Nevada City Candidates' Energy Security Answers

Published on May 19, 2008 - 9:50:06 AM

By: YubaNet

NEVADA CITY May 19, 2008 - APPLE (the Alliance for a Post Petroleum Local Economy), the Clean Power Coop of Nevada County and Power Up-Nevada City put 10 questions to the four candidates running for a seat on Nevada City's City Council. The groups' intention was to make energy security and economic prosperity an election issue and to get each candidate to take a position on these issues.

APPLE, PowerUp-NC, and the Clean Power Co-op would like to personally thank the candidates for taking time from their busy schedules to respond to our questions on what will likely be one of the most pressing questions of the next few years - globally, nationally, and locally. Below are the questions and the respective candidates' unedited answers. The candidates are listed in alphabetical order.

1) Would you support the formation of a local Energy Solutions Task Force as a joint effort between local communities and the County to address uncertainty in future energy supplies?

Robert Bergman: Of course I would. However, each of the members of such a committee should be willing to put in the (collaborative) work needed to examine the problem adequately enough to be able to propose workable solutions focused primarily at a local level. Such a 'task force' should be built by those in the community with the expertise and dedication to the topic. Then, with the organization in place, the City's support should be acquired. A representative from the Council ought to be a member of the guiding committee.

Gene Downing: Declined to answer.

David McKay: Yes

Reinette Senum: Not only do I support an Energy Solution Task Force, I will do everything in my power to ensure this as a Nevada City Councilwoman. I believe, however, we are forgetting some critical partners in this energy equation; PG&E and the California Public Utility Commission. They are ahead of the curve compared to many other public regulatory commissions and utility companies. PG&E's priority is not to build more power plants, but to make communities more energy efficient and become energy providers. Whether "peak oil" is natural in occurrence or "man-made (greed)," it doesn't really matter. The effects upon our community and communities around the world will be profound. Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah's announcement two weeks ago giving his final seal of approval on emerging Saudi policy of restricting output to save oil for future generations should have been a resounding alarm. This is just the beginning of a large trend; countries nationalizing their oil fields and capping the number of barrels per day no matter what the world demand. With the price of oil spiking like it is I actually find it very risky for any public official and community leader not to be supporting an energy inventory and assessment. The level of denial among our political and community leaders is extraordinary. If ever there has been a clear sign that every municipality, business, governments, and education systems etc., should be focusing their attention on the effects of energy disruption it comes from the Minnesota House of Representatives. It was in April of 2008 that they approved "a resolution recognizing the "unprecedented challenge" posed by peak oil..."" I expect many states to follow Minnesota's visionary lead. The link and article for the Minnesota legislation is below. LINK: http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/hinfo/sessiondaily.asp?yearid=2007&storyid=1417 Cities for Climate Protection Campaign (CCPC). Energy Peak oil resolution passed Published (4/30/2008) The House approved a resolution recognizing the "unprecedented challenge" posed by peak oil and asking Gov. Tim Pawlenty to prepare a response plan. The term "peak oil" refers to the point in time at which global oil production reaches its maximum capacity and then begins an irreversible period of decline. Many experts say peak oil has either already happened or will occur sometime in the next few years. HF995, sponsored by Rep. Bill Hilty (DFL-Finlayson), would memorialize the governor to direct state agencies to examine the potential impacts of peak oil on the state and prepare for the consequences of oil scarcity and high prices. It also expresses support for a global agreement that would "provide transparency in oil markets, control price swings, address issues of equity in access to remaining oil resources, and provide a framework of predictability." "This is a situation that we really have to deal with. Currently, for every barrel of oil we discover, we are using six barrels," Hilty said. The House passed it 81-7, with numerous members abstaining from the vote. It now goes to the Senate, where Sen. Jim Carlson (DFL-Eagan) is the sponsor.

2) Are you in favor of adopting a local green building requirement to ensure all new construction and remodels are built and tested to meet a high energy efficiency standard?

Robert Bergman: I am certainly in support of buildings/projects in the City that incorporate green building materials and practices. There should be incentives for doing this. Examples would be: reduced applications fees and permits, reduced connection, sewer and water charges; at a County lever, reduced property taxes.. The greater the use of greener building materials and practices and the more that sustainability is incorporated into the construction process, the incentives offered should increase correspondingly. Initially, the program should be advanced based on financial incentives until the community embraces the concept. Compelling compliance, while undeniably good if it can be achieved, would likely generate a backlash if the cots of compliance is high.

Gene Downing: Declined to answer.

David McKay: Yes

Reinette Senum: "Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed Executive Order S-20-04 regarding Green Buildings on December 14, 2004 that established the State of California's priority for energy and resource-efficient high performance buildings" (California Energy Commission http://www.energy.ca.gov/greenbuilding/index.html). However, I believe, this Executive Order was a case of too little too late. In order for this nation to truly reduce our energy consumption and begin the necessary steps toward a sustainable world we must first understand that if this is really going to happen, it is going to have to come from the community. The state and federal levels are too large and cumbersome to make the immediate adaptation that will be required. We must engage local government by stepping up and insisting they implement steps that raise ALL energy standards. Einstein's understanding "We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them" has never been more apropos when discussing the new energy and building paradigm. As we watch the price of oil in its endless spiral upwards our window of "opportunity" is diminishing. I recommend that at the same time we mandate green building requirements we simultaneously increase and promote free PG&E energy efficient workshops available throughout the PG&E service areas. These are 1-5 day workshops that are transforming the public's as well as the constructions trade's understanding of energy and resource-efficient high performance buildings. Also, the Sierra College Grass Valley campus will soon have available in the fall of 2009 "solar installation classes."

3) Would you support the investigation of opportunities for local renewable energy generation?

Robert Bergman: Of course. I have already done some preliminary investigation on my own to bring in a participating solar company to provide equipment a no cost. In return, as I'm sure you know well, the company gets a long term commitment from the City to purchase its electricity from that company. This would apply, I suppose, to any surplus power that is returned to the grid. Another site to examine for solar generation is the old airport. Some time ago, while in Boston, I heard about the program that Cambridge is implementing a comprehensive city-wide energy policy. Although that town is much larger than Nevada City and has much deeper resources to draw from, much of what has been done there can be used here.

Gene Downing: Declined to answer.

David McKay: Yes

Reinette Senum: The City of Nevada City has already been working on this. After years of planning, Environment Impact Reports and upgrades the city is preparing to install a micro-hydro turbine at the Nevada City waste water sewage treatment plant by the year's end. PowerUp-NC has partnered with Nevada City to help secure funding for the micro-hydro project as well as solar for the municipal buildings. My organization, PowerUp-NC, is currently conducting energy inventories and audits on five separate city owned buildings and making recommendations for upgrades. Two months ago PowerUp-NC also spearheaded the efforts to secure $84,000 in in-kind donations for a solar installation course to begin the fall of 2009 on the Grass Valley Sierra College campus.

4) Do you see an opportunity for local economic revitalization from green jobs, energy conservation, and renewable energy? What programs would you support?

Robert Bergman: I support any program that is reasonable and affordable that would draw in green-based business or create new ones. Tax incentives is one possibility. If new construction is needed, accommodations could be made through reduced/waived development fees.

Gene Downing: Declined to answer.

David McKay: Yes, Any program(s) that conserve energy, creates new green industry, and educates the general populace of Nevada County.

Reinette Senum: It is the only hope in my opinion. The more focus on our local economy/energy reduction the less susceptible we will be to energy and economic destabilization throughout the world. I'm sure it has become quite clear to many of us that we are currently in a very precarious position as a community and as a nation as we watch the price of oil escalate. I had published an "Other Voices" column in December of 2007 (http://theunion.com/article/20071218/OPINION/293681707) titled "A New Road to Economic Revitalization" where I wrote, "How do we create this exhilarating economy and the quality of life...? Implement clean energy jobs through free PG&E workshops, ROP programs, adult education, our local Sierra College campus, aggressive clean energy economic development and tax incentives that attract clean energy businesses from around the world." There is a reason why there has been a mass exodus of the most brilliant minds from the computer industry into clear energy R&D. These "minds" know where our future rests. They know this is a direction we must take. The only caveat, and it's a big one, we should be making this transformation into a clean energy world at the same pace we set for ourselves during WWII and the Apollo space program. As a nation and individual communities this should be our number one collective focus and objective.

5) We have a serious air pollution problem in Nevada County; some is locally produced, but the majority is carried in. What actions will you promote locally and in Sacramento to ensure air quality is protected?

Robert Bergman: Regarding locally generate sources, the first step is to gather together the relevant information and distribute it to the residents and business owners. Through that, next try to elicit cooperation to address the problems. Looking at Sacramento-sourced pollution: That is a far more complex problem to remedy. Short of litigation - if litigation is even possible -I would need to learn far more than I now know to suggest how the City should deal with this issue.

Gene Downing: Declined to answer.

David McKay: I am one of five people putting together the SIERRA OZONE SUMMIT: Understanding how ozone transport affects our communities, that will be held June 4th 2008, 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Express, Grass Valley, CA. Registration $25 (includes lunch)

Reinette Senum: I would support any state, federal or local initiative supporting the reduction of emissions and I'm in complete support of the state of California's lawsuit against the EPA challenging its recent decision to block California rules curbing greenhouse-gas emissions from new cars and trucks. I believe in making our roads safe and available to bicyclists and pedestrians. Incentive based programs like Bike to Work and the efforts of the local organizations such as APPT (Alliance for People Powered Transportation) and STAINC (Save the Air in Nevada County) are high on my list of organizations to support. It's a large issue to tackle, but it would benefit our roads, traffic reduction and air quality if we could get school children back in their buses and out of their individual "taxis." This is a big nut to crack. Decreased ozone, however, more than likely will be one of the most immediate benefits of the rising price of gasoline; less cars on the road. Everyone should attend the Air Summit June 4th. GET INFORMED!

6) What threats to public safety and city services do you foresee if the price of transportation and home heating fuel were to double during your term in office?

Robert Bergman: The obvious is the transportation-related costs of providing such services. It doesn't take much insight to see that doubling the cost of keeping fire, police and city service vehicles on the road will place a heavy burden on the City. Most likely, the residents will want to maintain the level of services they are now getting. If that's the case, the increased cost will have to be borne by them. that would result, I suppose, is less money available to each of us to spend locally. That would certainly threaten the viability of some businesses. Perhaps, some City services would have to be cut back, or even eliminated. Street sweeping and other regular maintenance issues. With money being directed to fuel costs, improvement projects would be compromised or abandoned. Though this has a 'doom and gloom' ring to it, conscientious belt-tightening might be sufficient to absorb the increase in energy costs.

Gene Downing: Declined to answer.

David McKay: With proper planning starting now, any problems should be minimized.

Reinette Senum: Considering how much our society is dependant on cheap transportation in order to receive our goods, food and services, it would be crippling. We would see sky rocketing prices at every level. Commuting will become cost prohibitive. Imagine having to decide between feeding ourselves and keeping ourselves warm in the winter. Jobs would be lost just in order for businesses to be able to afford to keep the chill out. Fire and Police budgets would be strained even more and the taxpayers would continue to foot the municipality's escalating energy bill. This would ultimately create a breakdown in all of our utilities including sewage, garbage, fire, police, health care and education system. I really cannot stress the importance of "going local." What I mean by this is reclamation of our community and its economy, food and energy production, soil, air, water, and local governmental power. By doing this we create a natural buffer to many of the global challenges we are facing today.

7) What would you recommend that the citizens do to prepare for sharp increases in energy prices in the future?

Robert Bergman: Conserve consciously and aggressively. Convert as many energy consuming devices to those of higher efficiency, from light bulbs to appliances. Encourage walking and the use of public transportation. Each of us should be aware of the problem and of the remedies available to us. (The relevant information could be put together by the City or the 'task force' and distributed along with water/sewer bills or in some other effective way.)

Gene Downing: Declined to answer.

David McKay: Conserve all resources, join CSA's, walk, ride bikes, use public transportation, car pool, etc.

Reinette Senum: At this very moment talk. Talk with your friends, neighbors, co-workers and church members. Ask the serious questions if you haven't already, "what effect will energy price and possible scarcity have upon us and how can I and my friends and neighbors become a proactive part of the solution?" - WE MUST BECOME STEWARDS OF OUR COMMUNITY. - Support the local farmers' market, farms and locally owned merchants. - Raise your own chickens or goats. - Make your home as energy efficient as possible. If you don't have the money, sign up for the PG&E Low Income Weatherization Program. - Buy a scooter or bicycle to get around town or get out of your car and walk, enjoy the neighborhoods. - Start a produce garden in your yard or your neighborhood. - Start a neighborhood tool-shed where you can share your hand and power tools. - If you are on a well, at the very least, get your well pump on solar. - While considering an energy scarce world, what "basics" will need to be produced locally and consider where do you fit into this equation? - Attend APPLE's June 7th presentation "Kiss Your Gas Goodbye" by oil expert Richard Heinberg (author of "The Party's Over and Power Down). Not only will he help us connect the dots, but also he will get us, as a community, on the same page and give recommendations as to what we can do to "power down." - Read up on the effects of oil scarcity and what that means... GET INFORMED.

8) What do you think are your jurisdiction's primary vulnerabilities in the event of a prolonged energy shortage?

Robert Bergman: Since I'm not quite sure what you mean by 'prolonged energy shortage,' I will assume you mean that the area would received reduced amounts of gas. I such case, I expect prices will spike upwards. That will curtail some of the consumption. If supplies are exhausted, there isn't much the City can do. Priority has to be given to emergency services. In no case should those be jeopardized. If the shortage is of natural gas and/or electricity, I expect the State will impose measures to address the problem. Whatever is lacking from the State could be filled by the City. It could impose mandatory conservation measures. For example, decorative lighting could be eliminated.

Gene Downing: Declined to answer.

David McKay: This question needs to be discussed with all agencies involved in providing public services; police, fire, water, sewer, public health, and food supplies.

Reinette Senum: The most critical vulnerability we will see is in the ability to fight fire. No fuel equals no fire engines. Mix this in with perhaps drier temperatures and we have a dangerous combo. Lastly, all utilities and even the banking system are at risk.

9) What could we do to reduce our dependency on food, fuel, and other necessities imported into our area in order to make our community more resilient to future energy uncertainty?

Robert Bergman: Nevada City is a small community. Most of the City-based efforts would be symbolic. That said, every contribution is very important. Community support of locally produced food is the easiest place to start. A new farmers market will be starting up in a few weeks. Local growers will be there. The market is for the local growers and the town's residents. 'Walkability' is another (relatively) simple answer. The City is beginning to focus on making the area more walker-friendly. An additional step is to try to draw in businesses that serve the needs of the residents. The, of course, it wil be up to the residents to support these businesses. The 'shop locally' mindset needs to take hold. The things people want have to be available, of course, to make that possible. Education is an integral component of preparedness. If people don't know what they can do, you can expect it will get done. So, the City should prepare and distribute a 'user-friendly' guide to conservation. Best to publish it on the City's website rather than sending it out. The newspaper might be enticed to contribute space as a public service.

Gene Downing: Declined to answer.

David McKay: See my answer to #7 above.

Reinette Senum: What I've been doing the last few years, publicizing, educating, creating and learning as I go. There are three solutions to energy instability and the many global challenges we are facing: LOCAL, LOCAL, LOCAL. We all need to ask ourselves "what part do I want to play in this economic shift (if you haven't already started)? There has never been a better time for the "whole political spectrum" to rally around "AMERICAN MADE." Here's a link to a wonderful article written on local economy vs. "total economy" by Wendell Berry titled "The Idea of a Local Economy; The idea of a local economy rests upon only two principles: neighborhood and subsistence" published in the winter 2001 edition of "Orion" magazine. LINK: http://www.orionmagazine.org/index.php/articles/article/299/

10) Thank you for answering our questions. In conclusion, what adjustments have you and your family made in response to increasing energy prices that could be an example to the community?

Robert Bergman: For quite some time I have diligently avoided unnecessary car trips. Generally, I drive somewhere only 2-3 times a week, and I organize those trips as efficiently as I can. I walk to as many places as I can, even if it takes 'too much time.' I've switched light bulbs to the 'good' kind and don't leave them on when not in the room. I recycle everything that I know can be recycled. In other words, I do as much as I can to conserve energy consumption. As I learn more, I will try to do more.

Gene Downing: Declined to answer.

David McKay: We recycle every thing. We purchased a Hybrid car. We plan our errands. We belong to a CSA. We walk to town. We replaced our home lighting with compact fluorescent lights. We use the minimum amount of water, and hang our laundry on a cloths line to dry.

Reinette Senum: The most profound change I have made is that of "thinking differently." Being aware that the little things I do here today ripple out into the world with profound effect. I have been working at lightening my step by driving less, buying local, "buttoning up" my home, utilizing the PG&E Low Income Weatherization Program, getting rid of my SUV and buying a motorcycle and a smaller car, as well as becoming a "human loud-speaker," co-founding APPLE and PowerUp-NC, producing the clean energy event, Power Palooza, simplifying my life, educating myself every day and being easy on myself just to name a few things. It's a constant education.

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