1. www.GoGreenVA.org Denise Thompson Virginia Municipal League

2. www.GoGreenVA.org Why Should We Care? Climate Change “The environmental issue of this and the next generation.“ – Gov. Tim Kaine Energy Security = National Security Community Sustainability Cost Savings

3. www.GoGreenVA.org Local Governments Respond NLC, NACO, ICLEI VML’s Go Green Virginia Initiative Website/Resources Challenge Forums Green Book

4. www.GoGreenVA.org Timeline: Sept. 2007- October 2007 September 2007 Background & Preparation for Initiative October 2007 Executive Committee Approval Annual Meeting: Initiative Announced Appoint Advisory Group

5. www.GoGreenVA.org Advisory Committee Membership Chair, VML President Elected Officials (7) Jurisdiction Staff (6) Energy Managers (3) City Managers (3) Governor’s Office (1) Dominion Power (1) Private Sector (2) Performance Contractor Architect Non-Profit (2) Regional Council (1) National League of Cities (1)

6. www.GoGreenVA.org Timeline: Nov 2007 - Jan 2008 Monthly Advisory Committee Meetings Work Groups are formed Green Government Challenge Communications Forums Create a Logo and Tagline

7. www.GoGreenVA.org Website Launched Launched in early February 2008

8. www.GoGreenVA.org Website: Green Tips Categories: Municipal Buildings Lighting Appliances Heating and Cooling Heating Water Tips for the Home

9. www.GoGreenVA.org Website: Resources and Links State Departments and Programs Federal Departments and Programs Renewable Energy Providers Virginia Energy Basics Local Government Green Building Energy Service Providers Energy Efficiency and Conservation in Practice Transportation / Land Use

10. www.GoGreenVA.org Virginia Town & City Articles January February March

11. www.GoGreenVA.org Centerpiece: The Green Government Challenge The Challenge is a friendly competition that can save a city, town or county money and lead to certification by VML as a "Green Government.“ Self-assessment encouraging implementation of 30 specific environmental policies and practical actions that reduce carbon emissions.

12. www.GoGreenVA.org Green Government Challenge Categories: Government Policy Adoption Energy Efficiency Green Buildings Waste Management Vehicles Land Use / Transportation Water / Air Quality Employee Incentives Education / Community Participation Schools Innovation

13. www.GoGreenVA.org 11 Categories 30 Actions Extensive Background on Website - fuller description - examples/links - explanation of points Green Government Challenge

14. www.GoGreenVA.org Green Government Challenge Friendly Competition Easy Registration: www.GoGreenVA.orgwww.GoGreenVA.org Start completing the Challenge Submit the Challenge online by Sept. 30 Receive certificate and/or cash award at annual VML conference in October

15. www.GoGreenVA.org Regional Forums Virginia Beach (55 Attendees) Date: April 15 Fairfax County (47 Attendees) Date: April 17 Abingdon (40 Attendees) Date: April 22 Lynchburg (78 Registered) Date: April 29

16. www.GoGreenVA.org The Green Book Compilation of innovative, best green practices, projects and policies from VML member governments Hope to identify many such best practices in Green Government Challenge submissions Final version to be available on Go Green VA website

17. www.GoGreenVA.org Federal Funds Federal Level – Energy Independence & Security Act of 2007 (HR 6) Energy Efficiency & Conservation Block Grants (Targeted assistance for cities and counties)

18. www.GoGreenVA.org 28% 4% 68% Energy Block Grant Funding Allocations $2 Billion Annual Appropriation Miscellaneous Formula City & County Program* ($1.36 billion)  Every city with a population of 35,000+  Every county with a population of 200,000+  In Virginia: 26 cities/counties  If fully funded: Approx. $6 per resident Balance of State Program ($560 million)  State passes through at least 60% to remaining cities and counties  Each state decides how to award these funds

19. www.GoGreenVA.org Activities Eligible = Green Government for EECBG $$ Challenge Actions Action #2: Create an Energy Improvement Plan Action #4: Conduct an energy audit of 2+ government facilities Action #13: Establish a community-wide recycling collection program Action #14: Adopt a “Green Fleet” policy Action #19: Develop/implement a plan for tree preservation & planting Action #22: Provide employee benefits for ride sharing, walking, biking, or taking transit to work Action# 27: Establish a Safe Routes to School program Energy Block Grant Eligible Activities

20. www.GoGreenVA.org Something to Think About “We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.” ~ Native American Proverb