Lyme Energy Committee Minutes
June 16, 2008
Present: Claudia Kern, Carola Lea, Sue McKenzie, Dan O’Hara, Simon Carr
The minutes of the previous meeting were accepted. (The acting secretary for each month should post an electronic final “revised” copy to Elise Garrity in the Town Office AND hand a signed paper copy to Simon Carr at the next meeting.)
I. TOPIC: ReGGI (Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative)
Sue updated the committee on where NH is in the ReGGI process. In March the NH House approved House Bill 1434 214-107 adopting the initiative which establishes a market-based ``cap and trade'' program to reduce carbon dioxide emitted by NH power plants (about 8.6 million tons of CO2 a year). On May 8, 2008 the NH Senate voted 16-8 to adopt ReGGI. Beginning in 2009 electric utilities will be required to purchase state-issued pollution “allowances” for every ton of carbon they emit into the atmosphere. The money generated will go into a fund to be used to improve energy efficiency. Of the 10 participating states, nine (including, now, NH, have opted to engage in a regional auction to distribute their
allowances and raise revenue. New Hampshire is expected to generate $10-$12 million per year for the state
ACTION: none
II. TOPIC: TULLAR FARM
Shirley Tullar was not able to attend meeting. Carola reports that the Tullars are still encountering many problems in getting their dairy project set up.
ACTION: none
III. TRANSPORTATION
The committee discussed recent discussions on the Lyme List Serv regarding bringing Advance Transit back to Lyme. Simon Carr reported that the Selectmen had approached Advance Transit to ask what it would cost the town to bring the service here. The estimate was $100,000 per year for a pay-per-ride service. The Select Board felt this was impossible, especially as it penalized low -income taxpayers and taxpayers who work locally. In addition Simon cited the results of the citizen survey conducted by the Planning Board two years ago which indicated that only 12 % of people carpool.
Dan O’Hara has not yet followed up with Dan Brand, after his presentation several months ago. This follow-up has been superceded by Kevin Peterson’s queries to AT and by the town survey being conducted by James Graham.
Claudia pointed out that it was consistent with the mission of LEC to support and facilitate BOTH alternative transportation options AND carpooling. She recommended that the committee should act in support of Kevin’s efforts as they unfold regarding bringing alternative transportation to Lyme and suggested that we might want to do some education and awareness-building about carpooling.
Carola mentioned that other interested citizens include Kathy McGowan, and (two others, sorry didn’t catch names!)
ACTION: Dan O’Hara will check in with Kevin and submit a written summary as he will not be at next meeting.
III. ENERGY AUDITS
Sue reported that in response to a query on the Lyme List she had talked with Bob Walker about becoming certified to do audits. The course is expensive ($1000) and there are liability issues, enough to discourage Sue from pursuing this herself. We discussed what options we could offer to residents wishing to have an energy audit.
ACTION: Claudia will get information on the free Energy Star audit a friend used.
IV. LYME FIREHOUSE
Michael Hinsley has requested the help of the LEC in determining whether the rise in heating costs makes it reasonable to revisit some of the recommendations for improving the energy efficiency of the firehouse. The committee referred this to Matt for a recommendation to the committee.
ACTION:
Matt to review recommendations made to the Fire Chief previously and make a recommendation to the LEC at the July meeting on how we should respond to the request.
V. COMMITTEE STRUCTURE
Carola asked that we consider some official designation for Mike Morton and Gary Phettiplace. Simon stated that increasing the size of the committee is a bad idea, because it makes obtaining a quorum difficult.
ACTION: Sue will talk with Tom Hunton about his desire/ability to continuing serving.
VI. NH RIGHT-TO-KNOW LAWS
Simon cautioned the committee about making decision and having issued-based discussions via email in between our meetings. All citizens have the right to observe and be informed of the operations of town committees.
VII. POSTING “OFFICIAL” LEC ANNOUNCEMENTS ON THE LYME LISTSERV AND ELSEWHERE
Sue suggested that when committee members find public information relevant to our mission, they feel free to post it on behalf of the LEC. Simon suggested also that “official” LEC announcements be sent to Elise Garrity to be posted on the town electronic notice board that the Selectmen are hoping to get people to use more.
VIII. GEOTHERMAL PRESENTATION
Sue and Carola will be responsible for set-up. Dan will be responsible for clean-up. Claudia and Rebecca are doing refreshments. Claudia is introducing Gary.
ACTION: Carola will post a reminder, emphasizing correct time, on the Lyme List Serv.
NEXT MEETING: JULY 21, 7:30 PM, LYME ACADEMY BUILDING
No Secretary designated.
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