CCLEP & local efforts on climate change solutions, education, and action

In 2017, the county board heard presentations from the Nordic Nature Group (NNG) and the Citizen’s Climate Lobby (CCL). Both groups did a good job of explaining the overwhelming scientific evidence in support of climate change as well as outlining the humanitarian and environmental crisis that we all face. At that time, the county board was asked to acknowledge the problem of climate change and both groups asked the board to engage in actions on the local level. These requests included:

1)Passing a resolution in support of the CCL Carbon Fee and Dividend solution, using similar language to the resolution already passed by the City of Grand Marais and the Grand Marais PUC.

2)Supporting local youth and the forthcoming Climate Action Plan. The overall outcome of the plan is to develop incremental goals toward carbon-neutrality. Any steps taken require the support and leadership of our local governments, both county and city.

This brings me to the role of CCLEP. In the recently published “Existing Energy Conditions Report: Grand Marais,” by the Great Plains Institute, there are two clear paths presented as the way forward; a) improving energy efficiency and conservation and b) increasing the use of clean energy. These are both actions that CCLEP has been actively working on since the group was formed in 2008. Our efforts include:

. The Residential Energy Efficiency Program (REEP) a County-wide initiative

. Development of a Biomass District Heating plan

. Local outreach and education on renewable energy options for Cook County businesses and homeowners

. Annual Builders & Contractors Workshop, including CEU credits for energy & Dept. of Labor and Industry certifications

. Development of the Cook County Energy Plan, passed by the County Board in 2012.

Now is the time for the county board to formally support the work being done by CCLEP, the NNG, and the CCL, by committing their support to the 2018 Climate Action Plan. For more information, please visit www.cookcountylocalenergy.org.

Staci Drouillard
CCLEP Project Coordinator
Grand Marais