Climate And Energy Action Plan Released By City Of Frederick & Frederick County

Citizens are urged to read it and make comments by August 22nd.Frederick, Md (KM) A draft Climate and Energy Action Plan has been released by Frederick County and the City of Frederick. It was a long time in the making, says Lindsey Humphrey, a project manager with the County’s Department of Climate and Energy. “This has been a process that has been developing over the last year or so between City and County,” she says.The plan provides an overview of the county’s climate status, particularly when it comes to greenhouse gases. It describes where these greenhouse gas  emissions originated, and what the risks are if we take no action. The 153-page draft outlines strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and how businesses, residents and neighbors can prepare for local climate change impacts.The region is already feeling the impact from climate change, according to the plan. with more intense rainstorms, and hotter summers. These changes affect the local infrastructure, the economy, the environment and community health.   In response, Frederick County Government and the City of Frederick have been taking steps to reduce emissions that contribute to climate change and strengthen the community’s resilience,  according to the background provided by the City and the County.Rayla Bellis, the county’s Department of Climate and Energy climate manager, says the plan is available on line, and the public is invited to read it. “So we have an awesome public input website that’s live. It has a link to the plan, and a form where you can provide comments, and leave them and respond  to them over email.   It also has a survey where you can elect other ways you can be involved, moving forward,” she says.It’s important for all citizens to provide their input, Bellis says. “The community that will be directly involved in reducing our greenhouse gas emissions as well the communities who are most impacted by climate hazards like extreme heat and flooding to have direct voice in our planning efforts,”: she says. “Figuring our priorities and kind of what’s implementable over the coming years to reach our goal.”Citizens have until Friday, August 22nd to respond.After that, Bellis says a final plan will be drafted. “We will be making revisions where we can based on the comments received before we finalize the plan. That’s why we really want to get as many voices and as many comments represented during this process as possible so we can make sure we incorporate the priorities of our community in this final plan,” she says.That plan is expected to be completed by September or October,  says Bellis.”This is a plan for the community and we really want to make sure their voices are shinning through in that this is a plan that represents our community here in Frederick County,” Humphrey says.To view the plan go on line to www.PublicInput.com/ClimateActionFrederick.By Kevin McManus