County of Dupage Environmental Committee Met March 2.
Here is the minutes provided by the committee:
1. CALL TO ORDER
8:30 AM meeting was called to order by Chair Sheila Rutledge at 8:30 AM.
2. ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Puchalski, Chaplin, Hart (Remote 8:32 AM), LaPlante (Remote), Chavez (Remote), Rutledge
ABSENT:
Members Paula Deacon Garcia and Dawn DeSart were also in attendance.
3. CHAIR REMARKS
Chair Rutledge introduced US Representative Sean Casten, member of the House Science, Space and Technology Committee, subcommittees of Energy and Environment and member of the House Financial Services Committee.
4. PRESENTATION
A. U.S. Representatvie Sean Casten - Climate Policy Discussion
United States Congressman Sean Casten explained that the Climate Committee, of which he is a member, is tasked to identify pathways to get to zero percent CO2 emissions in forty years.
Rep. Casten explained the Biden Administration is adopting a "whole of government" approach. Serving on the House Financial Services Committee, he is looking at the banking industry to understand and quantify the systemic danger of climate change and the risk of property damage. For example, the flood insurance program and its impact on the financial industry.
Looking at local issues that are impactful, he is hopeful for an infrastructure package to pass this year. It includes extensive upgrades to both horizontal and vertical infrastructure as in building up electrification of vehicle fleets and charging structures and getting easier access to these. Rep. Casten said he will be presenting a bill for creating "fee
bates" regarding vehicles. More energy efficient vehicles would receive a tax credit and vehicles that are less efficient would pay a fee. One class subsidizes the other, making it more affordable for people to buy the more expensive efficient vehicles.
Ms. Gina McCarthy, National Climate Advisor to the White House, oversees the domestic policy and met with him and a few others in the hopes of working together with the executive and legislative branches. Rep. Casten said he raised the question of reaching out to the States and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), an independent 5-member commission which regulates wholesale sales of electricity and transmission of electricity in interstate commerce. To "green up" the electric grid with wind and solar which are generated South and West in the state, the matter of running wires comes down to State level or FERC. Rep. Casten is reaching out and asking for help regarding this issue.
Member LaPlante asked how can the DuPage Environmental Committee best support climate policies and Vice Chair Chaplin recommended using the County's federal legislative agenda lobbyists to help. Rep. Casten suggested keeping in touch and stressed communication both ways.
Member Chavez mentioned Cool DuPage initiatives and that other entities have similar goals, is there a way to be more cohesive and more organized at the state or federal level. He agreed there needs to be better coordination.
5. PUBLIC COMMENT
Ginger Wheeler from the Friends of the East Branch DuPage River Trail, sent in a comment to be read. The Friends of the East Branch DuPage River Trail, urge the committee to push for a more green alignment to connect parks and recreational areas within the Butterfield West subdivision rather than running along Illinois Route 53.
Vice Chair Chaplin left the meeting at 9:00 AM.
6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. Environmental Committee - Regular Meeting - Feb 2, 2021 8:30 AM
| RESULT: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Donald Puchalski, District 1 SECONDER: Sheila Rutledge, Chair AYES: Puchalski, Hart, LaPlante, Chavez, Rutledge ABSENT: Chaplin |
A. Action Item -- Amended 2021 Document Shredding Program
It is approved for two additional funding requests for Document Shredding events with the Villages of Hanover Park and Itasca.
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Amy Chavez, District 5 SECONDER: Sheila Rutledge, Chair AYES: Puchalski, Hart, LaPlante, Chavez, Rutledge ABSENT: Chaplin |
None.
9. NEW BUSINESS
None.
10. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:06 AM.
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