Climate Connection: Public Input on Sustainability
Sustainability is one of five goals in the new Sitka 2022-27 strategic plan. The City’s FY2024 budget includes Sustainability Goal funding for the Sitka Economic Development Association and permit review of SEARHC construction projects. The current climate emergency, as acknowledged by the Assembly’s climate emergency resolution, suggests that climate-related sustainability goals should be addressed as well.
In February, the Sustainability Commission and Sitka’s sustainability coordinator proposed eight projects for evaluation as part of a 2023-24 work plan. The proposed projects concern 1) solid waste reduction options; 2) electric vehicle charging infrastructure; 3) social media education regarding individual sustainability choices; 4) municipal greenhouse gas emissions inventory; 5) indoor vertical farming exploration for local food security; 6) energy conservation and weatherization needs; 7) renewable energy plan; and 8) right-sizing tourism to preserve Sitka’s character and quality of life.
The sustainability coordinator will ask city staff to score the projects for feasibility, given staff time and resources. Input from the public is being sought by February 28 through a survey at https://www.cityofsitka.com/SustainabilityCommission. The survey has 20 ideas, some of which overlap with the eight proposed projects. At the March 7 Commission meeting, after staff and public input, commissioners will decide which of the eight projects to recommend to the Assembly for approval. Projects getting support from the Assembly will make up the 2023-24 work plan, and work can begin.
While each proposed project has merit, they differ enormously in potential impact and urgency.
For example, renewable energy planning, both conservation and deciding when to apply for federal monies for additional renewable infrastructure, derive from the technical consultation from the Department of Energy’s presentation in December. It indicated that our two hydropower dams would be insufficient to electrify both home heating and land transportation by 2030 (let alone cruise dock and marine needs). Federal subsidies to households and businesses for heating and electric vehicles will increase electric loads. Thus, energy planning must begin now. Another potentially urgent impactful project is looking at right-sizing tourism for 2024, before a half-million visitors adversely transform Sitka’s unique character.
Other projects may be less impactful or urgent. For example, an updated municipal greenhouse gas emissions inventory (~4% of Sitka’s community emissions in 2008) may do little to support policy to reduce community-wide emissions. Public input may help commissioners present the most urgent and impactful projects to the Assembly, despite staff concern about resource limitations or quick accomplishment in the first year of the Commission.
If you have concerns about the urgency of local action to diminish our contribution to earth’s warming and to prepare for a future with less fossil fuel combustion, do fill out the survey and participate in the business of the Sitka Sustainability Commission.
Kay Kreiss, Transition Sitka
Correction
In a story on page 2 of Thursday’s Sentinel about courthouse weddings a paragraph about witnesses was in error. It should have stated that a new state law allows a marriage to be conducted with a commissioner and one witness.
The Sentinel regrets the error.
Painting Crew
Sought for Play
GSAC Sitka Community Theater will have a call for those interested in helping paint some flats for the upcoming musical “Amelie,” at 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 12, at the Performing Arts Center.
Volunteers will be helping to prime and paint some flats. Other show-related projects concerning props will be assigned to those interested.
The entrance to the building is in the performer entrance in back of Sitka High School, between the school and the PAC. Those who are not able to attend can sign up to be included on the call list for future assignments and work parties, by calling or texting 907-738-0602.
Sitka Fish, Game
Panel to Meet
The Sitka Fish and Game Advisory Committee has two upcoming meetings 6-8 p.m. Feb. 15 and 22 on Zoom and in person, with the location to be announced.
The online public notice page with most up-to-date information for the Feb. 15 meeting is at http://notice.alaska.gov/209898.
Join the Zoom meeting at https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85818611129?pwd=WFJhY3Zwd2FYS0tyamVzcVdmQWZ6dz09; Meeting ID: 858 1861 1129; Passcode: 23Sitka; or join by phone at 253-215-8782.
The online public notice page with most up-to-date information for the Feb. 22 meeting is http://notice.alaska.gov/209904.
Join the Zoom meeting at: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87597633407?pwd=UHNuSHBHWGtCbkVIVWEvcytmS2haZz09; Meeting ID: 875 9763 3407; Passcode: Sitka23; or join by phone at 253-215-8782
Agenda items for both meetings include: Alaska Board of Game and Federal Subsistence Board updates; Alaska Board of Fisheries statewide finfish and supplemental issues proposals; Wild Fish Conservancy lawsuit; North Pacific Fishery Management Council meetings in April/June.
Quiet Day Retreat
At Episcopal Church
A lenten quiet day retreat is planned 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Feb. 18, at St. Peter’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church.
The retreat is an opportunity to pause and rest, listen and reflect, be still and nourished in a time of silence, the church said.
Those wanting to attend should RSVP by Feb. 16 to the church office by sending an email to stpetersbytheseak@gmail.com or call (907) 747-3977 and leave a message for a call back.
The church is located at 611 Lincoln Street, and is open every day to stop in for a time of quiet, prayer and rest.
