Jul 16 - McClatchy-Tribune Regional News - Elizabeth Graham Watertown Daily Times, N.Y.


St. Lawrence County planners in September will begin taking inventory of greenhouse gas emissions, aiming eventually to reduce county government's carbon footprint.

"We'd look at our fuel use to heat county buildings, the liquid fuel consumption for the Highway Department and paving, all of the carbon-generating sources that are directly attributable to the county," Planner Jon R. Montan said.

He said the study also will examine employee travel and the feasibility of buying electricity not tied to fossil fuel consumption. The International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives offers computer software to help members calculate emissions, he said.

"The analysis is really just looking at county operations. We're not extending out into municipalities or looking at what private people do," Mr. Montan said. "We're hoping this will serve as a guide for other local governments to take their own steps to reduce their carbon footprint."

The Legislature Operations Committee on Monday unanimously agreed to give the Planning Office $4,750 to help staff gather data and develop recommendations. The funding includes $1,750 for membership in the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives, an association of local governments with a climate protection focus. The rest will be used to hire a student intern to help gather information.

Mr. Montan said the idea originated with the county Chamber of Commerce's Energy Task Force. The task force forwarded a proposal to the county's Environmental Management Council, which recommended it to the Legislature. The council is expected to play a major role in reviewing the data and preparing a strategy, he said, as are college professors and business people who volunteer.

"As far as I know, St. Lawrence County will be one of the first, if not the first, county in the state to have passed this kind of resolution and moved on to participate in the ICLEI process," said Ann L. Heidenreich, Energy Task Force chairwoman and Environmental Management Council member. "It opens the door for additional funding for activities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions."

Mr. Montan said planners expect to recommend an emissions reduction strategy to lawmakers by September 2010.

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