The environment has always been important to the residents and leaders of Huntington Beach. But recent environmental events, like water and power shortages in Southern California, have made it clear that we need to do more now to protect our local and global environment and restore our resources for future members of our community. That is why I am making the initiation of "Green Programs" a priority for the City of Huntington Beach.

With the multi-focus on conservation, reduction in waste and emissions, and health and safety, "Green Programs" have recently evolved to encompass a broad range of components, including Facilities-Energy Conservation, Waste Management and Recycling, and Water Quality and Conservation. These three categories will be the focus of the City's new environmental measures. These measures will decrease amounts of greenhouse gas emissions, conserve energy and resources, reduce waste, promote energy efficiency and green construction methods, protect the health and safety of its citizens, and preserve economic stability.

One example of our initiatives at work is the installation of more energy efficient equipment and upgrades throughout the City's facilities that will save money and further protect the environment. More specifically, these modifications will provide an estimated savings of 1,380,638 KWh and $177,884 in costs annually. After rebates this would pay back the initial investment in just 3 years.

I am most certainly not alone in my efforts to build a 'green' community. Earlier this year, the City Council approved the formation of an Ad-Hoc Committee to identify priority threats to the environment and community. This committee will further our goal of becoming an energy-efficient, waste reducing, environmentally safe and healthy community. At this time, we are also in process of hiring an Energy Project Manager to guarantee the success of these new environmental efforts. This person will create and administer an energy management program; create methods to implement initiatives; act as an advocate for change at the local and State levels; and act as the expert and lead resource for all energy, sustainable and green design issues.

The Huntington Beach Planning Committee has expressed a strong interest in the topic of sustainability as well, leading to the formation of a Planning Commission Green Subcommittee. This subcommittee has assembled a significant amount of information to assist in developing a green building program in HB, and offers green building advice to both homeowners and building professionals.

The City also takes recommendations from the Environmental Board. The Environmental Board is a volunteer board that studies the environment of HB and investigates all actual and potential threats to a clean environment and then reports its recommendations to the City Council and other departments and commissions.

Energy consumption, transportation needs, urban development, and health and safety are just a few municipal issues that are connected to our ability to create a sustainable future. As mayor and as a member of the community, I am committed to continuing to develop specific programs aimed at addressing these municipal issues and preserving the natural environment.