By Lea Kahn, Staff Writer
WEST WINDSOR — With its proposed Climate Action Plan in hand, the township’s Environmental Commission plans to set up a booth at the West Windsor Community Farmers’ Market next month to get feedback and input on the plan.
Environmental Commission members will be on hand at the farmers’ market on Aug. 15 and Aug. 29 to explain the Climate Action Plan. The farmers’ market is held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Vaughn Drive parking lot at the Princeton Junction train station.
Public meetings are also planned to solicit feedback and ideas on the plan, which was outlined before Township Council earlier this month. No dates have been set for those meetings, said Michael Hornsby, who chairs the Environmental Commission.
Walking the Township Council through the draft Climate Action Plan, Mr. Hornsby told them that “climate change is a clear and present danger.” The plan describes the science and the risks, as well as estimates of greenhouse gas emissions, and sets an emission reduction goal.
“Climate change is here,” Mr. Hornsby said, pointing to Hurricane Irene and the Halloween snowstorm of 2011, and Superstorm Sandy in 2012. The northeastern United States can expect more heat waves, intense precipitation and flooding, according to the National Climate Assessment.
“I take it that this does not come as a surprise to anyone,” Mr. Hornsby told the council.
The Climate Action Plan estimates that West Windsor Township residents produced about 342,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents in 2012. Of that amount, municipal government operations accounted for 1 percent, or about 3,500 metric tons.
Most of the greenhouse gases in West Windsor Township are produced by transportation, at 54 percent. Heating fuels account for 24.5 percent and electricity purchases are 18.5 percent, Mr. Hornsby told the council. Greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to global warming.
It is clear that West Windsor Township generates “a lot” of carbon dioxide, and there should be a plan to reduce it, he said. Sustainable Jersey has set a goal of reducing greenhouse gases to 1990 levels by 2020. The rate of emissions already is declining, in part because of more efficient cars, “but there is much more that we need to do,” he said.
Although municipal government does not have much authority over residents’ habits, it could take some steps of its own to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, he said. Township officials could implement energy audit recommendations, such as installing LED light bulbs.
Township officials could also raise employee awareness of the issue. It could purchase more fuel-efficient vehicles, reduce the amount of waste, and promote the purchase of “green” electricity. It could also launch a community education program and raise awareness among the public, Mr. Hornsby said.
Residents could use their cars less, and switch to more efficient or alternative-fueled vehicles, he said. Employers could provide incentives for their employees to walk, ride their bicycles, carpool or use mass transit. Residents could also purchase more efficient, Energy Star-rated appliances.
Wrapping up his presentation, Mr. Hornsby said he would like a resolution from Township Council in support of the overall plan — not a cart blanche approval, but to support the overall plan.
“In a nutshell, (climate change) is us, it’s bad and it’s getting worse. But there are some things we can do,” Mr. Hornsby said.
