFE supports the idea, it did not align with funding parameters.The HRC agreed that the project is a valuable initiative, particularly for medically vulnerable and low-income households. However, it was felt that its association with UNC Health should secure funding for this effort. #16 Ranked Project — Parker Farm and Vineyard — Carbon Sequestration through Prairie Establishment Applicant(Collaborators): N/A Funding Requested: $39,085 Recommended Funding Level: $0 Total Score (Out of 26 pts): 15.1 Project Description:The requested funds will support the transformation of approximately 60 acres of intensively tilled tobacco farmland into permanent pasturelands for regenerative grazing.This transition involves seeding the land with a rich mix of forages, installing fencing, and implementing rotational grazing for their grass-fed cattle. By shifting from tobacco production to sustainable pasture management, this project will not only enhance carbon sequestration but also enable us to continue supplying our community with a local, nutrient-dense food source. Project Benefits:This project will support Orange County's efforts to reduce and offset carbon emissions, aligning with the goals outlined in the County's Climate Action Plan. By expanding our herd, enhancing soil health, and improving cattle genetics, we can sustainably strengthen our ability to feed both our local community and broader