EPA Air Innovations Conference August 10, 2004 Chicago, Illinois

SEQL – Origins and Goals Began in 2001 as the EPA Sustainability Project Involved chief elected officials from 26 jurisdictions Identified 25 actions for local consideration to improve the environment Morphed into SEQL in 2003 Changes: Involves ALL elected officials Includes business and environmental group outreach Involves over 100 jurisdictions Involves local, regional, bi-state, and federal levels Focus now shifting from implementation to integration

SEQL Successes to Date 65 jurisdictions have signed the SEQL resolution A Total of 490 actions taken! 206 Air Quality 140 Sustainable Growth 144 Water Resource These represent VOLUNTARY actions. SEQL Region

Some of What’s Happening: Local fleets switching to use biodiesel in its fleet Local funds being budgeted for diesel retrofits Chamber of Commerce hosting of events and involvement in air quality actions for business Local and regional public awareness programs Best Workplaces for Commuters Greenway networks and coordination activities Emissions reduction strategies including lawnmower rebates and Truck Stop Electrification Increased “smart growth” even in communities that aren’t slated for transit

Key Initiatives Integrated Planning

Key Initiatives To pull off Integrated Planning: Planners’ networks to promote multi-jurisdictional communication and planning ReVA to educate us about the unintended and cumulative consequences of our local and regional actions

Why SEQL Works—an Elected Official’s View Offers a menu of choices Is not “one size fits all” Is inclusive rather than exclusive Focuses on voluntary collaboration Focuses on “interest” rather than “position”

Why SEQL Works Brings resources to the table Helps us take off our “blinders” and think cross- sectoral/cross-jurisdictional Rewards our successes Involves US in setting the agenda

Lessons Learned Don’t make the concept of integrated planning harder than it is—people get it! Hire an excellent facilitator Find a balance between local and regional interests Include ALL sizes of jurisdictions

More lessons… Find a champion Share the credit and the spotlight Don’t quit! If at first you don’t succeed, try again— because what you’re working for is worth it.

Remember, when it comes to the environment— we’re all in this together.

For more information… Leda Belk Commissioner, Rowan County Board of Commissioners Chairman, Centralina Council of Governments Rebecca Yarbrough SEQL Project Manager Centralina Council of Governments PO Box Charlotte, NC