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NEWS RELEASE

March 10, 2008

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County’s campaign against global warming announced

Ulman Signs Bill---Environmental Sustainability Office is now Permanent Part of County Government

ELLICOTT CITY, MD – County Executive Ken Ulman signed Council Bill 12-2008 today creating the Office of Environmental Sustainability as a permanent fixture in Howard County Government. The bill, which was proposed by the Ulman Administration and approved by the County Council, creates an office that will serve as a single point of contact and resource for residents, businesses, and institutions that are looking to become environmentally sustainable.

“It’s one thing to talk about environmental thoughts and policies, but by institutionalizing this office we are demonstrating that protecting our environment is not just a priority of this Administration, it’s a priority throughout County government as well,” said Executive Ulman.

At today’s signing the next phase of the County’s environmental plan was also discussed. The County is in the process of developing a county-wide Greenhouse Gas Emissions inventory. The County will measure emissions from five sectors: electricity and natural gas, vehicular transportation, agriculture, solid waste, and waste water treatment. Once the baseline inventory is completed, the County will complete a Climate Action Plan—a community wide strategy for reducing our emissions to the levels set forth in the Mayors Climate Protection Agreement signed by Executive Ulman in 2007.

“The challenge is to understand what our carbon footprint is now so we can prioritize where we need to focus first to drive the number down,” said Joshua Feldmark, the County’s Environmental Director.

In order to complete this strategy the County also announced that at least three community-wide meetings will be held where residents, members of county institutions and business representatives will be invited to participate in the process.

“In order to be successful we need to make some drastic environmental changes,” said Ned Tillman the Chair of the new Environmental and Sustainability Advisory Board. “But we need to establish these benchmarks first or we won’t know how we are doing. If we’re successful, it will enhance the health, quality of life and business climate for all of Howard County.”