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Shrinking the footprint Buncombe commissioners set bar high for carbon reductions
political issue.” Instead, she countered, “It’s about good stewardship.” Commissioner David King, the only Republican to vote in favor of the measure, said he viewed it as “a compromise” and “a local tax-saving measure,” adding, “It’s not my job to pass judgment on whether there’s a worldwide problem.”
By jake frankel
jfrankel@mountainx.com 251-1333 ext. 115
The international debate over climate change came home Dec. 3, as the Buncombe County commissioners butted heads over a proposal to reduce the county’s carbon footprint by 80 percent over time. Approved on a 5-2 vote, the plan calls for cutting emissions by 2 percent per year, using 2013 as a base line, until the ultimate target is met, although it sets no deadline. Commissioner Brownie Newman, who proposed the measure, says it will actually save the county money in the long term and, in any case, is needed to help avoid the worst impacts of global warming. Commissioner Mike Fryar joined colleague Joe Belcher in voting against the plan. Meanwhile, county staff must now begin implementing the directive and determine how to measure the progress. Environmentalists applaud move Environmental activists hailed the county’s move. “We applaud the county for taking this solid step forward to reduce their carbon footprint,” said Ken Brame, who chairs the local Sierra Club chapter’s Political Committee. “By passing this resolution, Buncombe County has established itself as a national leader in clean energy and the fight against climate disruption. We are excited to see that the board has taken on the task of doing their part to ensure that our region is planning for the uncertain future of fossil fuels.” Fryar, though, says he was blindsided by language in the final
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DECEMBER 11 - DECEMBER 17, 2013
Tracking progress
MAKING HIS MARK: Buncombe Commissioner Brownie Newman successfully pushed for a measure that calls for county government to reduce its carbon emissions by 80 percent. Photos by Alicia Funderburk
resolution that specifically notes, “‘The American Association for the Advancement of Science has determined, ‘The scientific evidence is clear: Global climate change caused by human activities is occurring now, and it is a growing threat to society.’” After days of behind-the-scenes wrangling leading up to the Dec. 3 meeting, he asserts, consensus was reached to omit any mention of climate change, focusing instead on efforts “to further reduce air pollution to improve public health and the natural health of the environment.” But mere minutes before the meeting, charges Fryar, Newman circulated a draft that re-inserted the wording about climate change. Newman, however, says he never spoke to Fryar about the resolution before the Dec. 3 meeting. “But I also made it very clear, to everyone I spoke with, that to strip out the
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reference to the scientific basis for establishing the carbon reduction goals would damage the intent and the integrity of the resolution, and I was not willing to go that far. ... Mike Fryar never called me. ... I can’t comment on what he thought he had agreed to with other people.” In any case, during the lengthy public debate that followed, Fryar blasted the move as “politics,” questioning whether there really is any scientific consensus on global warming. Presenting an alternate version of the resolution that didn’t mention climate change or establish a specific reduction goal, he asserted, “If you want to take the politics out of it, I’m right there with you.” Only Belcher supported Fryar’s version. Commissioner Ellen Frost said it was Fryar who was making it “a
The final measure authorizes county staff to make a number of specific changes recommended in a recent energy audit by Shaw Environmental. They include improving heating systems, lighting, water fixtures and more in county government buildings. According to the audit, these improvements will cost an estimated $846,900 over five years and result in about $173,500 in annual savings. Although the resolution didn’t allocate any money to fund the improvements, “We’re definitely giving staff a green light” to include them in the next budget, which will be drafted in the spring, noted board Chair David Gantt. However, General Services Director Greg Israel, who’s charged with implementing the changes, says it’s not yet known what amount of carbon emissions those actions will eliminate. Thus, other steps may also need to be taken to meet the 2 percent target. In recent years, Israel has overseen such projects as installing energy-efficient windows in the courthouse and adding alternativefuel vehicles to the county’s fleet. The commissioners have praised him for consistently reducing the amount of energy used per square foot of operating space since 2006. But since the county has expanded its facilities during that period, total carbon emissions have actually increased, notes Israel. In 2006, county operations produced about 23,400 metric tons of carbon. Last year, the total was roughly 29,600 metric tons, he reports. And going forward, says Israel, it’s not clear to him whether the mandated 2 percent annual reductions will be based on energy usage