Energy and Sustainability Advisory Committee

Rockland Energy and Sustainability Advisory Committee (RESAC) AGENDA Date/time: Tues. Feb. 6, 2023/5:00-6:30 pm Committee Members: Mary Ellen Eagan, Connie Evans, Todd Schwendeman, Lee Humphreys, Nathan Smith Student member: Joshua Placides, Scarlet Labbe-Watson Guests: Nate Davis, Matt Ondra captainondra@gmail.com Sustainability Coordinator: Jenny Carter, Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89227588114?pwd=N29hTTBIaXFMSTI1NThGTUxWNzJBUT09 Welcome and housekeeping: a.​ Recording secretary for today: b.​ Review and approval of minutes 01 /06/23 (See minutes below) c.​ Public comment: 5 min.: Introduction of guests/potential new members if present d.​ Additions to the agenda e.​ Next meeting date, possible conflict for several members. f.​ Update / discussion on Committee chair position Updates and Business a.​ Reschedule of the special CC meeting on Sustainability? Participants? b.​ Update on Municipal Divestment of Fossil fuel holdings, Jenny Carter c.​ Energy Expo: Schedule date d.​ MDOT Design for proposed infrastructure upgrades at Maverick and Camden Streets, Todd Adjust time to accommodate phone in from RR e.​ Update from Sustainability Coordinator: Jenny Carter 15-20 min f.​ Window Dressers update: Connie Evans/ update on location and Therma check project, Mary Ellen/grant possibility g.​ Harbor clean up: Lee Humphreys update on progress h.​ Bike to Work Day: Preliminary plans, date? i.​ Report on Special Meeting of the Climate Council January 23, 2024: Todd See info below j.​ Review of committee structure and chair roles: Connie 20 min. Ongoing – Future considerations not to get lost 1.​ City website update. Is there a plan? 2.​ Waste reduction, preliminary steps/plans, No plastic option-Background from other towns 3.​ New member recruitment/update to “New member information” on Google docs 4.​ Strategies to do a better job publicizing what we do/distributing info? 6:30: Adjourn Subject: Road projects around the state  Sharing a few articles passed along by Sue Ellen Bordwell. There are all opportunities to speak up about work being done in our communities to make sure that bike/ped needs are being addressed in these projects. Topsham residents: Maine DOT is asking for your input on the Muddy River Bridge replacement. Here is a link to join the virtual presentation. Or on Facebook. What up for transportation spending for greater Wiscasset area. More about the statewide plan. If Rockland is your place, you might want to pay attention to this and your Council's thinking. Does Camden Street in Rockland need a road diet. -- ​ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Community Spokes" group.​ To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to community-spokes+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.​ To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/community-spokes/64162ae7-8d57-42cf-8449-4e1abd09f3acn%40google groups.com.​ For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout. Dear Todd, ​ Thank you to all who attended the special meeting of the Maine Climate Council on January 23 in person and online. Governor Janet Mills called this meeting in the wake of the recent storms that caused historic flooding and devastating property damage across the state. The Council heard from communities that experienced significant damage from the storms, state agencies on the forefront of the response, scientists evaluating the latest trends in climate and sea level rise, and leaders from the state of Vermont, which has advanced many resilience strategies in recent years in response to significant flooding from hurricanes and other extreme storms.​ ​ As the Council continues its work to update the state's climate plan, Maine Won't Wait, this week's conversation is the foundation for developing broad-based strategies to make our people, communities, infrastructure, and economy more resilient to climate effects in the future. ​ ​ The slide presentation of the meeting is here. To be notified when the recording of the full 2.5-hour meeting is available, please subscribe to the Council's YouTube channel here. The recording is expected to be posted early next week. Lead-By-Example Report Released; Governor Mills Signs New Executive Order on State Buildings The Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future and Governor’s Energy Office today released the second “Lead By Example” report for Maine’s state government (PDF), which outlines actions by state government agencies in support of the Maine’s four-year plan climate action, Maine Won’t Wait.​ Read the Lead By Example Report Here Maine’s Lead By Example initiative stems from an executive order issued by Governor Janet Mills in 2019 directing state agencies to “lead by example” by pursuing energy efficiency, environmental and sustainability practices to reduce operating costs, support state workers, cut emissions, transition to using clean energy, and improve resilience to climate effects.​ ​ To further assert Maine state government’s commitment this effort, Governor Mills issued an executive order January 17 (PDF) that directs the state to commit to goals that put Maine on a pathway to decarbonize buildings statewide. The governor's order also includes goals for EV charging stations at public buildings, zero-emissions heating and cooling, and overall reductions in emissions and energy use in state buildings. Upcoming Webinars Please join the Community Resilience Partnership team on Friday, February 2nd at 11am to learn more about community engagement, equity, and the role these important practices and concepts might play in your Community Resilience Partnership grant project. Register for Community Engagement & Equity Webinar Introduction to the Maine Climate Council The Maine Climate Council has started the process of updating the state's climate action plan, Maine Won't Wait, by December 1, 2024. This webinar on Thursday, February 8 at 6pm will provide an introduction to the Maine Climate Council process and how to participate.  Register for Introduction to the Maine Climate Council Webinar Updates from the Working Groups Hear from co-chairs and staff from the six working groups of the Maine Climate Council about key topics that are emerging in their discussions and how to provide input. This webinar will take place on Wednesday, February 28 at 12pm. Register for Updates from the Working Groups Webinar The US Environmental Protection Agency recently announced the new Community Change Grants – approximately $2 billion in funding for community-driven projects that deploy clean energy, strengthen climate resilience, and build capacity within communities to take climate action.​ ​ This funding is available right now, and on a rolling basis through November 2024, to community-based organizations, local governments, tribal governments, and institutes of higher education in Maine. Award sizes range from $1 million to $20 million – game changing money for the communities you serve. ​ ​ The Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future (GOPIF) will host a webinar about this grant on Thursday, February 1 at 10am. We will describe the program and introduce you to other potential application partners.  Register for Community Change Grants Webinar The Maine Municipal Association and the Governor’s Infrastructure Implementation Committee invite you to join representatives from the State for a series of informational webinars on federal infrastructure funding and program opportunities for Maine communities, including those in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act. Broadband & Technology Description: Hear about opportunities to expand the interconnection and economic viability of Maine communities through improved, robust, affordable and universally available high-speed internet (broadband) and secure information systems. ​ ​ Date/Time: Thursday, February 1, 2024, 12:00pm – 1:00pm Register for Broadband & Technology Webinar Energy Programs & Building Efficiency Description: Hear about opportunities to improve energy efficiency in buildings and enable the expansion of affordable, clean energy generation and transmission networks. Date/Time: Thursday, February 15, 2024, 12:00pm – 1:00pm Register for Energy Programs & Building Efficiency Webinar Resilience & Environmental Protection Description: Hear about programs to strengthen the state's preparedness for storm events, flooding, and wildfires; to build resilience of transportation networks, drinking water and wastewater systems; to mitigate contaminants and pollution; and to improve natural capacity of watersheds and ecosystems.​ ​ Date/Time: Thursday, February 29, 2024, 12:00pm – 1:00pm​ Register for Resilience & Environmental Protection Webinar The Community Resilience Partnership helps communities plan for climate change, reduce carbon emissions, and increase resilience. There are 174 Maine towns, cities and tribal governments engaged in the Partnership. New communities are welcome to enroll at any time.​ ​ The Partnership has three grant opportunities now available: ​ ​ 1. Community Action Grants (up to $50,000) These grants will enable eligible communities to implement projects that reduce energy use and costs, transition to clean energy, and make communities in Maine more resilient to climate change. This round of Community Action Grants is open to enrolled communities that have not yet received a Community Action Grant award. The next round of Community Action Grants in the fall of 2024 will open to all enrolled communities. Applications are due on March 29, 2024. ​ ​ 2. *NEW* Energy Efficiency Priorities Grants (up to $100,000) This is a special, one-time grant offering through the Community Resilience Partnership to distribute federal funds to disadvantaged communities for projects that improve energy efficiency and implement clean energy systems. GOPIF anticipates making 10 awards of approximately $100,000 each to eligible communities through a competitive Request for Applications (RFA) process. To be eligible, communities must be enrolled in the Partnership AND be designated as "disadvantaged" by the federal EPA CEJST tool. See RFA for full eligibility requirements. Applications are due on February 16, 2024. ​ ​ 3. Service Provider Grants These are grants to service provider organizations to assist communities to prepare for and enroll in the Community Resilience Partnership and then apply for grant funds to undertake priority projects. Applications are due on February 2, 2024. Learn About Available Grants New Materials Management Task Force Formed Formed as a joint effort between the Maine Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future and the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, the Materials Management Task Force will spend the next six months developing policy recommendations that will help Maine to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the consumption and disposal of materials.​ ​ Priority topics the Materials Management will consider include reduction of consumption-based emissions, food waste, scaling up reuse, repair, and refill, resiliency in managing storm and disaster debris, increased access to waste diversion programs, and methane capture and reduction. Learn more about the Materials Management Task Force Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Planning & Feedback The Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future (GOPIF) is seeking feedback on Maine's plan to leverage significant federal funding opportunities under the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) program.​ ​ The CPRG is a one-time funding opportunity available through the Inflation Reduction Act. CPRG provides $5 billion in competitive grants to states, local governments, tribes, and territories to develop and implement ambitious projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and harmful air pollutants. GOPIF serves as the lead agency for CPRG, and seeks feedback on priority climate actions that this funding could support in Maine. Learn About CPRG and Provide Feedback Here Upcoming Maine Climate Council Meetings ●​ Jan 26, 2024 | 1- 3pm: Materials Management Task Force ●​ Feb 9, 2024 | 9am - 12pm: Community Resilience Working Group ●​ Feb 12, 2024 | 2- 5pm: Buildings, Infrastructure & Housing Working Group ●​ Feb 15, 2024 | 9am - 12pm: Coastal & Marine Working Group ●​ Feb 16, 2024 | 1- 3pm: Materials Management Task Force ●​ Feb 27, 2024 | 9am-12pm: Natural and Working Lands Working Group--Land Conservation Subgroup ●​ Feb 28, 2024 | 9am - 12pm: Natural and Working Lands Working Group--Local Food Subgroup ●​ Mar 6, 2024 | 9am-12pm: Natural and Working Lands Working Group--Forest Carbon Subgroup ●​ Mar 13, 2024 | 9am - 12pm: Natural and Working Lands Working Group--Land Conservation Subgroup ●​ Mar 14, 2024 | 9am - 12pm: Maine Climate Council ●​ Mar 20, 2024 | 2 - 5pm: Buildings, Infrastructure & Housing Working Group ●​ Mar 21, 2024 | 9am - 12pm: Natural and Working Lands Working Group--Local Food Subgroup ●​ Mar 22, 2024 | 9am - 12pm: Community Resilience Working Group  ●​ Mar 22, 2024 | 1-3pm: Materials Management Task Force ●​ Mar 29, 2024 | 9am-12pm: Natural and Working Lands Working Group--Forest Carbon Subgroup ●​ April 10, 2024 | 9am - 12pm: Natural and Working Lands Working Group--Land Conservation Subgroup ●​ Apr 12, 2024 | 1 - 3pm: Materials Management Task Force ●​ April 24, 2024 | 9am - 12pm: Buildings, Infrastructure & Housing Working Group ●​ May 10, 2024 | 1 - 3pm: Materials Management Task Force ●​ Jun 7, 2024 | 1 - 3pm: Materials Management Task Force ●​ Jun 18, 2024 | 9am - 5pm: Maine Climate Council For more information about the Maine Climate Council, its members, and upcoming meetings, please visit the Maine Climate Council's website. ​ Hello Connie, There is a new CRP grant with a February 16th deadline for “Energy Efficiency Priorities”, which is very general and could include anything from a volunteer “corps” of advisors or assessors to local training or workforce development. https://www.maine.gov/dafs/bbm/procurementservices/vendors/grants It’s the first grant listed on that page, and the “Amendment #1” shows that they moved the Q&A session to *today* at 1:30pm Zoom for 1:30 is https://mainestate.zoom.us/j/87872325696 Wanted to pass along if you or other Rockland Energy Committee members are interested! A City/Town has to apply for the money. Rockland is the only eligible town in our area because it has 1 census tract classified as disadvantaged in the federal screening tool (CEJST). Best, Amanda  Rockland Energy and Sustainability Advisory Committee (RESAC) 11/07/23 Meeting Minutes Date/Time: Tuesday, 10/07/23 Committee Members Present: Connie Evans, Todd Schwendeman, Nathan Smith, Lee Humphreys Student Member: Joshua Placides Sustainability Coordinator: Jenny Carter Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/i/5040315241 Welcome and housekeeping ​Recording secretary for today: Lee Humphreys ​Review and approval Minutes for 10/03/23 Approved of minutes: ​Public Comment: ​Addition to agenda: Connie mentioned that Joshua had topics of interest to be discussed later. Updates and Business ​Update: CC presentation, Nathan Smith Nathan thought the presentation went well. He received positive feedback. The CC asked if the Electrification Expo would be held again next year at the same time. Nathan hoped the presentation “cracked the door open” to let the CC know what we were up to. The tech help provided was fine. Todd gave a positive review of the presentation. Connie asked if CC updates should be quarterly. Todd suggested biannual updates. Jenny thought one in the spring and another in the fall would be best. ​Sustainability Coordinator: 20 min. Jenny Carter (See attachment for power point presentation) Discussion regarding Community Action Grant: Input from High School Students is important Ideas for content and distribution of survey discussed. Connie: “Where would you like to cycle to?” Todd: “How does survey get distributed?” Lee: flyers/posters with survey info and access info. Joshua and Nathan concerned about quality of data. Survey should be representative of population. Jenny will provide survey info within the next 3 weeks so members of this committee can comment. Focus should be on bicycling for transportation vs. recreation. GHGe Inventory is finished. All members agreed that this was a job well done producing valuable data. Connie and Todd want to be sure this info gets out to the public. Members brainstormed many possibilities for doing this. Jenny will work with the high School. Electrification Expo: Successful with positive Feedback. Looking Ahead: Jenny will be coordinating the bike project and will compile a progress report. Jenny offered to help Lee with harbor cleanup project. Dates were discussed, perhaps the Sat. just before Earth Day in April would be preferable to having the event on a Monday. Lee will begin reaching out to DMR, Land Trusts, Pen Bay Stewards and others to help plan the project. ​Window Dressers Update: Connie Evans, Mary Ellen Eagan GHGe Inventory is finished. All members agreed that this was a job well done producing valuable data. Connie and Todd want to be sure this info gets out to the public. Members brainstormed many possibilities for doing this. Jenny will work with the high School. Electrification Expo: Successful with positive Feedback. Looking Ahead: Jenny will be coordinating the bike project and will compile a progress report. Jenny offered to help Lee with harbor cleanup project. Dates were discussed, perhaps the Sat. just before Earth Day in April would be preferable to having the event on a Monday. Lee will begin reaching out to DMR, Land Trusts, Pen Bay Stewards and others to help plan the project. ​Window Dressers Update: Connie Evans, Mary Ellen Eagan 305 inserts were made and 30 rewraps. The work was finished 2 days early. Wonderful volunteers with just a few glitches. People who ordered windows were confused about the procedure. Next year customers need to be more engaged. Connie and Mary Ellen will do it again next year and already have a site. Todd did transportation of materials. Todd stressed need to have metrics published. This was a very successful community project leading to lower fuel consumption and warmer homes. 6:30 PM Adjourn