To: Board of Supervisors
From: Supervisor Mike Wilson and Supervisor Estelle Fennell
Agenda Section: Initiated by Board Member - Time Set at 1:30
SUBJECT:
title
1:30 p.m. - Consider an Energy Resilience and Independence Bond Measure Initiative for the November 2020 Ballot (Supervisor Mike Wilson and Supervisor Estelle Fennell)
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RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Direct staff to examine the legal requirements and timelines necessary to put a bond measure on the November 2020 ballot; and
2. Direct staff to return to the Board on March 17th with a budget proposal to fund necessary polling and further review the time frame to meet the ballot deadlines.
Body
SOURCE OF FUNDING:
General Fund
DISCUSSION:
In response to the public's need for action to take meaningful steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with Humboldt County's energy use and to create energy resilience, the Board of Supervisors is considering a bond measure initiative that would be placed on the November 2020 ballot that would invest in projects that would improve the security and resiliency of Humboldt's energy needs as well as reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
No projects have been selected yet for this bond measure, although potential projects could include: ensuring that critical public infrastructure is resilient to power outages through the development of renewable energy microgrid systems supporting public facilities (i.e. schools, hospitals, fire stations), similar to the system under development at the California Redwood Coast - Humboldt County Airport; low-interest loans (similar to the existing PACE system) for building decarbonization for businesses and individuals; transportation decarbonization, including development of electric vehicle charging stations and other low-carbon transportation infrastructure; and facilitating the future development of offshore wind energy through actions such as investing in critical dock i...
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