Issue Position

Creating a sustainability strategy is no longer a luxury when faced with the reality of heavy dependence on foreign oil, increasing energy prices, global warming and drastic climate change. Environmental sustainability is among my top priorities.

We have made decisions in the name of benefitting our economy at the expense of our environment for too long. Our sustainability planning must be done in a manner that is mutually beneficial to both our economy and our environment. I firmly believe this can and should be done. The capability exists today to build "zero energy" communities. Nationally and state wide we need to create incentives to do this.

Planning to reduce carbon emissions is central to our continued prosperity and, possibly, to our survival. As we get started creating an imperative for sustainability we should not only avail ourselves of the best tools and policies but also of the opportunities that exist to link efforts within geographic areas across sectors. Here are a few sustainability issues that I intent to explore:

* Waste Prevention

Promoting the decrease of waste generation, improving material efficiency, and increasing the reuse of products and materials in the waste stream. Promoting increased recycling and other practical alternatives to landfills.

* Resource Conservation

Promoting the wise use of natural resources and decreasing the consumption rates of the community's limited resources.

* Climate Management

Promoting effective and comprehensive solutions for addressing regional climate issues.

* Quality of Life

Addressing unique issues to District 3 that challenge or enhance community sustainability.

* Water

Seeking alternative water supplies and promoting water conservation.

* Energy

Building and retrofitting to promote renewable energy. Striving towards energy self-sufficiency.

* Wastewater

Exploring new technologies to treat wastewater.

* Incentives

Promoting incentives to explore and use emerging technologies in all areas of green development.