A roundtable on environmental issues
On a rainy night in SE Portland, I met with representatives of the environmental community at the Lucky Lab. There were many similar themes to my discussion with the Business community. How do we increase the efficiency of our homes and businesses and what role Metro might play in helping spur this needed change? How can Metro lead at the Legislature and with the education community?
I heard suggestions that Metro might issue bonds to finance energy retrofits or develop a “Green-Rating” system to inform renters and homebuyers of their home’s energy efficiency. Coordinating regional efforts on Climate Change was a hot topic and something I have already launched at Metro in 2008 and that we are “upping our game” on in a regional, collaborative effort called Climate Prosperity.
Other ideas included working more closely with State Agencies, like DEQ and the Department of Energy, as well as helping create a “Regional Caucus” of Legislators from the region.
Education came up in this group as well. The urgent need for citizens that understand the environmental challenges we are facing requires support for science and conservation education. Last year, I succeeded in getting funding to support Outdoor Schools throughout the region, but I was urged to do more.
Thanks to everyone who attended, and our host Charlie Burr.