Climate Change - League of Women Voters of Jefferson County

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From the Colorado Climate Emergency Task Force:

"Climate Emergency-Time for All Hands on Deck”. Does that sound like a Call to Action? That call, indeed, was the invitation for delegates and other interested parties to attend the climate change caucus at the recent LWVUS 2020 convention.

At its Jan. 2019 meeting the LWVUS Board approved a position statement on climate change. That statement begins, “The League believes that climate change is a serious threat facing our nation and planet…” Hence, the caucus.

Already several state and local Leagues have formed task forces or committees aimed at promoting the collective actions necessary to combat climate change. The scale of the climate crisis demands collective action. It demands collaboration and cooperation with other civic groups who encourage voters to become Climate Voters and activists.

Who has the experience and the enthusiasm to lead in this pivotal time? The League of Women Voters knows how to hold forums, organize activities, form coalitions, testify, lobby, and the LWV/California is leading the way with plans and ideas we can borrow.

As you read this, a Colorado task force is being organized. We will need sub-committees to work on such things as climate change and water, food, transportation, agriculture, sea-level rise, energy, air quality, whatever most affects your community, or pulls your chain. We can do this and we need you!

Tell us who you are and what most interests you…It is an emergency!

Please contact Sandy at sandyschuster11@gmail.com or Sandy at sandyvandehey@gmail.com.

Taskforce Current Members:
Sandy Schuster, Sandy Vandehey, Elaine Rideout, Laurie Scholl, Karil Frohboese, Duskey Mallory, Linda Foreman, Joan Bancroft, Pat Mesec, Nancy Warren, Tom Ging,Wendi Sisk, Martha Gerdes, Nancy Luthy, Margaret Market, Lois Witte, Susie Rosamond, Connie Raynor, Brook Wilson, Barb Shepard.

Climate Action Plan: Partner with Jeffco

In 2014, the Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners established the Sustainability Commission to create an informational clearinghouse and an open compendium of sustainability best practices. Duties of the Commission include identifying and articulating sustainability goals, objectives and voluntary targets for county government and industrial, commercial, residential and recreational sectors county-wide.

The commission is charged with advising interested citizens on sustainability issues thru expertise, resources and promoting awareness in the area of sustainability. The Jefferson County League of Women Voters recognizes the seriousness of the issue of Climate Change and the need for immediate action. Jefferson County and Community First Foundation ("CFF") have signed an Intergovernmental Agreement that will create a Sustainability Commission Fund which will enable CFF to accept tax-deductible donations in support of this effort. The Sustainability Commission’s most immediate need is to raise $60,000 to create the county's first Climate Action Plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The plan will focus on energy use and efficiency, water conservation, public health, waste diversion, forest health and transportation-all within the lens of equity.

Donations are being accepted to support this effort and will be used to retain a consultant to prepare the plan as well as other efforts, led by the Sustainability Commission, and approved by the commissioners. Make a Donation Today, and be part of this very important issue not only facing our county but the world. Learn about the Sustainability Commission and the Climate Action Plan on our website.