Corte Madera revamps climate advisory committee

After forming a temporary climate action committee nearly two years ago, Corte Madera officials have agreed to formalize the advisory board to address the town’s green initiatives.

The Town Council voted unanimously Tuesday to create a committee with five to seven members to lead the town’s climate plan and adaptation plan. The existing board has 11 members.

“We believe that if we develop this the right way and implement these actions, it’s going to save our residents and property owners a significant amount of money,” Town Manager Todd Cusimano said at the council meeting. “And it’s going to protect our public and private property and it’s going to enhance the town’s infrastructure and longevity.”

The temporary committee was established in February 2020 to focus on sustainability and steps to address climate change. In December 2020, the town declared a climate emergency and approved its climate plan. Earlier this year, the town approved the climate adaptation assessment.

Amy Rouas, a committee member, said the biggest contributor of greenhouse gas emissions in town is transportation, accounting for 70% of emissions.

“Our mission as a group is to inspire the town leadership to inspire the community to reach zero reduce greenhouse gas emission,” Rouas said.

The members proposed a plan with five strategies to get the committee going. Youth member Meredith Foster outlined the steps that the committee will tackle in the first months after forming.

They include: increasing the number of households with electric vehicles; encouraging residents to switch from natural gas energy to electric; reducing landfill contributions by encouraging recycling and composting; encouraging residents to buy from local producers and manufacturers to reduce carbon footprint; and develop a team of youth ambassadors at schools.

“I know young people care about climate action,” Foster said. “So this program would allow students to seek leadership opportunities and channel their passion and concern for the environment.”

Mayor Fred Cassisa said he was impressed with the youth involvement and was excited to get the group on the ground.

“I want to make sure we continue to make room for the junior commissioners,” Cassisa said. “Their work so far should not go without recognition.”

Cusimano said that under the approved qualifications, youth members could meet the criteria.

The qualifications are that members “represent a diversity of expertise and experience, professional or lived” in the environmental, sustainability or conservation.

Members will be appointed by the Town Council to two-year terms. Councilman Eli Beckman will serve as the council liaison.

Bob Brown, a retired community development director for Novato, has been working as a part-time consultant for Corte Madera. Cusimano said he plans to adjust the contract to assign Brown to support the committee.