League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Marin County, CA November 3, 2015 Election
	Gary G. Butler Answers Questions Candidate for Council Member; City of Novato

The questions were prepared by the League of Women Voters of Marin County and asked of all candidates for this office.
Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

Questions & Answers

1. How would you rate your Climate Action plan, what has been done and what more is needed?

The City of Novato addresses climate change in the General Plan. This document is currently being updated. In the spring of 2015, a white paper of the draft updated plan was presented to the Novato City Council.

Much of this plan is focused on reducing Greenhouse gas production from activities within the City. One implemented project, replacing street lights with LED has made a significant impact, both fiscally and environmentally. Other projects with significant impacts include; residential solar installation, synchronizing traffic lights to reduce idling time and increased recycling and more diversion of organic waste.

Specifically, our Climate Action Plan is focused on doing our part locally to limit climate change. Rising sea levels are of particular concern for Novato. Depending on the effectiveness of global programs, sea levels are likely to rise in Novato, particularly around Bel Marin Keys and potentially areas around US 101 in the northern sector of the City. The Hamilton area, with its existing levee is currently identified as a flood zone. Recent reclamation work in the marshland surrounding Hamilton and other low lying Novato areas has provided increased protection against rising sea levels.

Overall, I believe that the current Novato Climate Action Plan is correct in terms of identifying potential problem areas and viable solutions. I would encourage the City of Novato to engage its residents in developing and implementing innovative actions that will lower GHG emissions. Additionally, since many of Novato's low lying areas are adjacent to county property, there is a need to align Novato's efforts with the County Wide Plan to successfully address the impact of and solutions to climate change within our community.

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Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League.  Candidates' statements are presented as submitted. References to opponents are not permitted.

Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: October 30, 2015 11:27
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