By Ted Fischer
July 16, 2007

Charlotte Mayor Patrick McCrory convened the Environmental Committee on June 23 where they approved a number of major policy resolutions during the Annual Conference. They included issues such as environmental education funding, the importance of municipal water, waterfront revitalization, support for the creation of an Energy and Environment Block Grant, and the endorsement of the U.S. Mayors Federal Climate Policy Framework.

The committee passed the proposed resolutions with minor amendments and changes. “We must all walk a fine line between values / economic prosperity and the environment,” said McCrory.

John Hofmeister, President of Shell Oil, presented his views on “How the U.S. Can Ensure Energy Supply for the Future.” Hofmeister said, “The energy industry must address the delicate balance between energy production and consumption with increased supply.” “Shell supports higher Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFÉ) standards and a culture of conservation.” He included a full array of energy sources from conventional oil and gas—including access to resources presently off limits in offshore waters and on federal lands—as well as unconventional oil and gas requiring innovative technology. In addition, he promoted development of clean fossil fuels, and alternative and renewable energy sources, including biofuels and hydrogen for transportation fuel and wind and solar technology for electricity.

Hofmeister advocated the adoption of a culture of conservation by supporting progressive solutions that result in greater energy efficiency and stimulate economic growth, as well as the education of young people about the energy industry. “How it powers the present and will fuel the future, “There is no single solution and we would all be naïve to ignore the nation’s need for a renewable fuel,” Hofmeister said.

Also invited to speak was Commissioner Lisa P. Jackson of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. Jackson, who works alongside Governor Jon Corzine, spoke of the Department’s Capital City campaign whose goal is to coordinate efforts by linking state and local departments to promote Trenton as a sustainable and green community. Jackson commended Conference President Trenton Mayor Douglas H. Palmer for the work that has been achieved in Trenton. He said that New Jersey is striving to implement a green agenda. At the state level, New Jersey, has already adopted California’s car and gas restrictions. Jackson also spoke of brownfield’s, green building developments and a mass transit mobility solution that have been focused on at a state and local level.

For more information, visit our website at usmayors.org.

Environment Committee Adopted Resolutions:

• Environmental Education Funding

• Reforming America’s Agricultural Policy

• Importance of Municipal Water

• Combating the Emerald Ash Borer In Our Nation’s Cities

• Increasing Federal Role In the Assessment, Development and Financing of Critical National Infrastructure

• Supporting Waterfront Revitalization

• Endorsing The U.S. Mayors Federal Climate Policy Framework

• Adopting EPA’s Energy Star Challenge to Reduce Energy Use In Public And Private Sector Buildings

• Supporting the Creation of an Energy and Environment Block Grant