DuPage County Environmental Committee Met May 4.
Here are the minutes provided by the committee:
1. CALL TO ORDER
8:30 AM meeting was called to order by Chair Sheila Rutledge at 8:31 AM.
2. ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Puchalski, Chaplin, LaPlante, Chavez (Remote), Rutledge
ABSENT: Hart
Member Paula Deacon Garcia was in attendance. Member Peter DiCianni joined the meeting remotely.
3. CHAIRWOMAN'S REMARKS- CHAIR RUTLEDGE
Chair Rutledge opened with comments regarding a statistic stating Buckthorn is the leading tree in Illinois. She asked for ongoing efforts to remove these invasive plants. She recognized the members of U.S. Senator Dick Durbin's Environmental Policy Team, Catherine Clark, Andrew Posegay and Karissa Suarez Del Rey joining today's meeting.
4. CLIMATE POLICY UPDATE
A. U.S. Senator Dick Durbin's Environmental Policy Team
Ms. Catherine Clark, Science and Technology fellow in Senator Durbin's office, gave a quick overview of the "America's Clean Future Funds Act," a bill that has been re introduced to Congress this year, would tackle climate change, create new jobs and support a just transition to a new clean energy economy. A key feature is a climate change financial corporation or green bank, financing projects through grants or loans. Priority is given to environmental justice communities, the industrialized communities and those most at risk to the effects of climate change. The bill would have transition assistance for communities moving away from fossil fuels, payments for carbon capture and for farmers to reduce greenhouse gases. The funding would mainly be from a carbon fee, 75% of which would be given back to low to middle income Americans to protect consumers.
Andrew Posegay, legislative aide for Senator Durbin, explained the "Climate Change Resiliency Fund for America Act." The Treasury Department would be able to issue climate bonds. The funds raised would go towards projects preparing for the effects of climate change.
Vice Chair Chaplin inquired about how does Sen. Durbin's plan differ from the carbon fee and dividend bill, known as the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act. Ms. Clarke explained the Senator's bill is more comprehensive having the climate finance corporation, engages the agriculture and forestry sectors in this work. It does have the carbon fee and dividend for funding in the bill but has many other elements to help the transition [to clean energy]. Ms. Chaplin asked for summaries of these bills, Mr. Posegay will provide these and are now attached to these minutes.
It was asked by Member DiCianni how these funds are distributed and if the private sector is eligible. Mr. Posegay answered it would be decided by a commission to determine where these grants will be used. Ms. Clark explained the green bank portion is to encourage the private sectors' involvement.
Member LaPlante wanted more information regarding the priority of the vulnerable community. Mr. Posegay replied the location and socio-economic issues are often the impacted areas of climate change. There may be waivers allowed by the Secretary of Commerce so they have the opportunity to utilize any matching grant for projects where they are most needed. She also inquired about climate migration. Mr. Posegay said neither of these bills address this issue.
Chair Rutledge questioned the timeline. Mr. Posegay did not know, however this is a unique opportunity and hopes it will come to the forefront in the coming year or years. She went on to ask what can be done to help. Keeping up the conversation, how similar ideas be implanted locally, explore policy ideas were suggested by Mr. Posegay.
B. America's Clean Future Fund Overview
C. Climate Change Resilincy Fund Overview
5. PUBLIC COMMENT
No public comment was offered.
6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. Environmental Committee - Regular Meeting - Apr 6, 2021 8:30 AM
| RESULT: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Elizabeth Chaplin, Vice Chair SECONDER: Donald Puchalski, District 1 AYES: Puchalski, Chaplin, LaPlante, Chavez, Rutledge ABSENT: Hart |
A. Senate Bill 1676 - Solid Waste Planning and Recycling Act Amendment (Multi-Family Recycling)
Ms. Hinz explained to the committee the wording of this bill says the County shall insure recycling receptacles and collection at Multi-Family buildings of 4 units or more. She is working on clarification on the County's obligation. Identifying these types of buildings will be a task in and of itself, and whether they are incorporated or unincorporated. She will be watching this bill as it moves and or changes.
Vice Chair Chaplin left at 8:59 AM.
B. Senate Bill 590 - The Safe Pharmaceutical Disposal Act Amendment (Sharps and County Requirement)
Ms. Hinz informed the committee regarding Senate Bill 590. The County shall have a container accessible to the public for disposal of expired/unused medications and sharps at their County complex. She is unsure if the collection taking place at the Sheriff's Department qualifies for the County. The IEPA may not have funds for this, but there is an effort for the financing to be covered by the pharmaceutical companies for these costs.
Member Puchalski inquired if municipalities are included. Ms. Hinz explained the bill states "may" for the municipalities and "shall" for the counties.
Member LaPlante asked how likely would it be for pharmaceutical companies to compensate the County. Ms. Hinz said there is precedence for this in the State of California, but hasn't happened here in the State of Illinois.
C. Sign Recycling
Chair Rutledge informed the committee there is an event for recycling campaign signs. It will be the 14th and 15th of May at the County Fairgrounds with Lakeshore Recycling providing the receptacles and transportation. She thanked Ms. Hinz for putting this together.
8. PRESENTATIONS
A. Educational Partners - SCARCE DuPage County Projects
Ms. Kay McKeen of SCARCE gave a presentation highlighting the events that have taken place over the last month. The PowerPoint is attached and made a part of these minutes.
Vice-Chair Chaplin returned to meeting at 9:14 AM.
B. SCARCE PowerPoint Presentation 5-4-21
9. OLD BUSINESS
Vice-Chair Chaplin thanked the efforts to put the sign recycling event together and hopes this might continue after each election cycle. Chair Rutledge agreed and hopes the word gets out so that this event is successful.
Ms. Hinz explained that depending how this event goes, costs would be dependent on quantity, clean stream, and there is only one facility accepting the corrugated plastic in Blue Island. To lower costs, future events may need to take place at the Lake Shore Recycling facility in West Chicago.
10. NEW BUSINESS
Member LaPlante inquired if there is a way to have events emailed monthly to committee members. Ms. Hinz said she could do this however most events are on our website. When something is taking place it is helpful to have it sent to the Environmental Division, but not all events are made known to the County.
Vice-Chair Chaplin mentioned it would probably be best to direct constituents to the Environmental page on the County website or forward the link.
11. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:16 AM.
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