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Sonoma County, CA November 2, 2010 Election
Smart Voter

The Environment and Greenhouse Gas Reduction:

By Pat Gilardi

Candidate for Council Member; City of Cotati

This information is provided by the candidate
Global warming and reducing greenhouse gases is not just a local but also a national concern. However, the phrase "think globally, act locally" certainly applies here. Each city and municipality must take responsibility for reducing its greenhouse gas emissions. Education is a key element. While Cotati has done much toward embracing the concept of reducing greenhouse gases, audited municipal emissions, and assigned a target for reduction, we must reach out to the public and give them the tools with which to accomplish this. The Sonoma County Energy Independence Program (SCEIP) is an important local tool which can go a long way toward providing the necessary incentive. SCEIP is a new opportunity for property owners to finance energy efficiency, water efficiency and renewable energy improvements through a voluntary assessment. These assessments will be attached to the property, not the owner and will be paid back through the property tax system over time, making the program not only energy efficient but also affordable. Cotati residents are using this program, and we must do more outreach and education to expand its use in our community.

Unfortunately, greenhouse gases have, to some, become a back-burner issue as economic issues have loomed. It is critically important that we not lose sight of the importance of greenhouse gas reduction, and keep it foremost in our minds. The economy will recover, and development will return. We must not make hasty decisions that will be detrimental to our long-term environmental and community goals.

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ca/sn Created from information supplied by the candidate: October 3, 2010 18:43
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